Digital fraud: what are the main types and how to avoid them?

The increase in digital fraud has been a constant concern for individuals and businesses. With the digitalization of services and the popularization of online transactions, criminals find new opportunities to commit scams. If the evolution of technology brought convenience and agility to transactions, it also increased the possibilities of cyber attacks.

According to the DataSenado survey, digital security has become a priority in Brazil, with a significant number of people reporting experiences of attempted fraud. The study reveals that, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in the volume of scams applied, ranging from phishing attempts to complex financial fraud.

Given this scenario, understanding the main types of scams and how to protect yourself is essential to avoid financial losses and leaks of sensitive data. Knowledge about the tactics used by criminals, combined with the implementation of good security practices, can minimize the negative impacts of these threats and ensure greater peace of mind in the digital environment.

This article will cover the main types of digital fraud that affect users and companies, highlighting how these scams work and the risks involved. We will also discuss Brazilian legislation related to digital security and present effective prevention strategies. Enjoy your reading!

Most common types of digital fraud

Digital scams are constantly evolving, keeping up with technological advances and adapting to user behavior. Cybercriminals take advantage of new security breaches, using social engineering to deceive victims and applying sophisticated techniques to bypass protection systems.

With the increasing digitalization of financial services, online shopping and sharing of personal data on the internet, the risk of exposure to fraud is increasing.

For this reason, in order to properly combat these threats, the first step is to understand the main types of digital fraud. Some of the most common scams include:

Phishing

Phishing is one of the most common forms of online fraud. This type of scam occurs when criminals impersonate trusted entities, such as banks, email services or social networks, to trick users into obtaining sensitive information, such as passwords and financial data. Phishing can be carried out through fake emails, text messages or fraudulent websites that imitate official pages.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that blocks access to files on a device and demands a ransom to release them. This type of attack can cause significant damage, especially to businesses, which may have their operations compromised. Criminals typically spread ransomware through infected email attachments or downloads from untrusted sources.

WhatsApp and SMS scams

Fraudulent messages via WhatsApp and SMS are common strategies used by scammers. In many cases, criminals clone phone numbers or impersonate known contacts to request bank transfers. Another common scam involves malicious links that direct users to fake pages where they can be tricked into providing personal data.

Credit card fraud

Misusing credit card information is a common practice among cybercriminals. This type of fraud occurs through the theft of data from online transactions or through attacks on company databases. Once in possession of this information, fraudsters make purchases or withdrawals without the cardholder's knowledge.

identity fraud

The theft of identity is one of the most dangerous scams, as it allows criminals to impersonate other people to carry out financial transactions, open bank accounts or request services in the victim's name. This type of fraud can result in significant financial losses and even legal problems for those affected.

Brazilian legislation on digital fraud

Brazil has a set of specific laws aimed at combating digital crimes and protecting the rights of Internet users. These laws were created with the aim of ensuring a safer digital environment, respecting citizens' privacy and providing greater protection against fraud, data leaks and other cyber threats.

As society becomes more dependent on technology, these laws prove to be increasingly relevant to preserving the security and integrity of personal information.

Among the main laws that address this topic and contribute to regulating the use of the internet and data protection in Brazil are:

General Law on Data Protection (LGPD)

A General Law on Data Protection (LGPD), sanctioned in 2018 and in force since 2020, establishes a set of rules for the collection, storage, processing and sharing of personal data by companies and institutions, both in the public and private sectors.

Its main objective is to guarantee the privacy and security of citizens' data, in addition to providing greater transparency in the use of this information. The LGPD also provides for sanctions for organizations that fail to comply with its guidelines, including fines and operating restrictions.

Internet Civil Landmarks

Created in 2014, the Internet Civil Landmarks is a fundamental legislation for regulating the use of the internet in Brazil. It establishes principles, guarantees, rights and duties for users and companies operating in the digital environment. It also provides guidelines for net neutrality, protection of user privacy and digital security.

This law also regulates the responsibility of internet providers regarding the storage and provision of browsing data, always in compliance with the LGPD and other current regulations.

Carolina Dieckmann Law

Sanctioned in 2012, the Carolina Dieckmann Law arose after the undue exposure of private information belonging to the actress who gives her name to the legislation. This law defines cybercrimes, establishing penalties for hacking devices, data theft, undue disclosure of personal information and other illicit practices in the digital environment.

This has become an important milestone in combating cyberattacks and protecting users from privacy violations. Penalties include fines and even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the crime.

These laws are critical to holding fraudsters accountable and ensuring a safer digital environment for everyone.

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How to avoid digital fraud

Prevention is the best strategy to avoid online scams. Some good practices can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to digital fraud.

Good digital security practices

Use strong and different passwords for each service: It is essential to create complex passwords, combining upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters. Never reuse passwords across different accounts to prevent a leak from compromising multiple accesses. Using a password manager can make this task easier.

Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible: aaauthentication Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second code or confirmation in addition to the password. This code can be generated by an authenticator app, sent via SMS, or even Biometry, making unauthorized access difficult.

Avoid clicking on suspicious links received via email, SMS or social media: Phishing attacks are common and can trick users by impersonating legitimate websites and communications. Before clicking on a link, check the sender, hover over the link to see the real destination, and be wary of urgent messages asking for personal or financial information.

Keep antivirus and operating systems up to date: Keeping your operating system, browsers, and security software up to date reduces your vulnerability to cyberattacks. Many updates include fixes for newly discovered security flaws, protecting your devices from emerging threats.

Verify the authenticity of websites before entering personal or financial information: Before entering any sensitive data, make sure the website has an SSL certificate (identified by the padlock in the address bar) and check that the URL is correct. Avoid accessing banking services or making online purchases on public Wi-Fi networks without a VPN.

Suspicious activity monitoring

Regularly monitoring your bank transactions and online account activity is one of the most effective ways to identify fraudulent activity before it causes major damage – this includes checking for unrecognized purchases, unexpected transfers and unusual login attempts.

Many financial institutions provide automatic notifications via SMS, email or apps to alert you to suspicious activity. If abnormal behavior is detected, it is essential to act quickly to minimize damage by blocking the account, changing passwords and reporting the activity to the bank or platform involved.

Use of anti-fraud tools

To strengthen digital security, both companies and individuals can turn to anti-fraud solutions that protect information and transactions. Specialized software helps detect suspicious patterns and prevent fraud attempts before they happen.

In the context of electronic and digital signatures, platforms like ZapSign offer additional layers of authentication and verification, ensuring that only authorized users have access to and legitimately sign documents. Verification protocols such as two-factor authentication and reconhecimento through biometrics, reduce the risk of fraud in contracts and financial transactions.

Digital fraud is a constant challenge, requiring extra attention to avoid financial losses and data leaks. Knowing the main scams, being up to date on digital protection laws and adopting good security practices are fundamental steps to reduce risks.

Both individuals and businesses should invest in online security and rely on reliable solutions, such as ZapSign, to ensure safe and secure transactions. Click here to learn about our platform and find out how we can provide digital security to your operations!