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| TikTok auction fraud |
Like everyone else, I am a TikTok lover. I would find myself invested every minute in the content. There is this day, I saw a designer dress as perfect as the one I screenshot on phone for later when I become rich. But then here is my dress, at a cheaper price, and I don't have to incur shipping charges from abroad. I am super excited. I went ahead and contacted the seller and was then referred to WhatsApp for further communication. The seller offers me the payment method. I make the payment, and the seller confirms the money and promises to deliver it within two days. Days turn to weeks, weeks to months, and there is no delivery, and the seller has blocked me. Have you or your friend faced a similar situation?
TikTok triggered the emergence of different social media platforms, which offer a great opportunity to purchase and sell through online auctions. Nevertheless, there is also a risk of becoming caught by auction fraud. Given TikTok's growing reputation as an e-commerce platform, there are certain things that one should know about cybercrime in online auctions.
Users can guard against fraudulent practices and have a good experience while bidding in online auctions if they know how to recognize and avoid any typical scams.
What is Online Auction Fraud?
Online auction fraud is a form of cybercrime where individuals are tricked into purchasing fake or non-existent goods through online bidding sites or social media platforms. Scammers often use enticing photos and descriptions to attract potential buyers, only to disappear once the payment is made, leaving the victim empty-handed.
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Recognize common scams
The lure of scammers often comes from the prices that are way below market. If it is too good to be true, it is. Beware of high-end products like electronics and designer items being sold for a fraction of their worth. Be cautious of sellers who cannot give any additional information about the product or show its photographs.
Most scammers use accounts with no proper information or history at all. Some even stoop as low as providing stock photos from online that do not match what they are selling.
Fake followers may be used by scammers so as to create an illusion of credibility. Check the followers' profiles for authenticity tests. Watch out for over-positive reviews, those that look similar to other items under review and get repeated many times over various items. Be cautious of sellers directing you to third-party websites or links to complete the transaction.
Scammer's communication can sometimes be inconsistent or vague. Research for signs such as evading particular queries from these vendors and unclear information given or provided by them. Ask for evidence of ownership, such as sales receipts and certificates, especially on valuable objects. Read ratings from other individuals, make sure that payment options are secure, and trust your gut feelings if you are in doubt about anything.
Applications Cases
A bid of online TikTok auctions offers a good way for people
to find and purchase unique items without having to leave their homes. Many
people can access the mobile-based platform of TikTok, thus making it easier
for them to buy goods through auction at any given time.
Direct contact between buyers and sellers is made possible
through features such as comments, live streams, and direct messages on TikTok.
Through this form of communication, a buyer can ask queries about the products
or demand more photos or videos from the seller before landing on a purchase
decision.
TikTok auction hosts often exploit their followings and communities for social proofing. When there have been prior positive interactions, testimonials, or reviews from past customers, it is likely that trust would be built up, resulting in credibility that would eventually allow new shoppers to feel more assured about engaging in purchases.
Related Concepts
These principles of avoiding TikTok auction fraud apply to
other platforms like Facebook and real-time business. People can protect
themselves from scams and make wise decisions when buying or selling
commodities over the internet after they understand some common online auction
frauds together with red flags.
Limitations
There will always be scammers who are going to come up with
new tactics for defrauding users despite the ongoing campaign against auction fraud
on these platforms.
Dont be a victim. Share with your friends, and let's expose these criminals.
Reference
Aleem, A., & Antwi-Boasiako,
A. (2011). Internet auction fraud: The evolving nature of online auctions
criminality and the mitigating framework to address the threat. International Journal of Law, Crime and Justice, 39(3), 140-160.
Febriandika, N. R.,
Nurzaman, J., & Arkiang, M. R. A. (2022). Potential fraud on online auction
business via Instagram: Overview of Islamic law and Indonesian statutory law. Varia Justicia, 18(1), 1-17.
Scatton, S. (2023). TikTok
Risk or Threat? Competing narratives about risk and threats in the US case.
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