Question from a reader:
I fell victim to a 5000 yen scam on TikTok. Will the police take action? I have no information about the other party. What should I do?

How to Respond When You Fall Victim to a TikTok Scam

Recently, as social media has developed, our lives have become increasingly digital. Especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, while
it’s easy to obtain information and products, the risk of scams has also increased. It’s likely that the person who asked this question has fallen into one of the pitfalls of this digital age.

Psychological Impact of Being Scammed

First, let’s consider the psychological impact of being scammed. While 5000 yen may seem like a small amount at first glance, the shock of being scammed can be significant. The experience of being betrayed by someone you trusted can affect your self-esteem and sense of trust. Additionally, scams on social media often involve interactions with unseen parties, leading to feelings of loneliness and helplessness. I too have had a similar experience with an online shop. At first, I thought, “I can’t believe this happened to me,” but gradually, negative emotions like “Why did this happen?” began to overwhelm me.

How to Consult the Police

So, will the police respond to such scams? To put it simply, the police do accept reports related to scams. However, the issue is the lack of information. Even if you have no information about the other party, there’s no need to give up. It’s important to keep screenshots of your interactions on TikTok and record information about the relevant accounts. These pieces of evidence will be a great help when consulting the police.

Options for Consultation

Before actually going to the police, it’s worth considering your options for consultation. First, you can visit your nearest police station to report the scam. Additionally, consultations can also be done via phone or online. In particular, it has become easier to consult using the emergency number 110. Next, there are consumer affairs centers and consultation services specifically for internet-related troubles. These organizations often have specialized knowledge about scams and can provide concrete advice. I have also consulted a consumer affairs center in the past, and I was impressed by how attentive they were.

Gathering Evidence of the Scam

Next, it’s crucial to gather evidence of the scam. For example, take screenshots of your interactions and details of the products involved in the transaction. These will be useful when submitting to the police or consultation services. When I was scammed, I made it a point to save all relevant information immediately.

Types of Scams and Countermeasures

There are various types of scams on TikTok. For instance, cases where you purchase a product but it never arrives, or you receive a counterfeit item. Knowing the characteristics of these scams can help reduce future risks. Recently, the methods of scams have become increasingly sophisticated, so it’s important to take action as soon as you suspect something is off. I too have been told by friends, “This product is cheap, you should buy it.” However, after doing some quick research, I learned the market price for similar products and ultimately decided not to make the purchase. Gathering such information is the first step to avoiding scams.

Future Preventive Measures

Of course, after being scammed, it’s common to feel a lingering fear. However, what’s important is to learn from this experience and not repeat the same mistakes in the future. First, verify the trustworthiness of the other party before engaging in a transaction. Checking site reviews and ratings is very important. Moreover, transactions on social media require particular caution. Since the other party is anonymous, straightforward scams are prevalent. I have also created a purchasing guideline for social media transactions based on advice from friends, and I use that as a basis for my transactions.

In Conclusion

While it’s unfortunate to have fallen victim to a scam, taking action to overcome it is crucial. By consulting the police and relevant services, gathering evidence, and considering preventive measures for the future, you can gradually move forward. Through writing this blog, I hope to be of some help to others who have had similar experiences. Let’s overcome this painful experience and take the next step forward.