--- title: "TikTok scams: how to spot them and stay safe | TapSafely" url: https://tapsafely.com/scams/tiktok-scams source: TapSafely description: "Is that TikTok message real? The warning signs, TikTok's real websites, how to check safely and where to report a fake." --- [Home](https://tapsafely.com/)/[Scam guides](https://tapsafely.com/scams/)/[Brand scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/brands)/ TikTok # TikTok scams: how to spot them and stay safe Scammers copy TikTok because millions of people use it. Here's how to tell a fake TikTok message from a real one, and what to do if you already clicked. By the TapSafely editorial team · Updated 16 September 2026 ## In short TikTok says it will never contact you to ask for your password, verification codes or other sensitive personal details. Official messages arrive as in-app notifications or from email addresses ending in tiktok.com, and TikTok warns that messages paying you to like or follow videos are scams. **Most common fake:** Your account will be banned unless you verify it with the code we just sent. **Safest check:** Check for the notice in your TikTok app notifications, not in a DM or text. Example · fake TikTok message · Illustrative, links disabled TikTok Support: Your account has been reported for copyright violation and will be removed in 24 hours. Submit an appeal and confirm your login here: tiktok-appeal-center[.]com/verify An example fake TikTok message with the warning signs highlighted. ## What TikTok says TikTok says it will never contact you to ask for your password, verification codes or other sensitive personal details. Official messages arrive as in-app notifications or from email addresses ending in tiktok.com, and TikTok warns that messages paying you to like or follow videos are scams. Source: [TikTok Support](https://support.tiktok.com/en/safety-hc/account-and-user-safety/avoid-fraudulent-message-attacks-on-tiktok) ## Common fake TikTok messages - Your account will be banned unless you verify it with the code we just sent - Free followers, likes, coins or gift cards on an outside website - Get paid to like and follow TikTok videos, join our group chat - Fake investment or crypto account promising big, low risk returns - Cheap in-game items or loans that need an upfront fee ## TikTok's real web addresses Genuine TikTok links and emails use these domains. Look at the part just before the first single slash: **tiktok.com** is real, but **tiktok-support-center.com** or **tiktok.com.account-check.top** are not. - **tiktok.com** - **bytedance.com** Scammers can also hide a fake link behind real-looking text. [Learn how to read a web address](https://tapsafely.com/scams/phishing-links). ## How to check a TikTok message safely 1. Check for the notice in your TikTok app notifications, not in a DM or text 2. Never share your password or a verification code, even with someone claiming to be TikTok 3. Check that emails come from an address ending in tiktok.com 4. Treat any offer to pay you for likes or follows as a scam ## How to report a fake TikTok message - Report the account or message in the TikTok app and choose Frauds and Scams (or Scam or Fraud for TikTok Shop listings). [Official details on tiktok.com](https://www.tiktok.com/safety/en/scams) - In the US, also report task and job scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. [Official details on consumer.ftc.gov](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/08/how-spot-avoid-task-scams) Also report it to the official fraud service in your country. [See the worldwide list](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed#where-to-report). ## If you clicked, paid or shared details ### Act quickly. It makes a difference. 1. If you entered card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card, and ask them to block the card. 2. If you entered a password, change it on the real TikTok website or app and turn on two-step verification. 3. Expect follow-up calls or messages pretending to help. Never share one-time codes or move money to a "safe account". 4. Report the scam, then delete the message. More help: [Task-based job scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/task-job-scams) and [what to do after a scam](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed). ## Questions people ask Does TikTok send messages asking for payment or personal details? TikTok says it will never contact you to ask for your password, verification codes or other sensitive personal details. Official messages arrive as in-app notifications or from email addresses ending in tiktok.com, and TikTok warns that messages paying you to like or follow videos are scams. How can I check if a TikTok message is real? Check for the notice in your TikTok app notifications, not in a DM or text. Never share your password or a verification code, even with someone claiming to be TikTok. Check that emails come from an address ending in tiktok.com. Treat any offer to pay you for likes or follows as a scam. How do I report a fake TikTok message? Report the account or message in the TikTok app and choose Frauds and Scams (or Scam or Fraud for TikTok Shop listings). In the US, also report task and job scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. I clicked a link in a fake TikTok message. What should I do? Don't enter anything else. If you typed card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card. If you entered a password, change it on the real website and turn on two-step verification. Then report the message and delete it. ## Official sources and further reading We check our pages against official advice from the organisations themselves and from government agencies. - [Avoid fraudulent message attacks on TikTok](https://support.tiktok.com/en/safety-hc/account-and-user-safety/avoid-fraudulent-message-attacks-on-tiktok) (TikTok Support) - [Frauds & scams](https://www.tiktok.com/safety/en/scams) (TikTok Safety Center) - [How TikTok protects our community from frauds and scams](https://newsroom.tiktok.com/how-tiktok-protects-our-community-from-frauds-and-scams?lang=en-150) (TikTok Newsroom) - [Be wary of job scams which appear to originate from TikTok](https://newsroom.tiktok.com/be-wary-of-scams?lang=en-SG) (TikTok Newsroom) ### Got a message like this? Paste the message or link Check it free ### Still unsure? Describe what happened and our AI assistant will help, in any language. Ask TapSafely ### Seen this scam? Your report helps warn people in your area. [Report it](https://tapsafely.com/report) ### Free check tools - [Link checker](https://tapsafely.com/link-checker) - [QR code checker](https://tapsafely.com/qr-code-checker) - [Screenshot checker](https://tapsafely.com/screenshot-scam-checker) - [Scam glossary](https://tapsafely.com/scam-glossary) ## Related [Guide ### Task-based job scams A recruiter offers easy remote work rating products or liking videos. Then you have to pay to unlock your earnings. 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