Fraudsters are exploiting the cost-of-living crisis by targeting vulnerable jobseekers with fake employment offers advertised on TikTok, before moving conversations to WhatsApp to demand upfront payments.
The scam, which has surged in recent months, promises high-paying roles with minimal effort—such as "£500 per day for simple tasks"—to entice victims. Once contact is established, victims are pressured into paying for "training" or "admin fees" via untraceable methods.
How the Scam Works
- Fraudulent ads appear on TikTok, directing users to WhatsApp.
- Scammers impersonate recruiters from genuine companies.
- Victims are asked to pay fees for "equipment" or "background checks."
- Payments are made, but the job never materializes.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Too-good-to-be-true salaries (e.g., £500/day for data entry).
- Requests for upfront payments via cryptocurrency or gift cards.
- Pressure to act immediately with threats of "limited vacancies."
Action Fraud reports a 300% increase in such scams since 2022. Experts advise verifying job offers through official company channels and never sharing bank details prematurely.
