A new wave of scams has swept across TikTok in 2025, with scammers using fake ICE raid stories to trick viewers and steal their personal information. These scams have quickly become a viral trend, targeting people’s fears about immigration enforcement and promising fake rewards to lure victims.
In recent months, scammers have posted videos on TikTok where supposed employees from big stores like Target and Walmart claim they were fired or deported after an ICE raid. After sharing their stories, these individuals invite viewers to join feedback programs or claim gift cards by filling out online surveys. The real goal is to collect sensitive personal information, such as names, addresses, and even Social Security numbers, by directing viewers to fraudulent websites. Many of these scam videos have been removed after being exposed by online communities and the media, but new versions keep appearing. Scammers often use generic or fake accounts to avoid getting caught.
No Real Connection to ICE or Major Employers
There is no evidence that these viral TikTok videos are connected to actual ICE raids or real employment actions by companies like Target or Walmart. Official statements from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and recent scam alerts warn the public about a rise in immigration-related scams. These scams often claim that someone missed a court appearance or owes money, demanding payment through gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or cryptocurrency. ICE stresses that it never asks for payments in these ways and urges people to report any suspicious activity.
Immigration attorneys and advocacy groups have stepped up their outreach on TikTok and other platforms, teaching users how to spot and avoid immigration scams. They share tips on what to look out for and encourage people to double-check any messages or offers that seem suspicious.
Scope and Impact of the Scam
While there are no exact numbers on how many people have fallen victim to these scams, the trend has grown large enough to prompt widespread media coverage and official warnings in mid-2025. Related scams, like the “ClickTok” fake TikTok Shop scam, have copied over 15,000 websites and targeted both buyers and content creators. This shows just how big and sophisticated social media scams have become in 2025.
TikTok creators whose videos or images have been used in scam videos, such as Mia (@mama_mia016), have spoken out to clarify that they are not involved and have not experienced the events described in the fake videos. Immigration consultants and legal experts, like Amy Nguyen of Pacific Immigration, report a sharp rise in requests for legal help. Some have seen four times as many inquiries compared to 2024, as people worry about both real and fake ICE activity.
Law enforcement and consumer protection agencies continue to investigate these scams, but they stress that public awareness is key. People need to stay alert and know how to protect themselves.
How These Scams Affect Immigrant Communities
The spread of these scams has made many immigrants more anxious. Some workers have started missing work because they are afraid of ICE raids, even though the stories are fake. Others are now less likely to ask for help or report crimes, worried that they might become targets themselves. The scams take advantage of both the fear of immigration enforcement and the hope of getting money, making people more likely to fall for the tricks.
Employers and advocacy groups are being asked to share accurate information with their workers and community members. By providing the right facts, they can help stop the spread of misinformation and make people less likely to become victims.
What To Do If You’re Targeted
If you see a video or message about an ICE raid or a reward offer that asks for your personal information, follow these steps:
- Do not give out personal information or send money to anyone who contacts you out of the blue, especially if they claim to be from ICE or offer rewards for filling out surveys.
- Check if the message is real by contacting ICE directly through their official website or by speaking with a licensed immigration attorney.
- Report any suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ and to ICE’s tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423).
- Stay updated by following scam alerts from official sources, such as the ICE website and your local consumer protection office.
Expert Opinions and Community Perspectives
Cybersecurity experts warn that scammers now use advanced technology, including AI-generated content and impersonation tactics, to make their scams more believable. This makes it harder for people to tell what’s real and what’s fake. Immigration advocates say that both documented and undocumented immigrants are at risk. They stress the need for more community education and legal support.
Some experts believe that as technology gets better, these scams will only become more common. They call for social media platforms and regulators to create stronger ways to detect and stop scams before they spread.
Background and How the Trend Started
Scams that play on immigration fears are not new. However, the use of viral social media trends and AI-generated content has made them much more effective in 2024 and 2025. In the past, scammers pretended to be ICE agents or sent fake legal threats. Now, they use TikTok’s popular video format and recent news about ICE raids to make their stories seem more real.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the combination of social media and immigration fears has created a perfect storm for scammers. The site notes that the fast spread of these scams shows how important it is for both individuals and organizations to stay informed and cautious.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
Authorities and social media companies are expected to step up their efforts to monitor and remove scam content. However, scammers are quick to change their tactics, so ongoing vigilance is needed. Advocacy groups are likely to expand their educational campaigns, especially for immigrant communities and younger social media users who are more active on platforms like TikTok.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
If you think you have been targeted by a scam, do not respond or provide any information. Instead, report the incident to the proper authorities and seek help from trusted legal or advocacy organizations. Here are some helpful resources:
- ICE official website: https://www.ice.gov/
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) scam reporting: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
- ICE tip line: 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423)
- For legal help: Contact a licensed immigration attorney or a local nonprofit that supports immigrant rights.
By staying alert and sharing accurate information, communities can protect themselves from TikTok scammers and the latest ICE raid scam trend. Always double-check before sharing personal details, and remember that real government agencies will never ask for payment through gift cards or online surveys.
This Article in a Nutshell
