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- Who is Being Targeted by TikTok Scams?<\/a><\/li>\n
- How Can You Tell If Someone is Real on TikTok?<\/a><\/li>\n
- Most Common TikTok Scams<\/a><\/li>\n
- What to Do If You or Your Child Has Been Scammed on TikTok?<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Protect Yourself and Your Kids on TikTok?<\/a><\/li>\n
- Tips to Keep Your Child Safe on TikTok<\/a><\/li>\n
- FAQs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Who is Being Targeted by TikTok Scams?<\/h2>\n
![\"tiktok](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2023\/07\/shutterstock_2107075409-1.jpg\")
Mehaniq\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
In a word: all TikTok users. If you\u2019re on the platform, then you could potentially be targeted by TikTok scams.<\/p>\n
This is why it\u2019s so important for parents to take steps to keep their kids safe on potential scam apps like this, and give them the information they need to avoid getting caught up in one. Children are particularly vulnerable when it comes to getting scammed through fraudulent messaging, and are less likely to know the red flags to look out for.<\/p>\n
How Can You Tell If Someone is Real on TikTok?<\/h2>\n
One of the key ways to avoid TikTok scammers is to be aware of fake profiles. Teach your kids that not everyone on the platform is real\u2014i.e., someone may not be who they say they are, no matter how authentic their profile looks.<\/p>\n
However, there are some easy steps you can take to help make sure that an account or page is real.<\/p>\n
Look at the profile in question and some of the user\u2019s previous posts. There are a few things to look out for here:<\/p>\n
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- Are they promoting products in their content or uploading poor-quality videos and images?<\/li>\n
- Presenting a \u2018too perfect\u2019 life in their posts can also be a warning sign, as is having very similar comments beneath their posts.<\/li>\n
- Posting revealing content and using external links in their bios are also common hallmarks of TikTok scammers and should be viewed as warning signs.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
If the account purports to be that of a celebrity or well-known influencer, check the spelling of the account username: some scammers create real-looking profiles in which they masquerade as a star. Everything may seem legitimate at first glance but look closer, and you\u2019ll notice that the username has a $ where an S should be, for example. The follower numbers and type of viewer engagement on these accounts may also give you a clue that all is not as it seems. If they seem low for such a well-known celeb, something\u2019s amiss.<\/p>\n
Most Common TikTok Scams<\/h2>\n
![\"tik](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2021\/05\/kiberbulling.jpg\")
Ground Picture\/Shuttertock<\/p><\/div>\n
Duplicated TikTok Account<\/h3>\n
As we touched on above, not everyone is who they say they are on TikTok. One of the most common scams is the use of a fake celebrity profile. It\u2019s easy to get fooled by this one: the account looks like it authentically belongs to a celeb, but in reality, it\u2019s a scammer.<\/p>\n
Be wary of this scam, as it\u2019s especially easy for kids to get fooled and believe they are truly following\u2014and maybe even interacting with\u2014their favorite star.<\/p>\n
The Romance Scam<\/h3>\n
Many people have been caught out by a romance scam, either on TikTok or other social media platforms. With this con, scammers seek to slowly lure in the victim by pretending they\u2019re romantically interested in them. After some time spent showering the individual with compliments and messages declaring their love, they\u2019ll ask for money\u2014this could be in the form of a cash gift, a loan to help them out of an emergency, a plane ticket, etc.<\/p>\n
Malicious Links<\/h3>\n
This scam involves users being encouraged to click on a link either via another user\u2019s content, a fake ad, or an in-app message<\/span>. The link will typically take the victim to another page that looks authentic, such as that of a well-known app or platform, where they\u2019ll be asked to enter personal or account details. Scams like this work by then harvesting this personal information, allowing the fraudsters to gain access to the victim\u2019s bank account or clone their details.<\/p>\n
A malicious link may also, once opened, download a virus onto the victim’s device, or tracking software, enabling the scammers to, again, collect personal information.<\/p>\n
Text Scams<\/h3>\n
Fake text<\/span> scams typically involve receiving unsolicited <\/span>fraudulent<\/span> text messages that claim you\u2019ve won a prize, need to verify your account, or request personal information. They may include links that lead to phishing websites designed to steal your sensitive data. <\/span>These fake texts<\/span> can result in financial loss, identity theft, or even compromise your online security. To protect yourself, be cautious of any unsolicited texts, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and never share personal or financial information with unknown sources.<\/span><\/p>\n
Fake Giveaways<\/h3>\n
Fake giveaway scams are rife on TikTok, with many people falling victim to fraudsters, including kids. This sort of con could involve a user promising a big cash giveaway,<\/span> gift cards,<\/span> or other freebies if the intended victim does what they\u2019re asked to. Not only is this a case of \u2018if something seems too good to be true, it usually is,\u2019 but it\u2019s worth noting that such conduct goes against the terms and conditions of use of most social media platforms.<\/span><\/p>\n
Bogus Products<\/h3>\n
The TikTok shop may have provided users with the chance to get a bargain, but it\u2019s also provided scammers the opportunity to trick unsuspecting victims into purchasing bogus products or fake items (even gift cards!) <\/span>purporting to be from a high-end brand. Once the scammer has got the money, they tend to disappear, leaving the buyer out of pocket.<\/p>\n
To help avoid this, look for buyers that have a blue checkmark by their account name\u2014this means that TikTok has verified them as legitimate businesses.<\/p>\n
Fake Donation Scams<\/h3>\n
Scammers may also exploit users\u2019 goodwill by creating fake donation scams. These cons often involve fabricated stories or causes, such as helping a sick child or funding disaster relief. Always verify the legitimacy of a donation request before contributing.<\/p>\n
Easy Money Scams<\/h3>\n
Beware of scams that promise quick and easy money. These often involve schemes that require upfront payments or personal information in exchange for supposed financial rewards.<\/p>\n
Invisible Challenges<\/h3>\n
The invisible challenge is another scam to watch out for. This involves users being tricked into downloading malicious software or apps under the guise of participating in a trending TikTok challenge.<\/p>\n
Mobile Games<\/h3>\n
This scam can easily catch out kids\u2014and adults! Your child may come across a TikTok platform appearing to offer cheap games\u2014but the moment your child puts in banking or credit card details, they could be tricked into making regular and expensive in-app purchases.<\/p>\n
- How Can You Tell If Someone is Real on TikTok?<\/a><\/li>\n
![\"scams](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2021\/05\/kiberbulling-9.jpg\")
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