Digital Fraud on Social Media: Security Issue or Crisis of Trust?

Recent survey released by Forbes Brazil The research showed that 821,300 Brazilian consumers have already been victims of some type of digital fraud, with the majority occurring on social media. The most common types are fake advertisements (451,300), fake profiles (281,300), fake websites (131,300) and cloned accounts (6,310).

For lawyer Débora Farias, a specialist in Business and Consumer Law, the numbers reveal a phenomenon that extends beyond the realm of individual protection: they represent an institutional challenge for companies, brands, and even regulators.

"We're not just talking about inattentive consumers. We're facing a digital trust crisis that directly impacts the reputation of companies and institutions. When a brand is used in a fake advertisement or associated with a scam, even without fault, there's a real impact on the perception of trustworthiness – and also a legal risk for the company involved," says Débora.

According to the expert, the logic of fraudsters is not random: they exploit the credibility of well-known brands, simulating irresistible promotions or official customer service channels. This causes harm to both consumers and the companies themselves.

"Companies need to understand that this type of fraud is not just an external problem, but a corporate risk that needs to be monitored, prevented, and addressed with the same seriousness as any other threat to reputation and legal compliance," he emphasizes.

While regulatory frameworks exist in Brazil, such as the Marco Civil da Internet and the LGPD, Débora reminds us that practical application still faces obstacles. Enforcement is slow, platform accountability is limited, and reactions typically occur after the damage has already been done.

In Consumer Law, trust is a protected legal good. Therefore, even when fraud is committed by third parties, the company needs to be prepared to demonstrate diligence and protect its customers — otherwise it risks facing lawsuits, fines from agencies like Procon and Senacon, and a loss of competitiveness," reinforces Débora Farias.

How can companies prepare

In the expert's view, brands seeking to protect their reputation should invest in digital risk governance, which involves:
• Continuous monitoring of mentions and advertisements that improperly use the company's identity.
• Partnerships with digital platforms to expedite reporting and removal of false content.
• Internal rapid response protocols — involving legal, compliance, and communication.
• Transparent educational campaigns with the public, alerting them to official contact and purchase methods.

"Today, a good product or service is no longer enough. It's critical to protect the trust consumers place in the brand. And this means investing not only in technical security, but also in institutional, legal, and communication strategies to address digital fraud," he/she states.

The future of digital trust

With the advancement of technologies like artificial intelligence and deepfakes, the expert believes that scams will likely become even more sophisticated – and, therefore, preparation needs to be redoubled.

Digital trust will be the most important asset for companies in the coming years. Those not prepared to protect their reputation from fraud will automatically be at a competitive disadvantage," concludes Débora Farias.