TikTok's Efforts to Combat Cybercrime and Fraud

TikTok is dedicated to creating a positive and safe environment for our global community. We strive to make TikTok a welcoming platform for everyone, and we have a zero-tolerance policy for cybercriminals.

Cybercrime takes various forms and affects people worldwide. Cybercriminals constantly adapt and refine their techniques, from social engineering to email phishing and fake websites. In support of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and as part of our ongoing #BeCyberSmart campaign with the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), we are participating in International Fraud Awareness Week. Throughout the week, we will feature industry experts such as the Identity Theft Resource Center, Brett Johnson (known as the "Original Internet Godfather"), Karisse Hendrick (host of the Fraudology podcast), Ian Mitchell from The Knoble, and Frank McKenna (also known as Frank on Fraud). Our goal is to highlight ways to identify scams, verify suspicious activity, and report potential criminals to the appropriate authorities.

Brett Johnson emphasizes the importance of collaboration among the good guys to combat online fraud. He believes that engaging people on platforms like TikTok is the most effective way to raise awareness and protect each other.

Frank McKenna acknowledges that TikTok moves at the speed of culture, and fraudsters move just as fast. He emphasizes the need for platforms like TikTok to promote conversations about investing in best practices, technologies, and training to prevent fraud.

Ian Mitchell, the founder of The Knoble, a non-profit global network of experts fighting human crime, believes that TikTok can make a positive impact by equipping people worldwide with the necessary information, training, and tools to stay safe online.

To promote fraud awareness and education, we encourage creators and brands to participate in #FraudAwarenessWeek and take important steps to #BeCyberSmart. Here are some tips we recommend:

Protect: Keep your connected devices updated with the latest software, use a VPN for added security, and enable two-step verification for your accounts.
Prevent: Be cautious of social engineering attempts where fraudsters pose as customer service representatives to gain access to your device, account, or profile. They may install malware to steal your passwords, identity, and financial information.
Verify: If you receive an enticing offer from an unsolicited phone call, text, or pop-up message, verify its legitimacy by visiting the actual company's website. Look out for incorrect spelling or grammar, as scammers may claim to work for government agencies without a ".gov" email address.
Monitor: Continuously monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity and set up automatic alerts for transaction details. Regularly check your credit reports and change passwords if your information has been part of a breach.
Slow down: Be cautious of unique or time-sensitive investment opportunities and urgent expenses. Beware of requests to move communications to encrypted messaging platforms and avoid sharing personal identification documents or sensitive information.
Stop: If something seems suspicious or merchants request more data than you're comfortable sharing, cancel the transaction. Be wary of unusual payment methods like cryptocurrency or prepaid debit cards.

We also invite everyone to join the #LearnOnTikTok LIVE stream tonight at 5pm PT / 8pm ET, where comedian @Alex_Falcone will discuss how to avoid falling victim to fraud with tech creator @mryeester.

Lisa Plaggemier, Interim Executive Director at the National Cyber Security Alliance, appreciates TikTok's efforts to raise awareness and educate people on spotting and avoiding scams and cybercrime, especially during the holiday season when malicious activity tends to increase.

TikTok's digital crimes and converged security operations play a crucial role in fighting cybercrime. We collaborate with organizations like INTERPOL, Europol, UN agencies, and other private-public partnerships to exchange information and intelligence, making the digital world more secure.

Karisse Hendrick believes that by sharing more information with the global community through TikTok, we can contribute to a safer online world.

In addition to developing new technologies and intelligent automation, we prioritize continuous training and development for our teams. Our global security organization works closely with content moderation teams worldwide to stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape.

Eva Velasquez, President/CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, emphasizes that fighting fraud and practicing good cyber hygiene is a shared responsibility. By sharing information, we increase awareness and provide people with the tools they need to protect themselves from cyber thieves.

If you encounter suspicious activity on TikTok, report it to our Safety Center. For fraud, scams, and bad business practices, report to the appropriate authorities such as the Federal Trade Commission, FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), IRS taxpayer guide to identity theft (US), and Action Fraud (UK). You can also find information from the Identity Theft Resource Center. Follow @TikTokTips to learn more and join our campaign to always #BeCyberSmart.