“TikTok Banned in the US? People Are Selling Phones with the App for Crazy Prices – But Is It Safe?”

Following the TikTok ban in the US, some people are cashing in by selling phones and tablets with the app already installed. According to the BBC, these devices are being listed for sky-high prices online, with some sellers asking for as much as $50,000! But experts warn this could be a security nightmare waiting to happen.

Here’s the deal: TikTok is technically banned in the US after a new law took effect on January 19. While President Trump gave the app a 75-day extension, the ban hasn’t been lifted. This means app stores like Apple and Google can’t offer TikTok for download. If you already have it, you can still use it, but if you don’t, you’re out of luck—unless you buy a used device with TikTok preinstalled.

This has created a strange new market. On platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace, people are selling old phones with TikTok installed, often for ridiculous amounts. One seller told the BBC they’re asking $50,000 for a Samsung Galaxy Note9 (a phone that normally sells for around $250). Another seller listed an old iPhone for the same price, saying, “I did it to see if I get lucky.”

While some devices are selling for high prices, most are going for a few hundred dollars, depending on the model. But here’s the catch: buying a used phone from a stranger can be risky. Ryan McGrady, a computer scientist, warns that these devices could be loaded with malware or viruses. “It’s a bad actor’s dream to sell someone a phone they’ll use all day without wiping it first,” he told the BBC.

This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. Remember Flappy Bird? When that game was removed from app stores in 2014, people started selling phones with it installed, and many ended up with malware. Experts fear the same could happen now with TikTok.

The US government banned TikTok over concerns about its Chinese ownership, worrying that user data could be harvested or content manipulated. But for many Americans, TikTok is more than just an app—it’s a way to connect, create, and share. This desperation is driving people to take risks, like buying overpriced phones or trying shady workarounds like VPNs and jailbreaking.

The good news? TikTok might not be gone forever. President Trump mentioned that Microsoft and other companies are in talks to buy the app, which could save it. But until then, think twice before spending thousands on a used phone just to get TikTok. As the BBC reports, it’s not just about the money—it’s about your digital safety.

Why This Matters:
This story shows how far people will go to keep using their favorite apps, even if it means risking their security. It’s a reminder to stay cautious online and think carefully before making big purchases, especially when emotions are involved.

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Credit to the BBC for shedding light on this unusual trend and the risks behind it.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250131-for-sale-an-iphone-with-tiktok-installed

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