Fraudulent accounts imitate popular sellers to scam their followers. Find out how to identify these profiles, protect your online shop and report these scams to the CNIN (plaintes@cnin.bj).
Active alert: this scam has been running since early June 2026. It mainly targets women who sell cosmetics, food or textiles via TikTok and WhatsApp in Benin, Togo and Côte d’Ivoire.
How does this scam work?
Scammers create TikTok accounts that identically imitate well-known, trusted online shops. They copy the product photos, the logo, the description and even the phone number displayed — changing it slightly. They then contact the real shop’s followers to offer them exceptional deals with a very short deadline to act. The victim pays via Mobile Money thinking she is ordering from the shop she knows. She never receives her order, and the fake account disappears shortly after.
What are the signs that should alert you?
- A very recent TikTok account (created less than a week ago) that looks like a well-known shop.
- A promotional offer with a very limited duration (“24 hours only”, “sold out tonight”).
- A Mobile Money number different from the one the shop usually uses.
- An account that contacts you first by private message with an unsolicited offer.
- Comments turned off or filtered on posts.
- A very low number of followers despite recent posts and polished content.
“I lost 15,000 FCFA thinking I was ordering from a shop I had been following for a year. In reality, it was a fake profile with the same photos.” — D., 26, Cotonou (anonymised testimonial)
How to check that a seller’s account is genuine?
- Check when the account was created. A very recent account with lots of followers is suspicious.
- Compare the contact numbers. Before paying, call the number displayed and compare it with the one from your previous purchases.
- Look for the verification badge and a consistent presence across several platforms.
- Read the recent comments. If comments are turned off or you see negative reviews, be wary.
- Contact the official shop directly if in doubt.
If you have already been a victim: what to do?
- Report the fraudulent account directly on TikTok and to your Mobile Money operator.
- Gather the evidence: screenshots, payment receipt, name of the fake account.
- Write to the CNIN (plaintes@cnin.bj) to file an official complaint.
- Warn your loved ones by sharing screenshots of the fake account.
How to protect your online shop?
- Add a visible watermark to all your product photos.
- Regularly post stories and live videos to prove you are genuine.
- Immediately report any fake profile imitating you and inform your community.
- Create a code or keyword that your regular customers can use to check that they are really ordering from you.
Important reminder: never pay via Mobile Money without checking the seller’s identity. A real shop will never pressure you to pay within the hour.