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Warning over FAKE TikTok links ‘going viral on WhatsApp’ that let hackers spy on your phone

WHATSAPP is reportedly being used to spread dangerous fake TikTok links that could leave you susceptible to hackers.

A new report has warned that some TikTok links being circulated via SMS and WhatsApp actually contain malware.

TikTok is one of the most popular apps in existence
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TikTok is one of the most popular apps in existenceCredit: Alamy

India-based cybercrime office Maharashtra Cyber has reportedly released a warning about fake links to the popular social media app.

It claims crooks have been creating fake TikTok links that contain malware which can steal data if you click on them.

Scams like this are easy to fall for because apps like TikTok are well-known so some people wouldn't hesitate to open a link which seems familiar.

To avoid this kind of scam there are a few things you can try.

Be wary of WhatsApp messages sent from people you don't know
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Be wary of WhatsApp messages sent from people you don't knowCredit: Alamy

Avoid opening links sent to you in a message from someone you don't know.

You should check the URL of a link you're unsure of for any spelling mistakes or irregularities.

Hackers try and make their links look as real as possible but they'll always be slightly different from the real deal.

If it's a TikTok website link then it should say www.tiktok.com.

TIKTOK: A BRIEF GUIDE TO THE WORLD'S MOST DOWNLOADED APP

TikTok lets users create and share short videos with music and camera effects.

It is owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, founded by the entrepreneur Zhang Yiming.

The $75 billion conglomerate acquired the Musical.ly app in 2017 and merged it with TikTok, bringing millions of new users.

It is the world’s most downloaded iPhone app – with nearly 800 million downloads across the globe, according to data from mobile research firm Sensor Tower.

Facebook has taken notice of TikTok's rising popularity, and launched a competitor app called Lasso in November last year.

This 60-second TikTok hack makes your face mask BETTER at protecting against coronavirus

In other news, Facebook is testing a new feature that would effectively merge WhatsApp with Facebook Messenger, according to reports.

Instagram will soon recommend accounts you should block as part of a new update, according to reports.

And, a porn pirate who “stole nearly a dozen adult videos" has been caught by a genius “fingerprinting” system.

Are you a big TikTok fan? Let us know in the comments...

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