Last Updated on July 7, 2023

TikTok has over 1 billion online users, making it one of the most popular social media platforms. The app is especially popular with young people, leading to concerns about its safety. One such concern is “TikTok sextortion,” an online scam targeting TikTok users. So, what is TikTok sextortion? Keep reading to find out.

Explanation of TikTok and its popularity?

Since TikTok’s worldwide launch in 2018, the app has been a massive success! Ranking over 210 million downloads in the United States alone and over 1 billion users, the application has taken over social media. There are many reasons why the app has been so successful; one of the reasons is its ease of use. The app is designed to be simple, with a minimalist interface that makes it easy to navigate. Creating videos on TikTok is also a breeze, thanks to the built-in editing tools that let you add filters, AR effects, and more with just a few taps.

Another big reason why people love TikTok is that the content is fun and engaging. There is a never-ending supply of creative and original content to discover on the app, from hilarious comedy sketches to mind-blowing dance routines. And if you are ever feeling low, you can always count on TikTok to put a smile on your face.

TikTok also fosters a sense of community among its users. The app allows people to connect with others who share their interests, whether it’s fashion, music, or comedy. This sense of community is one thing that keeps people returning to TikTok day after day.

How TikTok Works?

TikTok sextortion is an online scam in which scammers attempt to extort money from TikTok users by threatening to release compromising videos and images of them. The scammers typically pose as someone young and attractive and will use social engineering techniques, which is when a person uses manipulation or deception to gain control of a person and their personal information; in this case, that personal information can be sexual content, financial information, address, phone number, and so much more!

It is common for TikTok users not to share videos on their accounts. Most users are on there to enjoy watching others’ videos. Due to this, cybercriminals can easily create fake accounts without posting any videos without appearing suspicious to the public.

TikTok’s Response to Sextortion

TikTok is aware that there will likely be behaviors that go against their community guidelines. Therefore, they, like any other social media platform, has made it possible for users to report any abuse they encounter. If you encounter threats or harassment, please report the account and harmful messages. TikTok will investigate to see whether or not community guidelines have been broken. If they have, the account will be taken down or even banned.

Here are various ways you can report abuse on TikTok:

To report an account:

1. Go to the profile page of the account you want to report.
2. Click “…”.
3. Select “Report”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

 

To report a video:

1. Go to the video.
2. Tap “Report”
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

To report a sound:

1. Tap on the sound you are reporting.
2. Tap “…”
3. Tap “report”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

To report a LIVE:

1. Go to the LIVE page you would like to report.
2. Tap “…”
3. Tap “report”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

How to Protect Yourself from TikTok Sextortion

The most effective way to protect yourself from sextortion scams is to be careful about whom you interact with on TikTok and be mindful of what you post online. If you receive suspicious messages from someone you do not know, do not respond and report the user to TikTok immediately. You should also avoid sharing personal information or images/videos that could be used against you. No matter the temptation, you must remind yourself that you do not know this person and their true intentions. It is better to be safe than sorry.

What to Do If You’ve Experienced TikTok Sextortion Text

If you are experiencing sextortion on TikTok, you must document the abuse and seek immediate help. Online sextortion is a serious crime that should be reported to authorities and handled by them. Authorities and cybercrime experts are trained to handle such scams and know how to bring the abuse to an end.

On top of reporting the crime to authorities, you can also report it to cybercrime experts like us here at Cyber Investigation. We have successful strategies that help combat this type of online abuse. Call us today to see how we can help you regain your peace of mind.

Summary

Victims of ‘TikTok sextortion’ should not feel ashamed or embarrassed. It is crucial to reach out for help and report appropriate authorities as soon as this problem arises. Contacting cybercrime experts and other support systems available are great ways to protect oneself in the digital world.  We should all work to raise awareness of this issue so that more people can support those affected and ensure our online safety is kept a top priority. Together we can put an end to ‘TikTok sextortion’!