Latest southern Colorado news, weather and sports from FOX21 News

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. --

Cyber Monday: it's Black Friday bargains courtesy of your home computer.

This half-price holiday sale has no lines, no mad dash for the door, it's just you and your credit card.

But the boost in Internet activity expected this coming Monday means Internet shoppers should be on the lookout for phishing scams.

The Colorado Bankers Association (CBA) call it a new twist on an old telemarketing scam.

Criminals send millions of emails posing as popular shopping websites hoping someone will give away their personal information.

"We have seen the numbers of phishing attacks go up in general. The good news is the average dollar loss has gone down," Caroline Joy, CBA Director of Communications, said.

According to the CBA, five million people lost money in phishing attacks in 2008.

Colorado Springs shopper Nick Mueller said he only shops at reputable websites, but that he's received a phishing email claiming to be from the FBI.

To avoid being a victim of a phishing scam, the CBA suggests shoppers:

- Never respond to emails you're not familiar with that warn of consequences unless you validate your information.

- Never give out your personal information in response to unsolicited emails, phone calls.

- Report suspicious activity to your bank immediately.

"I can pretty much tell by the subject line if they're looking for something," David Giffard, Colorado Springs shopper, said.

So don't give the crooks something for nothing. Keep your Internet shopping secure and scam free.