Cyber Monday projects to have the highest processing volumes of any day of the year, followed closely by Black Friday.

Principal findings include:

• CNP global online fraud attempt rates are expected to increase 12% by volume over the same peak holiday period in 2015, with sales to increase by nearly the same rate (13%) in 2016.
• The 2015 trend of lower ticket prices will continue in 2016 due to alternative shipping methods (for example, buy online/pick-up in-store), low-priced electronics and promotions.
• In the U.S., attempted fraud average ticket value, or a retailer's average size of individual sales by credit card, projects to decline from $239 to $219, an 8% decrease.
• Fraudsters' focus is on cosmetics, cordless headphones, sneakers and other lower-priced items (including 'Gift with Purchase' products) easily resold on the black market or via auction websites.

“Fraud is increasing at a rate nearly equal to general retail growth globally, and is exponentially increasing in the U.S., due to a seismic shift from in-store to online activity,” Mike Braatz, chief product officer, ACI Worldwide, said. “And because fraudulent activity is now considered to be an everyday occurrence, consumers and merchants must take every precaution as we head into peak holiday shopping season.”

“Merchants need to understand their peak days and the sales that drive those high velocity times to ensure risk strategies are effective and efficient,” Braatz continued. “It's important to prioritize real-time fraud detection without alienating the consumer experience.”