Created: 11/25/2009 2:10:55 PM 
Greensboro, NC
We're counting down until one of the biggest shopping days of the year....which means the clock is also ticking down until the biggest *online* shopping day of the year.
Cyber Monday is a recent phenomenon, where millions of people take advantage of virtual discounts.
After the Thanksgiving holiday, people will return to work and be more likely to go online to shop...rather than brave the crowded stores.
But be aware: if a deal looks too good to be true....it probably is.
Security company McAfee breaks it down to 12 holiday scams. Here are just a few:
Charity phishing scams: hackers send out fake emails requesting donations to what appears to be a legitimate charity.
However, these emails usually link to phony websites that take your money without passing it along to a good cause.
Holiday e-card scams: many people send holiday e-cards to save money and "go green."
But cyber-criminals will send you an e-card asking you to download an attachment to pick up your card. Don't fall for it.
And...if you want to spread holiday cheer by downloading an online screensaver....or a festive iPhone ring tone....you may be spreading more than holiday cheer.
Dangerous holiday-related search terms could download malware onto your computer.
Bottom line: use common sense, and make sure to never respond to email requests for your personal or financial data.
