Santander has issued an urgent warning to its customers about a sophisticated new scam operating on TikTok that has already led to significant financial losses. The fraud, which preys on people looking to make extra money, involves criminals offering cash in exchange for simple tasks like liking videos.
How the TikTok 'Task' Scam Works
The banking giant has released examples of messages used by the fraudsters. Typically, potential victims are approached via social media or messaging platforms with an offer that seems too good to refuse: easy money for minimal effort, such as liking content on TikTok.
Between October and December 2025, over £95,000 was stolen from Santander customers by scammers using this 'task' method. Alarmingly, the bank reports that a third of these losses came from customers who were specifically recruited to like videos on the popular video-sharing platform.
Young Adults Most at Risk
Santander's analysis reveals a clear demographic target for this fraud. Customers aged between 20 and 25 were identified as the most vulnerable group to this particular scam.
Chris Ainsley, Head of Fraud Strategy at Santander, linked the timing to financial pressures. "January payday still feels a long way off for many, as the costs of Christmas start to roll in," he said. "Others use this time to re-evaluate their finances and start saving for the year ahead. Looking for ways to make some extra cash provides scammers with an opportunity to pounce."
Protecting Yourself from Social Media Fraud
Ainsley urged the public to be extremely cautious. "Be wary of any jobs that seem too good to be true, promising returns for simply 'liking' social media content," he advised. He emphasised that any request for an up-front fee to take on a job should be treated as an immediate red flag and a likely scam, even if someone has earned small amounts from similar clicks in the past.
The bank has provided clear instructions for customers who encounter suspicious activity:
- If you spot suspicious contact on a messaging service or social media platform impersonating a company or individual, inform the legitimate organisation.
- If the scam impersonates Santander or its staff, take screenshots of the messages and send them to reportphishing@gruposantander.com.
- Suspicious emails can also be forwarded to the same address for investigation.
The key message from Santander is to start the new year with heightened alertness. In an era where side hustles are popular, criminals are crafting increasingly convincing schemes to exploit financial ambition and vulnerability.
