Parents and young people are being urged to be on their guard after a rise in scams offering fake “jobs” on social media.
In the past six months, North Yorkshire Police have received around 40 reports of scams linked to TikTok and Telegram, with victims as young as 15.
The fraudsters pose as TikTok HR staff, offering hundreds of pounds a day for liking or sharing posts. Victims are then directed to a WhatsApp number or suspicious link.
Once they comply, they are told to send money with the promise of a refund, which never arrives. In some cases, victims unknowingly become “money mules” by passing on payments from other victims – a criminal offence that often results in their bank accounts being closed.
Detective Inspector Janine Mitchell, of the force’s Economic Crime Unit, said:
“Not only do the victims of these scams lose money, but in some cases they also have to deal with the closure of their bank account which can compound the distress of finding out they’ve been scammed. If you come across an offer like this, please ignore it, don’t click on any links they provide and definitely don’t send them any money.
“Social media is great when it is used legitimately but unfortunately it is also used by criminals who target unsuspecting and trusting people. Please always be on your guard.”
Anyone who believes they may have fallen victim is urged to report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, online at www.actionfraud.police.uk, or to North Yorkshire Police on 101.
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