TikTok “Job” Scam: Beware Fake Training Fees and Money Mule Risks

Humberside Police and other UK forces are warning about a fast-spreading recruitment scam promising easy money for simple social media tasks — then charging victims for fake training.

24 October 2025

At a glance

• Too good to be true: “Like videos and earn up to £800 a day.”
• The hook: Scammers may pay a small “wage” first to build trust.
• The sting: You’re asked to pay for mandatory “training” — then receive nothing.
• Hidden danger: Some victims are drawn into money mule activity, risking bank account closure.

How the scam works

Initial contact

Unsolicited messages via SMS, WhatsApp or Telegram claim to be from TikTok HR or a legitimate recruiter, offering flexible remote work.

“Easy money” pitch

Victims are told they can earn large sums daily for simple tasks like liking or sharing videos.

Trust-building payment

Small “wages” or bonuses may be sent initially to appear genuine and keep you engaged.

Fake training fees

You’re told to pay for training or to “unlock higher tiers”. This is the real goal: to take your money.

Financial loss & laundering risk

After paying, nothing materialises. Some victims are asked to move money for others — a red flag for money mule activity that can lead to frozen or closed bank accounts.

How to protect yourself

• Be wary of unsolicited offers. Genuine recruiters don’t cold-message high-pay “like-and-earn” roles.
• Never pay to start a job. A legitimate employer won’t ask you to fund your own training.
• Verify independently. Look up the company’s official website and contact them using details you find yourself — not those in the message.
• Spot the tells. Poor spelling/grammar, pressure to act fast, requests for upfront fees or crypto payments are classic red flags.
• Report scam texts to 7726. Forwarding helps your network block malicious senders.

What to do if you’re a victim

1. Stop contact immediately. Do not send more money or information.
2. Contact your bank now. Use the number on the back of your card and explain what happened.
3. Report to Action Fraud. This helps investigators and may assist with recovery steps.
4. Secure your accounts. Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication on email and messaging apps.
5. Keep evidence. Screenshots, usernames, wallet addresses, and message histories can help investigations.

For VCSE groups: quick ways to help

• Share a simple message: “No legitimate job asks you to pay for training up front.”
• Run a five-minute “scam spotter” at youth and employment sessions — show how to verify a recruiter.
• Encourage reporting of suspicious texts to 7726 and incidents to Action Fraud.
• Offer a drop-in to review messages with community members so they learn how to assess risk themselves.

Report to Action Fraud Forward a scam text to 7726 Bottom line: If a job sounds unbelievably easy and asks you to pay first, it’s a scam. Don’t pay, don’t engage, and report it.

© 2025 – VCSE sector blog. Share with your networks to help others stay safe.