Valentine's Day, celebrated on June 12th, boosts Brazilian retail and drives online purchases of gifts, dinners, and romantic experiences. In 2024, the data moved more than R$19.8 billion in e-commerce, according to a Neotrust survey, with a 23% increase compared to the previous year. For 2025, the expectation is of an even greater increase — which also draws the attention of cybercriminals.
According to ZenoX, Dfense Group's threat intelligence startup, the increase in searches for offers on websites and social media raises the risks of digital scams, such as phishing, scams, and the use of deepfakes. Dates like Valentine's Day are a perfect opportunity for cybercriminals, as there is a high volume of transactions, impulsiveness at the time of purchase, and less attention to details, explains Ana Cerqueira, CRO of ZenoX.
A startup detected a 25% increase in the number of registered domains with terms related to "present," "promotion," and "lovers" still in 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 carry out scams directly during the payment process," warns the specialist.
In this scenario, the specialist listed five essential tips to protect yourself from digital fraud on this Valentine's Day:
1. Check the URL and the website before purchasing
Avoid clicking on links received via messages or social networks. Type the store's address directly into the browser and check if the website has a secure connection (padlock next to the URL). "Phishing is still one of the main threats, so it is important to confirm if the website is truly official," highlights Cerqueira.
2. Be wary of very low prices
Promotions well below market value can be a warning of a scam. "Compare prices on other sites and check the store's reputation. If the discount seems too good to be true, it probably is," he/she/they recommends.
3. Prefer secure payment methods
Prefer platforms recognized such as Mercado Pago, PagSeguro, and credit cards — preferably virtual ones. "Temporary cards, offered by various banks, reduce the risk in case of data leaks," advises the specialist.
4. Beware of videos and audios of celebrities
With the advancement of artificial intelligence, scams withdeepfakes— fake videos or audios with celebrities or influencers — have become more frequent. "Always check the official profiles to see if that person is really promoting that campaign," reinforces Cerqueira.
5. Use additional security tools
Update your devices, keep a good antivirus installed, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. "These measures help block malicious links and hinder unauthorized access to your accounts," she adds.
And what if, even with all the precautions, you fall for a scam?
The executive also provides guidance on how to act if she becomes a victim of fraud:
- Immediately contact your financial institution to block unauthorized transactions and compromised cards or accounts.
- Gather all possible evidence: emails, messages, screenshots, etc.
- Register a Police Report (BO), online or at a police station, to assist in the investigation.
- Monitor your bank statements and credit reports to identify suspicious activities.
