Online scam uses fake ICE raids at Target and Walmart to steal personal data

A new online scam is exploiting fears surrounding immigration raids.

If your “For You” page on TikTok has recently shown videos of alleged former Target or Walmart employees claiming they were fired—or even deported—by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), it’s a scam.

These viral clips, which often rack up millions of views, typically feature young people in retail uniforms and carry clickbait captions like “ICE deportations at Target” and “Fired from Walmart.” Others make similar claims about popular chains like Taco Bell, Lululemon, McDonald’s, and Crumbl Cookies.

However, a recent investigation by the Daily Dot revealed that these videos are part of a coordinated effort to harvest users’ personal data.

One post reads: “Target really had ICE waiting after my shift. They just fired me like I was nothing.” The post continues: “So here’s everything I wasn’t supposed to say.”

What are the supposed “secrets” these accounts are exposing? Many feature bizarre or nonsensical claims. One video says: “We’re forced to listen to Walmart Radio every shift. Most of us hide our AirPods, but if you get caught, you’re in big trouble. Everyone knows about the ‘Walmart Groove.’ Look it up.”

If you’re confused, that’s the point. The Daily Dot suggests these may be AI-generated hallucinations, possibly inspired by the “Walmart Shuffle,” a song commissioned by Walmart in 2019.

The scam doesn’t stop at fabricated stories; it also involves stolen identities. Creator @mama_mia016, who regularly films her real-life shifts at Target, confirmed to the Daily Dot that she’s still employed and not behind the viral video using her likeness.

Upon closer inspection, many of these videos include voice-overs or captions promoting “free products,” “discounts,” or “gift cards” in exchange for completing a “customer survey” on a separate website.

This is a classic phishing scam. The goal is to extract personal data—email addresses, phone numbers, home addresses, even payment information—often under the pretense of charging “shipping fees.” Victims rarely receive the promised rewards and may instead face identity theft or unauthorized charges.

There’s no evidence to support the employment or deportation claims. Major retailers like Target and Walmart have issued no statements indicating mass firings or collaboration with ICE.

By playing on fears about immigration enforcement, scammers are baiting concerned users with alarming viral content. While TikTok has removed many of the flagged links since the Daily Dot’s report, new ones continue to appear. (Fast Company has reached out to TikTok for comment.)

If you encounter one of these scams, do not engage and do not click on any links. Report the account, and keep scrolling.

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