Parents and young people are being urged to stay vigilant following a surge in social media scams offering fake job opportunities in exchange for likes and shares, reports BBC.
North Yorkshire Police said it has received 40 reports in the past six months related to this type of online fraud, which primarily targets teenagers. The youngest known victim so far was just 15 years old.
The scams typically involve posts or direct messages on platforms like TikTok and Telegram, where fraudsters pose as members of TikTok’s Human Resources team. Victims are promised hundreds of pounds for liking or sharing content but are later directed to a WhatsApp number or suspicious link. Once contact is made, the scammers request an upfront payment with the false promise of a refund or future earnings — which never arrive.
“If you come across an offer like this, please ignore it. Don’t click on any links, and absolutely do not send any money,” warned Detective Inspector Janine Mitchell of North Yorkshire Police.
She explained that the scam plays on young people’s familiarity with influencer culture and the perception that it's easy to make money online.
“Young people are very social media savvy. They see influencers earning money and may believe these offers are legitimate, especially if they appear to come from TikTok,” she added.
Police say the scam may be linked to wider "money mule" networks — schemes where individuals are tricked into transferring or laundering money for criminals, which is a criminal offence itself. Victims may also face consequences such as bank account closures or difficulties accessing financial services in the future.
“Social media is a powerful tool when used safely, but unfortunately, it’s also a hunting ground for criminals targeting the trusting and unsuspecting,” Det Insp Mitchell said. “Please always be on your guard.”
Authorities are encouraging parents to talk with their children about online risks and to report suspicious activity to Action Fraud or their local police force.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
