Science

Pandemic Grifters Are Here to Stay

TRUST NO ONE

A TikTok star scammed his way onto a COVID research team backed by the UN. He’s not alone, and the grifts will only sow more distrust in experts.

Maddie Bender
Maddie Bender
122022-bender-scamtok-hero_dltmk7
Illustration composite by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Getty
Maddie Bender

Maddie Bender

MaddieOBender

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here.

Trending Now
scoutedThe Best Gifts For Gen Z Folks, According to a Gen Z’er
Daisy Maldonado
scoutedThe Best Adult Advent Calendars to Countdown to the Holidays in 2024
Layne Van Vranken
scoutedGet Your Paws on These Purrrfect Gifts For Pets—and Pet Parents
Mia Maguire
scoutedThe Best Gifts for Stubborn Giftees Who Swear They “Don’t Want Anything”
Mia Maguire
scoutedThe Best Travel Gifts of 2024, According to a Frequent Flier
Steven John