With more than 1.6 billion monthly active users, TikTok has taken the world by storm. It’s helped usher in a new platform where content creators can build large followings and earn money through commissions or affiliate programs. But with this rise in global usage, new-age scammers have found ways to exploit all kinds of TikTok users. Taking the time to learn about TikTok scam awareness, the steps that scammers take to operate their fraud, and how to best protect yourself is critical for maintaining safety on TikTok. Let’s dive into this article that details how scammers exploit TikTok creators for personal gain.
TikTok Scam Awareness: Why It Matters
TikTok’s features and proprietary algorithms feature content and trends that have become ripe for scammers. These include several types of gift-giving, live streams, and more. Scammers and fraudsters will take advantage of these features and often convince users or creators to fall for their tricks, leading to financial losses or stolen personal information. The topic of TikTok scam awareness should be a top priority for young users or even older users unfamiliar with internet culture. It should be the first step in preventing this type of exploitation.
How Scammers Target TikTok Creators
Impersonation Accounts
Many scammers will often create fake accounts that are used to impersonate very popular TikTok content creators. These accounts are used to trick users into thinking they are actually interacting with some of their favorite creators, luring them into clicking on phishing links or sending money or cryptocurrency.
Live Stream Fraud
Scammers will exploit TikTok’s popular live-streaming feature by using stolen live footage. They do this to solicit gifts from unsuspecting viewers. These gifts can be translated into real money, and end up in the scammer’s accounts instead of the content creator they were pretending to be.
Phishing Links in Bios and Comments
Scammers that exploit TikTok creators for personal gain will often achieve their goals by using phishing links in fake profiles, or by posting them in comment sections. They trick users into clicking on them to gain access to their personal accounts, information, or financial details.
Brand Partnership Scams
TikTok content creators with large amounts of followers can often be targeted with fake or fraudulent partnership offers. These types of brand partnership scams will ask creators to share personal details or their financial information in exchange for what seem to be real sponsorship details. In fact, they are not, and scammers will use their information for nefarious purposes.
Pokémon TikTok Live Scam
One notorious TikTok scam is the Pokémon TikTok live scam. It’s a deceptive practice where unethical sellers take advantage of the global popularity of Pokémon cards on TikTok's live-streaming platform in order to commit fraud. Key aspects of the Pokémon TikTok live scam include:
- Mystery Bags and Boxes: Scammers will offer "mystery" products at highly inflated prices. These mystery bags or boxes will contain low-value or fake cards.
- Rigged Openings: Some sellers will manipulate live streams to only show what are known as valuable pulls. This entices viewers to purchase their overpriced packs of Pokémon cards.
- Fake Packs and Other Products: Scammers will actually sell counterfeit Pokémon cards or resealed packs on TikTok Lives, passing them off as genuine items.
- Inflated Prices: Sellers will charge an exorbitant amount for otherwise common cards or packs, taking advantage of viewers' eagerness and FOMO.
- Non-delivery: In some cases, buyers pay for products that are never actually shipped. Or they could receive items different from what was advertised
TikTok Fraud Prevention Tips
Verify Accounts and Partnerships
Be sure to check for verified accounts on TikTok. A verified account with have a badge on its profile and signals that this account is real and belongs to the user. Always confirm through legitimate channels or officials if or when you are approached for partnership deals.
Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links
One great way to conduct TikTok fraud prevention is by avoiding phishing links that might be shared in comment sections, direct messages, or creator bios without first verifying their authenticity. You can take advantage of TikTok’s built-in reporting feature to flag any kind of suspicious content you may come across.
Secure Your TikTok Account
Take the time to set up security protocols like enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of protection to your account. Take steps like regularly updating your password and try not to use the same one across multiple platforms.
Monitor Your Digital Footprint
Do your homework by regularly searching for duplicate or fake accounts that could be impersonating you. If you find any of these suspicious accounts, report them to TikTok through their support channels immediately to minimize any potential scams that could take place.
Avoiding Scams on TikTok: Best Practices for Users and Creators
Avoiding scams on TikTok can be easy, simply follow these tips below:
- Stay Educated: Keep up-to-date with the latest scam tactics. This is your first defense in avoiding scams on TikTok.
- Use Trusted Cybersecurity and Safety Tools: Leverage advanced tools, like Online Security and others provided by ReasonLabs to upgrade and enhance your digital security. Identity theft protection and advanced phishing detection tools can protect your personal information and stop scams before it’s too late.
- Report and Block Scammers: If you come across questionable or even suspicious activity, report the account or content you have found directly to TikTok. Blocking these users prevents interactions in the future and helps TikTok identify and remove these accounts.
The Impact of Social Currency on TikTok Scams
The impact of social currency on TikTok scams cannot be underestimated. The platform’s unique in-app economy is fueled by virtual gifts and social currency- these have given way to ample opportunities for scammers. Fraudsters will take advantage of unsuspecting TikTok users’ willingness to support their favorite creators. This exploitation clearly demonstrates the importance of being aware and staying vigilant about how scammers operate on TikTok.
As TikTok continues on its path to over 2 billion monthly active users, so too does the complexity of the scams being conducted by fraudsters on its platform. TikTok users must stay aware and educate themselves on these types of fraud, implement fraud prevention strategies, and use cybersecurity software to monitor their data and detect attacks. Stay informed, stay cautious, and empower yourself with the knowledge so you can safely enjoy TikTok and all its commerce and content. Take proactive steps today to avoid scams on TikTok and other platforms by visiting the ReasonLabs blog.
