TikTok has seen explosive growth in recent years, with an estimated global user base of two billion in 2024. This makes TikTok a tempting target for scammers and fraudsters looking to make a profit.
In fact, according to our survey on consumer scams, users are more likely to encounter a scam on TikTok than on most other social media platforms: 60% of TikTok users encounter a scam weekly, and 15% have become victims.
Although TikTok’s user base covers a wide range of different age groups, it is particularly popular among younger people, especially Gen Z. Still, it is not just younger TikTok users who are prone to scams on the platform — everyone is a potential target for scammers regardless of age.
1. Fake TikTok accounts
Scammers love to impersonate famous people to gain their victims’ trust. Users on TikTok can forge a parasocial relationship with well-known influencers and feel like they are friends. However, when a celebrity or a familiar face promotes a get-rich-quick scheme or sends unsolicited messages in dire need of money, you should stop to assess the situation.
Whenever a well-known figure does something out of character on TikTok, it might be a scam. Although social media platforms try to clean their platforms from fake accounts claiming to be celebrities, it is not uncommon for some to sneak through. Even verified accounts cannot be blindly trusted. A known tactic for scammers is to purchase verified accounts to be seen as trustworthy.
2. Exploiting TikTok trends
Cyber criminals keep track of ongoing trends on TikTok and weaponise them to spread malware and steal sensitive information.
A recent TikTok scam in 2022 involved a popular “invisible challenge,” where users filmed themselves partially undressed while applying a filter that blends their silhouettes into a neutral background. Users were lured with a tool that would remove the filter. Instead, the victims were tricked into downloading malware that harvested their personal information.
Scammers were able to fool users by artificially bloating view counts and ratings to make their “tool” seem more credible. This case is a reminder that bad actors can manipulate view counts and large follower numbers on TikTok and other online platforms.
3. Fake donation scams
In fake donation scams, fraudsters prey on your generosity and goodwill by impersonating reputable charities. These online scams often use current events and crises to solicit donations on TikTok and other social media platforms. Scammers can mimic genuine organisations or come up with a fake but seemingly trustworthy charity cause.
Unlike fake charities, legitimate organisations would never pressure you into making a donation. Before donating your money, research the charity’s background with search engines. If you are unsure, it is better to donate to a cause you know is legitimate.
4. Free prize scams
Fraudsters often entice TikTok users with free prizes and giveaways. All you have to do is click a link, fill out a form, or share your personal information.
Instead of getting your hands on some free goodies, you will be providing your account details and other valuable information to scammers who can exploit or sell them.
The scam may also involve paying a small shipping fee or providing your credit card details. In some cases, you might commit to a paid subscription without even knowing it. If the giveaway is organised by a reputable company, check their official channels to ensure it is legitimate.
5. Cryptocurrency scams
With cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin breaking new highs, it is easy to feel you are missing out. Although there are trustworthy cryptocurrency services that allow you to invest in and trade crypto, the internet has its fair share of scams and bogus tokens.
Cryptocurrency scams on TikTok rely on flashy promotions, unrealistic profit promises, and fake crypto giveaways to lure unsuspecting users into investing or sharing details of their crypto wallet.
Scammers may create convincing narratives about a brand-new cryptocurrency growing in value. In reality, they artificially inflate the cryptocurrency’s price to trick more users into buying. Once the crypto has multiplied in value, the scammer will sell their entire share, causing the value to plummet to zero, a scenario known as “rug pull”. Avoid scams like this by using only reputable crypto markets, and do your due diligence before investing.
6. Online shopping scams
Online shopping scams on TikTok exploit the platform’s visual appeal and its marketplace, TikTok Shop. These scams often showcase enticing deals, high-quality products, and limited-time offers that are too good to miss.
Unfortunately, once the payment is made, the products may be counterfeit, substandard, or not delivered at all. If an offer in TikTok is good to be true, it most likely is.
7. Romance scams
Finding a romantic partner on social media or a similar platform dedicated to dating is not uncommon. Scammers know this well and pose as potential romantic partners on TikTok.
After crafting an elaborate, fake identity, the scammer can build trust with their victim over weeks or even months. The scammer can even create a network of fake accounts to make their story more convincing.
Once the scammer has won their victim’s trust, they fabricate urgent personal crises, such as medical emergencies. Pulling on their victim’s heartstrings, the scammer asks for money and other favors.
To avoid scams like this, verify the other person’s identity, and never send money or sensitive personal information to people you do not know in person. You can use reverse image search to check that the other person’s profile has not been taken from the internet.
Always check that the seller is genuine and verified by TikTok before parting with your money. You can verify the seller’s authenticity by checking their reviews and official channels. Use only secure payment methods to minimise the risk of falling prey to deceptive shopping scams.
You can also use the free F-Secure Online Shopping Checker to check if a website is safe to buy from.
How to stay safe on TikTok
- Enable two-factor authentication and set accounts to private.
- Report suspicious accounts and potential scams via TikTok’s Report button.
- Be cautious of unsolicited direct messages on TikTok.
- Report online scams and illegal activity to your local authorities.
- Never share your passwords or click suspicious links.
- Use a mobile VPN and antivirus software to protect your privacy and fend off malware.
- Check the authenticity and verification of TikTok accounts.
- Use strong, unique passwords on all accounts.