SHAH ALAM - In response to the growing threat of online scams, TikTok Shop and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) have rolled out the #ShopSafe tips as part of a wider awareness campaign aimed at helping Malaysians shop more safely online.
The initiative focused on educating the public on how to spot and avoid scams, particularly those that happen outside legitimate platforms.
Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali expressed optimism about the collaboration, emphasising the need to educate Malaysians on encouraged practices when shopping online, simultaneously empowering them with the right knowledge and tools to shop safe digitally.
"We have found that a large majority of reported e-commerce scams were conducted outside of legitimate online shopping platforms and apps, where bad actors redirect consumers off-platform to complete transactions, either through phone numbers, suspicious links, or direct debits.
"TikTok Shop’s dedication to championing the rights and safety of consumers is commendable and we look forward to combating online scams together," he said.
Strategic Partnerships director at TikTok Shop Malaysia Nur Azre Abdul Aziz emphasised the platform’s commitment to safety.
"Safety is our top priority at TikTok Shop. We continuously invest in people and technologies for Malaysians to enjoy worry-free and secure online shopping experiences, such as through our robust 15-Day Free Return and Refund Policies.
"In the first half of 2024, we proactively rejected 20.4 million attempted product listings and two million seller account registrations globally that did not meet our standards.
"Combatting online scams is a collaborative effort and we are immensely thankful to KPDN for their support in educating Malaysians on our #ShopSafe tips," she said.
Key #ShopSafe tips for online shoppers
In light of digital safety concerns, TikTok Shop and KPDN are urging all users to follow three essential guidelines under the #ShopSafe initiative:
1. Avoid off-platform purchases
Always conduct transactions within TikTok Shop’s official app, which includes secure payment gateways and traceable order history.
Be cautious of suspicious links and unofficial app downloads — only install TikTok apps from trusted sources like the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or TikTok’s official site.
Adhering to these practices helps users avoid common scams, including phishing, brushing scams and malware attacks.
2. Never share sensitive personal information
Never share sensitive data such as passwords, TACs, or bank card details, especially with individuals posing as TikTok Shop staff or government officials.
TikTok Shop will never request personal information via direct messages or phone calls.
Users are encouraged to enable two-step verification on their TikTok accounts for added protection.
3. Report violative behaviours
If users encounter questionable products or sellers, they are advised to use TikTok Shop’s in-app reporting feature available on all product pages.
Customers can also seek support through TikTok Shop’s Help Centre, with access to live agents for order-related enquiries.
TikTok Shop enforces a 15-Day Free Return and Refund Policy to assist with after-sales issues and remains firm in its zero-tolerance stance on fraudulent activity.
Both TikTok Shop and KPDN stressed that staying safe online required vigilance and public participation.
Through ongoing education, consumer empowerment and responsible platform governance, the #ShopSafe initiative aimed to build a more secure digital marketplace for Malaysians.
For more information, visit the TikTok Shop Malaysia webite via https://www.tiktok.com/@tiktokshop_my.