Fake social media jobs are tricking teens into scams posing as opportunities on platforms like TikTok. How deep does this digital deception go?
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| Teens as young as 15 are being lured into fake social media jobs. Police warn these scams may be linked to global money laundering networks. Image: CH |
NORTH YORKSHIRE, England — September 8, 2025:
A growing wave of social media scams targeting teenagers has sparked concern among law enforcement and cybercrime experts — with fake "job offers" turning trusted platforms into traps for the young and unsuspecting.
In North Yorkshire, England, police have issued a public warning following 40 reported cases of social media fraud in the past six months. These scams promise quick cash — often several hundred pounds — simply for liking or sharing content, a seemingly innocent task that has led to financial loss and deeper involvement in potentially criminal activities.
The youngest known victim is just 15 years old.
What makes these scams so insidious is how well they exploit the mindset of digital-native teens. Detective Inspector Janine Mitchell of North Yorkshire Police explained that fraudsters often pose as members of TikTok’s HR team, contacting victims via apps like Telegram or WhatsApp.
“Young people are very social media savvy,” said DI Mitchell. “They see influencers making money online, so when a scammer offers them a similar chance, it seems believable.”
Victims are often directed to click on unfamiliar links or contact WhatsApp numbers where they are then asked to send money — usually with the false assurance that it will be refunded or needed to "unlock" earnings. But no money is returned, and the promised rewards never arrive.
While the amounts lost in each case may seem relatively small, the wider implications are far more serious. Police say these scams can be tied to so-called "money mule" networks — international crime operations that trick individuals into laundering money on behalf of fraud rings. Being caught as a money mule, even unknowingly, is a criminal offence and may result in lasting financial and legal consequences, including the closure of victims’ bank accounts.
This pattern mirrors a troubling global trend: the use of legitimate digital spaces — TikTok, Telegram, WhatsApp — as vectors for fraudulent activity. These platforms, while revolutionary in communication and content creation, are becoming increasingly exploited by organized cybercriminals. And teens, often trusting and eager for independence, are a prime target.
DI Mitchell urged parents to discuss online safety openly and frequently with their children, emphasizing skepticism toward any offer that promises money for minimal effort — particularly if it involves clicking unknown links or transferring funds.
“Social media is a great tool when used safely, but criminals are using it to exploit trust,” she said. “Please, always be on your guard.”
The rise in such scams also raises urgent questions about the responsibility of tech companies in monitoring fraud, the need for more robust digital literacy in schools, and the speed at which cybercrime is evolving.
As the digital economy grows, so too do its dangers. And for many young people, the cost of a single click may be far greater than they ever imagined.