TikTok Shop deals can look very enticing but may be too good to be true, warn experts
You pause. It seems a bit strange. As the old saying goes, if something looks too good to be true, it probably is.
TikTok, now one of the biggest social media platforms in the world, has turned into something resembling a modern-day QVC. Accidentally click on one ad and, like magic, you're served dozens more videos of the same product. With the introduction of TikTok Shop, the app's popularity has skyrocketed thanks to the promise of affordability and accessibility — but this doesn't come without risks.
A recent study by market research company GWI revealed that 58% of TikTok users now shop directly through the app, putting a huge number of people at risk of scams.
Fraudulent third-party sellers have increasingly been attracted to the platform's marketplace, and younger users are especially vulnerable. With TikTok's largest demographic being those aged 10–19, concerns are growing about their ability to identify potential scams.
TikTok Shop is filled with products advertised at shockingly low prices, many of which could be too good to be true. Online casino 1000 Mines recently identified five key ways shoppers can avoid being ripped off.
They advise sticking to verified sellers, being wary of 'too good to be true' ads, understanding TikTok's protections and payment options, avoiding high-risk products, and researching prices while trusting your instincts.
While TikTok claims to vet sellers and offers some buyer protections, the platform ultimately does not take responsibility for individual sales, leaving shoppers largely on their own. A recent recall of the Jia Le Xin 3 Socket USB Hub sold on TikTok due to a serious risk of electric shock highlights the potential dangers of purchasing certain products through the platform.
Speaking on the risks of TikTok Shop, a spokesperson from 1000 Mines said:
'TikTok is a very user-friendly platform, to the point where it is relatively easy for anyone to pose as a seller and scam people. TikTok does have protections and regulations in place, but it's still possible for fraudulent sellers to slip through the cracks
'Staying vigilant and conducting thorough research are the most important things users can do when making a purchase on TikTok Shop. These can be easy traps to fall into, so be as certain as possible that you know where your money is going and what product you will be receiving.'
Ultimately, if a deal on TikTok Shop feels too good to be true, it probably is.
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Jordan, who is appearing in Channel 4 's Secrets of TikTok Shop, first considered joining the app to make money in 2020, after a friend who'd been furloughed during lockdown told her how much money they'd been making from it. The Kent-based mum, 33, was initially a little sceptical about if she'd be able to do the same, as she didn't really use social media like Instagram or Facebook, nevermind TikTok. 'At first, it was really awkward making the videos,' she said. 'In the first week, I felt uncomfortable talking to the camera, and I was focusing on that rather than who I though might be watching the content. 'After a bit, you just forget about it. Once I got my first sale, I was like, 'This is all worth it, so worth putting the time and effort in.' 'I do look back at my old videos now and think, 'Wow that's different'. I've just learnt what works and what doesn't.' Jordan's account, jordanpayne25, focuses on family life, as she has two boys aged one and three with husband Lance, 36. 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