RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Online shopping has added another outlet — the popular app TikTok.
Because it offers not only in-app shopping but also live shopping too, it hasn’t taken scammers long to adapt to this latest social media trend.
With over 1 billion users worldwide, TikTok offers major brands and individual entrepreneurs a vast electronic marketplace in which to sell their wares.
“Forty-nine percent of TikTok users say they purchased something they saw on the app,” said Nick Hill of the Better Business Bureau of Eastern North Carolina, which offers a variety of suggestions to help you navigate the TikTok shopping experience.
Like many social media apps, TikTok is growing — moving from just a diversionary presenter of music and dance videos into all kinds of content with the shopping component offering lucrative profits for sellers — both legit and shady.
However, because of the speed of TikTok’s presentation, it doesn’t allow for a lot of product examination which makes it an easier place for scammers to hide.
Hill says potential buyers using the app need to take precautions to prevent being scammed.
“When shopping on TikTok we recommend you do some research before making a purchase,” said Hill.
That means leaving the app and doing an internet search for reviews and other related evaluations.
“Include terms like scam or complaint with the name of the product you see on TikTok to see if there’s a…
