Chapter 1: The Rise of Online Christmas Shopping

As the year draws to a close, one of the most anticipated shopping seasons approaches: Christmas.

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During this period, consumers rush to purchase a variety of goods to decorate their homes and find perfect gifts for their loved ones. It’s common to see stores filled with shoppers looking for the best deals. However, with advancements in technology, many individuals in Brazil and Portugal are opting for online shopping, drawn by its convenience and appealing features.

The Benefits of Online Christmas Shopping

Here are four reasons why online shopping can be more advantageous during the holiday season:

1. Wide Selection and Ease of Purchase

Online marketplaces bring together numerous sellers, providing access to a vast array of products. “With a smartphone or tablet at hand, consumers can complete their purchases in just minutes. Everything is more efficient, from comparing prices to choosing payment options,” explains Garcia.

2. Convenience of Shopping from Home

While many Portuguese and Brazilian shoppers flock to the streets in December, this may not always be the most convenient choice. “By shopping online, consumers can avoid long lines and crowded stores, securing all their desired items from the comfort of their own homes,” advises the director.

3. Cost Efficiency

Online shopping often proves to be more economical, as it allows for easier price comparisons. Many e-commerce platforms also offer discount coupons. “In addition to sales, marketplaces have loyalty programs. For instance, on Mercado Livre, customers unlock special discounts based on their purchase history. Similar initiatives exist on platforms like Magazine Luiza and Amazon Prime,” he adds.

4. Variety of Payment Options

Traditional retail stores may still limit payment methods to cash or debit, but online marketplaces offer multiple payment options, enhancing the shopping experience. “Today, consumers can choose from various payment methods, including credit cards and digital payment services, making their shopping process smoother and ensuring the platform's credibility,” he states.

Consumer Awareness in a Digital Age

As technology evolves, so do the risks associated with it. Shoppers should remain vigilant against potential threats, as cybercriminals are likely to exploit changing social, economic, and technological trends. Kaspersky's researchers have shared their insights on the consumer risk landscape for 2023, highlighting potential pitfalls.

Highlights of Consumer Risks for 2023:

• Exploitation in Gaming: Cybercriminals are focusing on gaming, with in-game currencies and items becoming targets for theft. For example, $2 million worth of virtual items were taken from a hacked account this past summer. In 2023, new scams related to trading and stealing virtual currencies are expected to emerge.
• Increase in Subscription Scams: With companies like Sony launching game subscription services, scammers are predicted to increase their fraudulent activities. The larger the subscriber base, the more opportunities for fake key sales and account theft arise.
• Console Shortages: As console shortages may return early in 2023, scams involving fake pre-sale offers and imitation online stores are likely to flourish.
• Streaming Fraud: With a packed schedule of movie releases, cybercriminals are anticipated to create more Trojans disguised as streaming services like Netflix. Popular titles could be used as bait to lure unsuspecting users.
• Threats in Online Education: As digital learning continues to rise, associated risks such as phishing pages and credential theft from online education platforms are expected to increase.

By being aware of these risks, consumers can better protect themselves while enjoying the advantages of online shopping this holiday season.