Is the TikTok Money Scam real or a scam?

This is a confirmed scam. Do not click any links, do not provide personal information, and do not send money. This is a other scam that impersonates TikTok.

What should I do if I received the TikTok Money Scam?

Do not respond or click any links. Block the sender, report the message as spam, and delete it. If it came via text message, forward it to 7726 (SPAM).

What if I already fell for the TikTok Money Scam?

Change your passwords immediately, contact your bank if you shared financial information, place a fraud alert on your credit, and file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

How do I report the TikTok Money Scam?

Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov, and your local law enforcement. If it impersonated a specific company, report it to that company as well.

TikTok Money Scam: Is It a Scam?

High Prevalence Type: Other Impersonates: TikTok

Yes, this is a scam. Do not click any links or provide personal information.

Scammers use TikTok and TikTok-themed text messages to offer fake money-making opportunities, including getting paid to watch TikTok videos, fake TikTok creator fund invitations, and investment schemes promoted through TikTok content.

How This Scam Works

You receive a text or see an ad claiming you can earn $100 to $300 per day by liking and watching TikTok videos. You are directed to a website or Telegram group to register. Initially, you complete small tasks and may receive a few dollars to build trust. Then you are asked to make a 'deposit' to unlock higher-paying tasks. The tasks and deposits escalate until you realize you cannot withdraw your money. Other versions involve fake TikTok Creator Fund invitations that phish your login credentials.

Red Flags to Watch For

Unsolicited texts about earning money watching TikTok
Any job that requires you to deposit money first
Unrealistic pay rates for simple tasks
Communication moves to Telegram or WhatsApp
Withdrawal requires additional deposits or fees

Example Scam Messages

Text: 'TikTok is hiring! Earn $200-$500/day watching and liking videos from home. No experience needed. Apply: tiktok-careers-apply.com' --- Text: 'Congratulations! You've been selected for TikTok's new Content Rating Program. Earn $50/hr rating videos. Start today: tiktok-rate.com/join' --- DM: 'We need people to boost video engagement on TikTok. Pay is $100 per task set. Interested? Join our Telegram: t.me/TikTaskPay'

What to Do If You Received This

TikTok does not hire people via random texts to watch videos
Ignore unsolicited job offers that seem too good to be true
Never deposit money for a job opportunity
Verify TikTok programs only at tiktok.com
Delete the message

What to Do If You Fell For It

Stop making deposits immediately
Contact your bank to report the transactions
Change your TikTok password if you shared credentials
Document all payments and communications
File a police report

How to Report This Scam

Report to TikTok through the app's reporting feature
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
File a complaint with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM)

Last updated: February 10, 2026