Fact-check: TikTok’s free 30GB for its sixth anniversary is a hoax

A WhatsApp message claiming that TikTok is offering free 30GB for all networks as part of its sixth-anniversary celebration is a scam unrelated to TikTok.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A WhatsApp message being widely forwarded in groups claiming that TikTok is giving away 30GB of free data to all networks is a scam.

“Congratulations to all TikTokers, Free 30GB (All networks) valid for 60 days in Celebration of TikTok’s 6th Anniversary. I Have Received Mine,” the WhatsApp message reads. 

The screenshot of the WhatsApp message

When a user clicks on the link, the Uniform Resource Locator (URL), it directs him or her to the “CLICK HERE” button where it provides a dialogue bar to insert a phone number to qualify and activate a free 30GB data plan for two months.

The screenshot of the webpage “Click Here”

The screenshot of where it asks the users to enter their phone number.

After entering a phone number, a website page appears with a congratulatory message to a user, claiming that the number is qualified for a free 30GB data plan valid for two months. 

Besides, for a user to receive the free offer, the claim directs a user to click the “WhatsApp” button while conditioning a user to share the information with 12 friends or groups on WhatsApp, before the data bundle plan is received within five minutes.

The screenshot of the webpages of the fake website.

If a user successfully finishes sharing the information with 12 friends or groups, it then prompts the user to click “VERIFY NOW.”

The screenshot of the fake web page interface.

Claim Verification:

A Google keyword search for “Free 30GB TikTok offer for all networks” returned a similar claim which was fact-checked and proved to be a hoax. 

A Whois domain lookup reveals that the website was registered on September 4th, 2023, with an expiration date of August 4th, 2025.

The screenshot of the claim website’s whois domain

However, the TikTok  website Whois domain lookup shows that it was registered on July 21st, 1996 with an expiration date of July 20th, 2025

The screenshot of the TikTok Whois domain lookup.

211 Check analysed the claim URL using the Virus Total tool and revealed that it is phishing and malware.

Conclusion:

211 Check found that a WhatsApp message claiming that TikTok is offering free 30GB is a hoax. The website URL provided in the WhatsApp message is not related to TikTok since the Whois lookup data is different. 

The claim is a phishing scam intended to trick users into gathering their personal information like contact details.

The claim is a long-running hoax that keeps resurfacing online. It has been doing rounds for about four years since at least 2021, and 211 Check earlier debunked here and PesaCheck here.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter