Valentine’s Day, celebrated on June 12th, drives Brazilian retail and boosts online purchases of gifts, dinners, and romantic experiences. In 2024, the date generated over R$19.8 billion in e-commerce, according to a Neotrust survey, marking a 23% growth compared to the previous year. For 2025, expectations are for even higher growth—which also draws the attention of cybercriminals.
According to ZenoX, a threat intelligence startup from Grupo Dfense, the increase in searches for deals on websites and social media raises the risks of digital scams, such as phishing, scams, and the use of deepfakes. “Occasions like Valentine’s Day are a goldmine for cybercriminals, as there’s a high volume of transactions, impulsive purchasing behavior, and less attention to details,” explains Ana Cerqueira, CRO of ZenoX.
The startup detected a 25% increase in domains registered with terms related to ‘gift,’ ‘promotion,’ and ‘Valentine’s Day’ as early as May, which may indicate preparatory movements for fraud. “Many of these domains are created to simulate fake stores or promotional campaigns. The intention is to capture data or directly apply scams during the payment process,” warns the expert.
Given this scenario, the expert listed five essential tips to protect yourself from digital fraud this Valentine’s Day:
1. Check the URL and website before purchasing
Avoid clicking on links received via messages or social media. Type the store’s address directly into your browser and verify if the site has a secure connection (lock icon next to the URL). “Phishing remains one of the main threats, so it’s important to confirm whether the site is indeed official,” emphasizes Cerqueira.
2. Be wary of prices that are too low
Promotions significantly below market value can be a red flag for scams. “Compare prices on other sites and check the store’s reputation. If the discount seems too good to be true, it probably is,” she advises.
3. Prefer secure payment methods
Opt for recognized platforms like Mercado Pago, PagSeguro, and credit cards—preferably virtual ones. “Temporary cards, offered by various banks, reduce the risk in case of data leaks,” the expert advises.
4. Beware of videos and audios featuring celebrities
With advances in artificial intelligence, scams involving deepfakes —fake videos or audios featuring celebrities or influencers—have become more frequent. “Always check official profiles to confirm whether that person is genuinely promoting that campaign,” Cerqueira reinforces.
5. Use additional security tools
Update your devices, keep a reliable antivirus installed, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. “These measures help block malicious links and make unauthorized access to your accounts more difficult,” she concludes.
And what if, despite all precautions, you fall victim to a scam?
The executive also advises on what to do if you become a victim of fraud:
- Immediately notify your financial institution to block unauthorized transactions and compromised cards or accounts.
- Gather all possible evidence: emails, messages, screenshots, etc.
- File a police report (BO), either online or at a police station, to assist in the investigation.
- Monitor your bank statements and credit reports to identify suspicious activity.
