A new study reveals a rise in fraudulent job offers targeting teenagers via text messages. Scammers are impersonating TikTok employees, offering unrealistic earnings for liking videos.
A recent study has revealed a worrying surge in fraudulent job offers targeting teenagers via text messages . Scammers are posing as TikTok employees, luring young people with promises of earning up to £800 per day simply for liking videos on the platform. This alarming trend, uncovered by Virgin Media and O2 research, highlights a concerning lack of awareness among youths aged 13 to 16 about the potential for criminals to impersonate legitimate brands they trust.
Over the past month, Virgin Media O2 has observed a significant increase in these deceptive text messages. The bogus communications tempt individuals with the prospect of making substantial income by engaging with TikTok content. One example reads: '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.' The message further encourages potential victims: 'We are waiting for you and look forward to working with you. Please contact us as soon as possible to get job details.'Murray Mackenzie, Fraud Prevention Director at Virgin Media O2, shed light on the motivations behind these scams. He stated, 'It's very much driven by that dual feature of scammers knowing that teenagers are interested in TikTok at the moment and the opportunity to have some income as well.' Mackenzie added, 'Teenagers are not able to gamble, they're not able to bet and therefore the chance of winning a prize and having cash at hand is something they are quite likely to interact with.' He also pointed out that teenagers tend to place multiple orders online, making them susceptible to phishing attempts disguised as missed parcel updates or delivery notifications. The study's findings come ahead of Safer Internet Day, which takes place on 11 February
TEENAGERS SCAMS TEXT MESSAGES FRAUD TIKTOK
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