Unauthorized access is when a person gains entry to an account, computer network, system, application software, data, or other resources without the permission of the authorized user.
E-Commerce fraud refers to any type of false, illegal, or illegitimate commercial transaction conducted through the Internet. The fraudster typically impersonates a legitimate user, making purchases without valid authorization to do so. These common fraud tactics include:
- Phishing: Phishing typically involves deceptive emails, messages, or websites that appear to be from trustworthy sources such as banks, social media platforms, or online services. The goal is to make the recipient believe that the communication is legitimate so that they take action, such as clicking on a malicious link or providing confidential information.
- Malware: Short for “malicious software”, referring to any software or code designed with malicious intent to harm, exploit or gain unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, or devices. It is typically distributed through various methods including email attachments, malicious websites, software downloads from untrusted sources, or exploitation of software vulnerabilities.
Note: TikTok Shop will never send you direct messages asking you to click on links or attachments, nor ask you to provide sensitive information such as credit card numbers or personal details.
Keeping Your Account Secure
Protecting your account from bad actors is crucial to safeguard your personal information and financial security. Here are some preventative measures you can take:
- Create a secure password (at least 12 characters long and containing a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols).
- Update your TikTok Shop password (avoid using the same password across multiple websites).
- Link a phone number to your TikTok Shop.
- Turn on 2-step verification for additional security.
- Remove all unrecognized devices from having access to your account.
- Turn on login alerts so you will be notified if someone is trying to access your account.
- Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown people or suspicious sources.
- Immediately report and do not answer direct messages that ask for your password, social security number, and financial information.
- Use trusted and up-to-date antivirus software and scan your devices for malware regularly.
You can refer to the Account Safety Page for more information on setting up the following security features to prevent unauthorized access to your account.
Suspecting Unauthorized Account Activity
If you detect unauthorized activity on your account, we recommend taking the following actions to secure your account.
If you are able to log in to your TikTok Shop:
- Go into Settings and Privacy > Security > Manage devices to remove any devices that you do not recognize.
- Reset your TikTok Shop password and email address password (if associated).
- Report the incident to TikTok Shop Seller Center.
If you are unable to log in to your TikTok Shop:
- Reset the password for your email address (if associated).
- If you no longer have access to the email or phone number used to register your TikTok Shop account, contactCustomer Service.
- To prevent further unauthorized access and activity to your account, your account may be frozen as a precaution after notifying customer service. You may also be asked to upload certain documents to verify your account ownership. Once verified, you will be notified about any next steps to regain access to your account.
TikTok Shop Account Security Measures
Once TikTok Shop detects any unauthorized activities on your account, we may take protective action to your TikTok Shop to prevent further damage.
Sellers who have detected unauthorized activity in their account will have their TikTok Shop secured in accordance with ourSeller Terms of Service. If malicious activity persists, TikTok Shop assists by implementing security controls, such as the following preventative actions to your account:
- Removal ofthe unauthorized sales volume and order reviews
- Temporary suspension of listing privileges
- Temporary suspension of any promotions or subsidies offered to the seller
- Temporary or permanent suspension of the seller’s enrollment of Affiliates and other events
- Temporary or permanent suspension of access to TikTok Shop
- Withholding any balance or cancellation of any transactions associated with the seller’s account (see Section 3.2 for more details)
TikTok Shop reserves the right to provide any relevant information about the seller’s account or behavior resulting in unauthorized account activity on TikTok Shop to authorities without prior notice to the seller to assist seller victims during investigations.
Freezing of Wallet Withdrawal
The wallet withdrawal function allows a seller to withdraw their sales balance from TikTok Shop transactions. In the event of detected unauthorized account behavior, TikTok Shop or our payment services providers may freeze the compromised seller or user’s wallet withdrawal function to safeguard against potential fraudulent activity.
Once TikTok Shop has determined that the account is safe, TikTok Shop will unfreeze the wallet withdrawal function.
Appeal
If a seller believes that enforcement action was taken against them in error, they may file an appeal through the Seller Center by raising a ticket. TikTok Shop will then investigate the case and take corrective actions where applicable.
Important Note: Submitting an appeal does not guarantee a successful outcome. Appeals ensure that TikTok Shop will conduct a review of the affiliate marketing in consideration of additional materials or explanations provided by the seller.
