New research has revealed that scammers are impersonating TikTok employees, tricking young users into losing money by offering fake job opportunities.
Virgin Media O2 has reported a significant rise in suspicious messages on the platform where victims are offered up to £800 for one day’s work liking videos on the app.
One message read: “Hello, I am from TikTok Human Resources Department.
“We sincerely invite you to use your free time to watch TikTok videos and help to click like the videos.
“You can get paid by 300-800 pounds a day.
“We are waiting for you and look forward to working with you, please contact us as soon as possible to get job details.”
The TikTok scam is leaving some youngsters thousands of pounds out of pocket
A survey of 1,000 teenagers conducted by the internet provider found that nearly one in every four user had no idea fraudsters could impersonate well-known brands as a way to steal money from victims.
Although 77 percent believed they could distinguish a fake text from a real one, when they were shown messages from scammers – half of them failed to spot them.
Murray Mackenzie, Virgin Media O2’s director of fraud prevention, said: “We know how convincing scammers’ messages can be, with promises of too-good-to-be-true deals, discounts and job offers from well-known brands that tempt young people into clicking on dodgy links or parting with their money for items that never existed.”
He suggested that scams are increasing because criminals know teenagers primarily use TikTok and are also eager for opportunities to earn money.
The research also revealed that Virgin Media O2 had blocked 168 million potentially fraudulent texts over the past two years.
It also revealed that more than two-thirds of teenagers who own a mobile phone believe they have been targeted with scam text messages.
Findings were released ahead of Safer Internet Day on February 11, which highlights the importance of keeping young people safe online.
The Guardian reached out to TikTok for comment, but the request was declined.
Have you fallen victim to a TikTok scam? Contact National Fraud Helpline. Call 0333 0033218 or fill out our Claim Form.