Common TikTok scams and how to spot them

Social media has revolutionized how we connect and share information, and TikTok is one of the fastest-growing platforms in the last few years. With its short-form videos and creative tools, it’s no wonder that millions of people across the world are spending hours on the app every day.

As TikTok continues to soar in popularity, it’s essential to be aware of potential security risks. Cybercriminals are using the platform’s massive user base to execute various social engineering attacks such as phishing links and honey trapping. To protect yourself, it’s crucial to know how to spot and prevent TikTok scams.

Today, we’re showing you the most common TikTok scams and ways how you can recognize them.

Fake, phishing TikTok apps

Beware of fake TikTok apps that scammers use to deceive users. These fake apps promise unique features such as random profile views, guaranteed views, and automated profile views to lure unsuspecting victims. However, these features are not available on official Android and iPhone TikTok apps.

It is unfortunate that many third-party apps claiming to provide features such as dark themes, views boosting, and fake followers for social media are mostly scams. These files may require subscription fees, jeopardize your data, and potentially infect your smartphone with malware. It is important to be cautious when downloading APK files from untrusted sources. For instance, many APK files may seem legitimate but only lead to random ads upon clicking download links from suspicious websites.

Protect yourself and keep your device safe and secure by downloading apps only from trusted sources like the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Bought TikTok followers and views

Aspiring influencers often contemplate buying followers as a shortcut to success. The strategy is to purchase fake followers, hoping that real fans will eventually take notice of their profile. While it’s possible to obtain thousands or millions of followers for a couple of bucks, it’s important to remember that these followers are not genuine and may not provide any real value to the influencer’s brand in the long term.

We highly discourage the use of paid followers as it may not have the desired effect. In fact, it may even backfire as it can make your social media presence appear inauthentic and unimpressive. Having tons of followers with common and generic usernames may raise suspicion and make you stand out in a negative way.

Comment impersonation

On TikTok accounts related to business, impersonation scams are very prevalent. Fraudsters imitate notable personalities by replicating their usernames and profile pictures, intending to deceive their followers. These malicious actors usually lurk in the comments sections, waiting for their next victim. They may initiate contact by replying to your comment and then attempting to lure you into other messaging platforms. Remain cautious and avoid falling for their tricks.

To counteract these fraudulent activities, steer clear of phony profiles entirely. They are readily recognizable. If a profile lacks verification, has no published content, and uses an unusual username, it is probably a fake.

TikTok bots that go viral

Bot accounts can be found on many social networks, but TikTok’s algorithm provides them with a higher likelihood of gaining popularity. TikTok’s platform promotes videos based on their relevance, so even bots have the opportunity to appear on multiple users’ FYP feeds if they receive sufficient likes, views, and shares.

After artificially inflating their follower count, bot accounts often carry out fraudulent activities. These can include marketing of worthless courses, posing as finance influencers, and circulating malware-infected links, among other scams.

Romance and dating scams

Online dating scammers are not limited to dating apps alone. They often exploit social media platforms, including TikTok, where romance scams are becoming increasingly common. The site’s algorithm ‘popular’ profiles in their users’ feeds, making it easy for fraudsters to collect and engage with a large number of potential victims, even without a massive following. Don’t fall prey to these scams and always be cautious when interacting with strangers online.

After successfully building a trustworthy profile, scammers will initiate conversations with their potential victims. These love scams require patience as they invest weeks or even months into gaining the victims’ confidence before soliciting “favors.” While some may only request several hundred or thousands of pesos, others go as far as stealing large amounts of money and obtaining sensitive Personal Identifiable Information (PII).

Get-rich-quick schemes

TikTok’s flourishing influencer culture is being exploited by swindlers who push programs promising quick riches. These profiles often go viral and easily attract inexperienced young professionals who aspire for instant success and money.

Quick schemes to get rich are seldom successful. Con artists take advantage of trends to develop business proposals that appear to be profitable but are actually nothing new. They will recycle the same courses over and over until the trend fades.

Right now, plenty of these so-called course sellers are banking on the popularity and rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), telling people that they can make loads of money with very little effort.

Fake dropshipping suppliers

The popularity of dropshipping persists with numerous video tutorials on establishing eCommerce stores and locating suppliers. These tutorials often provide comprehensive guidance plans for beginners.

While dropshipping can be a valid way of doing business, it’s crucial to exercise caution when handling transactions. Unfortunately, the industry is plagued with fraudulent activity. Some self-proclaimed experts sell costly, ineffective programs while others purposely deceive individuals by claiming they have inventory that doesn’t exist.

Before partnering with a dropshipping company, it’s important to thoroughly vet them. Do your due diligence and look for an official website, high-quality videos, and official receipts. If any of these elements are missing or subpar, consider backing out of the partnership until they prove that they are a legitimate company you can do business with.

Dubious business accounts

TikTok boasts a distinctive algorithm that sets it apart from other social media platforms. It doesn’t give preferential treatment to popular users but emphasizes relevance. Even new accounts have the potential to land on the highly coveted For You Page (FYP), provided they take advantage of popular trends and use trending background music.

The alleged benefit of the algorithm is that it assists creators in propelling their careers forward. However, although it creates an equal opportunity for all, some fraudulent individuals take advantage of the system to advertise phony business profiles. All that is necessary for them is a couple of videos that go viral. Even automated accounts managed by bots could appear legitimate if they amassed a large number of viewers and followers.

To identify fraudulent profiles, verify them on different social media platforms. Steer clear of dubious accounts that do not have a profile picture and have no activity on popular social networks, irrespective of the number of followers they have on TikTok.

Although TikTok is actively removing videos related to scams, some still manage to slip through the filters. It’s important to take personal responsibility and filter your own feed. While the app is entertaining, it’s also important to note that there are individuals who target vulnerable users, such as identity thieves, hackers, and bullies. Remember to always be vigilant and prioritize your safety while viewing content online.

Anticipate that cybercriminals will take advantage of other well-known social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Hazards to security exist in various forms. Educate yourself about these tactics and be prepared to deal with them if you come across any.

Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments section below.