TikTok Warns of New Scam: What Users Need to Know

They say don’t believe all the messages you receive when you text, including ones that appear to come from TikTok. The company has issued a warning about a new phishing scam, in which scammers pose as recruiters for the social media platform.

The company has notified the public about messages (sent via email, SMS, in-app messages, or other messaging apps) that falsely claim that TikTok is hiring, with the aim of illegally obtaining sensitive information such as words passwords, credit card numbers or social information. personal security numbers.

TikTok has published tips on its website for avoiding phishing on TikTok.

What to do if you receive a phishing message

Users are encouraged to report suspicious emails or messages in the app to TikTok and acknowledge that genuine messages from TikTok will never ask for personal data such as their name, contact details or passwords. Before interacting with links, it is crucial to verify their authenticity, and users should reject offers from third-party websites that promise free benefits on TikTok, as these could be phishing attempts.

TikTok may legitimately contact users if they experience issues with specific TikTok features or for verification purposes related to Government, Politicians, and Political Party Accounts (GPPPA). It is essential to validate the authenticity of these messages by checking if the sender’s email address includes “@tiktok.com” and often showing a pop-up for inbox notifications in the app . Certain circumstances may require the submission of identification and banking details to rectify an issue or verify an account.

What to do if your account is compromised

If users suspect their account has been hacked, TikTok emphasizes the importance of reporting the incident quickly. To improve account security, TikTok recommends changing the account password to something unique and enabling two-step verification to prevent unauthorized access. Monitoring devices connected to the account and reviewing security alerts in app settings can also provide additional layers of protection.

For a deeper understanding of privacy and security on the platform, TikTok directs users to the Safety Center on its website.