3 Common Digital Scams During Carnival (and How to Avoid Them)

Carnival is one of the busiest times of the year in Brazil — millions of people in the streets, traveling, celebrating, and living a routine completely different from the usual.

It is precisely in this scenario of high circulation that thedigital environment also becomes more vulnerable.According toPSafe,occurrences related todigital scams can increase by 90%during this time.

With so many people connected at the same time, sharing information, making payments, and using their phones for everything, digital exposure naturally increases, along with the need for attention. This care is important for both those enjoying the festivities and companies, as many employees use personal phones to access emails, files, and corporate systems.

Therefore, check out what themost common scams during Carnival are and how to protect both yourself and your company!

Common scams during Carnival

Fake public Wi-Fi

During Carnival, criminals often create open Wi-Fi networks with seemingly trustworthy names to attract revelers looking for a quick connection.

When accessing these networks, the device's traffic can be intercepted, allowing third parties to obtain personal and corporate information, such as passwords, conversations, banking data, and even work credentials stored on the phone.

To reduce this risk, it is important to adopt basic precautions, such as avoiding unknown networks and being suspicious of free or dubious Wi-Fi connections.

Malicious QR code

Scammers replace legitimate QR Codes with fraudulent versions in high-traffic areas, directing users to misleading websites or unauthorized charges.

Therefore, checking the source of the QR Code and carefully observing the link it directs to significantly helps prevent this type of fraud.

Phishing and payment scams

Fake messages related to blocks, tickets, tracking, and promotions tend to spread easily during Carnival. When interacting with suspicious links, users may provide personal data, allow their accounts to be hacked, or expose corporate information.

Adopting a critical stance towards unexpected messages or excessively attractive offers is essential to reduce the risk of this type of attack.

How to avoid digital scams with simple actions?

Enable two-factor authentication (MFA)

Enabling two-step authentication adds an extra verification layer and prevents unauthorized access, even if someone obtains the password.

Keep backups updated

Maintaining cloud backups and encryption guarantees data recovery in case the device is compromised or lost.

Have strong passwords

Using complex passwords makes it harder to access the device and reduces the chances of quick breaches in carelessness situations.

Use antivirus and native protections

Features like antivirus, app monitoring, and integrated system security help identify suspicious behavior and block threats.

Digital security is essential every day, but during periods like Carnival — when we are more inattentive to certain risks — it is crucial to double down on attention to avoid later problems. And this concern should not be limited to the workplace: strengthening digital security in the personal sphere is also essential, as well as promoting awareness about these precautions.

Care is necessary to enjoy this period without worries.

Talk to our specialistsand reinforce your security!