IMAGE: Namibia Fact Check / WhatsApp
A viral post falsely claims that TikTok is giving away data to users for 60 days to celebrate its 6th anniversary
The post (image below) was shared across social media platforms and was forwarded to Namibia Fact Check in early August.
The post states:
“Congratulations to all TikTokers, Free 30GB (All Networks) valid for 60 days in Celebration of TikTok 6th Anniversary.”
A quick online search found that the scam post was in fact not new and that other African fact checkers had already debunked the claim of free data.
In November 2022, PesaCheck debunked a different version of the claim, finding:
“PesaCheck has looked into a link being shared in WhatsApp groups offering users free 30GB for TikTok streaming and finds it to be a HOAX.”
In January 2023, South Sudanese fact checker 211Check also debunked a version of the post, finding:
“The claim that TikTok is giving away 30 GB of free data to celebrate its six years in service has been proven false by 211 Check. The links going around are not from TikTok and are malicious.”
Both fact checking organisations also indicated that no such data giveaway has been announced on the TikTok website, and Namibia Fact Check could also not locate such an announcement from TikTok
Phishing scam
This is another example of how scammers pose as a reputable entity in order to induce social media users to give up personal information.
Namibian social media users are cautioned to be vigilant and to not spread such posts or share their personal information online when they have not verified that they are dealing with reputable entities or individuals.