TikTok scams have become more frequent following the launch of the TikTok Shop

Posted on February 6, 2024

*Jessica Tharp with the Better Business Bureau said the younger generation is more likely to fall victim to a social media scam. (WJBC file photo)*

PEORIA – The Better Business Bureau is warning TikTok users and parents of potential scams with the new TikTok shop.

The TikTok shop is an online shop through the TikTok app that launched in September 2023.

The Better Business Bureau reports that 48% of TikTok users have made purchases through the app.

Jessica Tharp with the Better Business Bureau said the younger generation is more likely to fall victim to a social media scam.

“Online shopping scams aren’t necessarily new,” Tharp said. “They’ve just kind of migrated over the years, buying just from nice-looking websites to then Facebook to Instagram, and now here we are with TikTok. And what we’ve also seen over the years is a tolerance of risk-taking, whereas, older generations tend to research things thoroughly and younger generations are willing to take the risk. The number one red flag is if it sounds too good to be true, it still is.”

She said the best way to be safe is to make sure the seller is from the United States and to do research on the product before purchasing.

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