Last Updated on April 3, 2023
TikTok Dating Scams In 2023
With over 1 billion monthly active users, TikTok is one of the most popular social media apps and has become a great platform for connecting with friends, discovering new content, and even meeting new people. Unfortunately, it’s also becoming an increasingly popular place for scammers to prey on unsuspecting users. As such, users need to understand what dating scams are common on TikTok to protect themselves from becoming victims in 2023.
Common TikTok Dating Scams
Cybercriminals have different tactics they use to scam TikTok users. Here are some dating scams on TikTok that you should know and do your best to avoid.
One of the most common scams seen on TikTok is “catfishing,” where scammers create fake profiles and pretend to be someone else to gain victims’ trust. They often use photos and videos of attractive people or celebrities to lure in their victims. Once they have gained the victim’s trust, the scammer will ask for money or personal information such as credit card numbers or passwords.
Another type of scam quickly gaining traction is “romance scams.” In this type of scam, scammers will take advantage of vulnerable people looking for love online by pretending to be interested in them and developing a relationship with them over time. After building up a relationship through messages, the scammer will ask for money or try to manipulate their victim into giving away personal information such as bank account numbers or passwords.
Scammers have even used “phishing scams” to access victims’ accounts or steal their identities. These scams involve sending links that appear legitimate but lead victims to malicious websites where they are asked to enter personal information such as usernames and passwords. The scammers then use this information to log into victims’ accounts without their knowledge and steal their data or money.
Lastly, sextortion is becoming one of the most common TikTok scams. It has the same tactics as catfish and romance scams. These criminals manipulate their way into obtaining their victims’ personal information, but they also aim to gain their victim’s sexual content for blackmail. They will secretly record or screenshot their victims’ sexual photos or videos and then threaten to reveal them online to the public if their ransom is not paid.
How to stop and report a dating scammer
TikTok dating scams are too dangerous for victims to handle on their own. To stop the abuse from continuing, the victims need to document evidence and report cybercrimes, first to TikTok, then to the police, the FBI, and cybercrime specialists. We understand that dealing with such crimes can be scary or even embarrassing for victims, but that should not stop you from reaching out and getting help from experts who know how to handle sensitive situations like blackmail and extortion.
How to avoid online dating scams
The best way to protect yourself from falling victim to a scam is by being aware of the potential risks and taking proactive steps toward protecting yourself online.
For starters, never give out your personal information, such as credit card numbers or bank account details. Additionally, if someone is asking for money or pressuring you into revealing personal details or sexual content, it’s probably best to avoid them altogether. It’s also important not to click on any links that seem suspicious or too good to be true; these could lead you down a rabbit hole filled with malicious software and viruses that can wreak havoc on your device(s). Finally, always remember that if something seems too good (or bad) to be true, it probably is!
As social media continues its meteoric rise, so does the risk of falling victim to scams such as those found on TikTok dating apps in 2023. App users (and all social media platforms) must remain vigilant and aware of staying safe online when meeting new people through apps like TikTok dating sites. Following these tips and keeping your wits about you when interacting with strangers online can help ensure your safety while still having fun! Contact Our Sextortion Helpline If Need Help
