Reddit Scam Pattern
Fake free-item and TikTok Shop product fraud
3 reports · first seen 13 July 2026 · last seen 14 July 2026
Scammers advertise free or discounted goods on social media platforms, collecting shipping fees or full payment while delivering nothing or a substitute item. Dispute resolution through the platform is typically ineffective.
How the scam works
Social media listings for free or discounted goods requiring upfront shipping fees, with non-delivery or item substitution on fulfilment.
Brands impersonated
Member posts on Reddit (3)
- I got scammed trying to buy my grandson a birthday gift.
A grandmother paid shipping costs for a 'free' compound bow advertised on TikTok and received neither the item nor a refund.
reddit · 13 July 2026 · shopping_scam
- [CA] free macbook on tumblr?
A person found a Tumblr post offering a free MacBook Pro requiring only a shipping fee payment, a likely shipping-fee advance fraud.
reddit · 13 July 2026 · shopping_scam
- TikTok shop scam, dispute denied
A buyer paid $4,300 for a specific Panerai watch during a TikTok live sale but received a different model, with the seller and TikTok both refusing to resolve the dispute.
reddit · 12 July 2026 · shopping_scam