December is a period in which online shopping tends to increase, driven by the search for gifts, tickets, reservations and various promotions typical of the end of year parties. However, in parallel with this movement, the number of digital scams is also growing, many of them enhanced by the use of artificial intelligence.

Criminals have turned to technology to develop fake websites, misleading messages, highly convincing advertisements and even deepfakeswhich makes fraud increasingly difficult to identify — even for experienced and attentive users.

According to Daniel Tieppo, cybersecurity specialist and executive director of HexaDigital, a MakeOne Group company, the techniques used by scammers are increasingly sophisticated and require extra attention from consumers. Therefore, below, he lists practical tips to avoid losses during the busiest period of the year. Check it out!

1. Check the store’s reputation before purchasing

With the massive circulation of offers on social networks, it is essential to confirm that the establishment really exists, if it has any complaints and if the website is trustworthy. “Scams usually appeal to haste. If the offer requires immediate action or seems too good to be true, be suspicious”, says Daniel Tieppo.

2. Pay maximum attention to fake websites

Criminals are able to replicate large retailer pages with high fidelity, only changing address details. These sites capture personal data, passwords and even payment information. “By entering the address manually or accessing it through the official app, you eliminate much of the risk”, explains the expert.

3. Be wary of offers sent via WhatsApp or SMS

During the end of the year, the sending of false promotional messages increases. Oftentimes, scammers use artificial intelligence to trigger malicious links. “Large retailers don’t use personal accounts to advertise promotions. When the link comes from someone you don’t know, the chance of a scam is huge”, reinforces Daniel Tieppo.

4. Choose secure payment methods

Virtual cards, digital wallets and platforms with the possibility of contesting are safer. “Direct transfers, especially to individuals, are extremely risky. If something goes wrong, recovering the money is almost impossible”, he warns.

5. Enable two-step verification

Two-factor authentication continues to be one of the most efficient defenses, especially for those who keep cards registered in online stores. “Even if your password is compromised, the criminal will hardly be able to access your account”, says Daniel Tieppo.

6. Keep devices and apps up to date

Outdated cell phones and computers are easy targets. “Updating is not a technical whim — it’s security. The majority of successful attacks exploit flaws that have already been corrected”, highlights the HexaDigital executive.

7. Attention is the main protection

In front of high circulation of offersadvertisements and “unmissable opportunities” at the end of the year, you need to be extra careful. As Daniel Tieppo summarizes: “The best defense is always attention. Taking a few seconds to evaluate the offer makes all the difference in avoiding losses.”

By Renato Caliman