People Who Tried TikTok’s Viral ‘Free Money Glitch’ Are Facing Fraud Charges
Recently, a TikTok trend claimed to show a way to get free money from Chase Bank ATMs. The so-called “glitch” encouraged people to deposit a check for money they didn’t actually have, then withdraw a smaller amount before the check cleared. However, this is not a harmless trick—it’s fraud, and Chase Bank is now reporting those who tried it to the authorities.
A Chase spokesperson confirmed, “Depositing a fraudulent check and withdrawing the funds is fraud, plain and simple.” TikTok videos about this “glitch” have gone viral, attracting tens of millions of views, with some participants even showing off the money they supposedly gained. But those who tried the scam are now facing the consequences, including frozen bank accounts and police reports.
How the “Free Money Glitch” Fooled People
One viral video shows a young woman explaining to her mom that people were supposedly getting $40,000 to $50,000 without consequences, claiming it was just a glitch. Her mother was skeptical, fearing her bank account could be closed. The daughter insisted it wouldn’t happen since “it’s just a glitch.”
Unfortunately, those involved in the scam misunderstood the seriousness of the situation. Many thought it was a loophole, but in reality, it’s check fraud—a criminal act. Chase Bank has frozen multiple accounts and is handing over evidence to law enforcement, including security footage.
The Fallout From the ATM Scam
While some believed they could get away with it, the narrative around the ATM scam has shifted. Now, many videos on TikTok are mocking those who fell for the so-called glitch. A user on X (formerly Twitter) even joked, “Only TikTok would turn grand larceny into a ‘life hack’ and call check fraud a ‘glitch.’”
Authorities like the U.S. Postal Inspection Service have also taken notice, warning that check fraud is a serious crime. They recently tweeted, “Don’t believe the TikTok trend, check fraud is a serious crime. You will be prosecuted. If it sounds too good to be true…”
The Lesson to Learn
The main takeaway? If something online sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This ATM “glitch” was never a real loophole, just an illegal scam. And now, those who participated are dealing with serious consequences.
