Greg's Corner

When old scams become new: TikTok scam promises free money

By Greg Collier

A prevalent scam frequently encountered on Facebook is the government grant scam. This usually occurs when scammers gain unauthorized access to someone’s Facebook account. They then exploit this access to send messages to the victim’s friends, claiming they’ve received a significant government grant and anyone can apply. These messages include a link for recipients to purportedly apply for the grant.

In this scam, the trick lies in scammers posing as government representatives who then request payment from victims under false pretenses, often citing processing fees or taxes. This deceptive practice is commonly referred to as the advance fee scam, where individuals are asked to pay money upfront in order to receive promised funds.

When a social network emerges with a predominantly young audience, scammers adapt their tactics to better appeal to this demographic. They might tweak the scam’s messaging, incorporating language and content that resonates with younger users.

According to the Better Business Bureau, scammers on TikTok are luring users with the promise of a $6,400 government grant, targeting individuals earning less than $50,000 annually. Given the economic challenges many young people face today, this offer may seem particularly appealing to a significant portion of the younger population.

In the TikTok scam, perpetrators use videos featuring individuals who purport to have successfully applied for and received the grant. However, these individuals are often victims of the scam themselves. As part of the deception, scammers may condition the release of the promised payment on the victim creating their own video endorsing the legitimacy of the grant program.

The BBB also reports the scam on TikTok might not necessarily be seeking payment from victims, but rather aiming to harvest their personal data.

If a grant or financial assistance program requires payment upfront, question its legitimacy. Legitimate government grants typically do not require payment in advance. Avoid providing personal or financial information to unknown individuals or entities online, especially in response to unsolicited messages or requests. Take the time to research any offers or opportunities thoroughly before taking action. Look for reviews, feedback, or reports from trusted sources to validate the legitimacy of the offer. Lastly, Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, especially if they promise large sums of money for minimal effort or qualifications.