Cryptocurrency Scammers Target Telegram Users in Elaborate Scheme
Cryptocurrency scammers have devised a sophisticated tactic to defraud Telegram users around the world, as reported by Kaspersky researchers. This scam, which has been active since November 2023, takes advantage of the increasing popularity of both the Telegram messaging platform and the Toncoin (TON) cryptocurrency.
Victims from different countries have fallen prey to the scammers’ scheme. The fraudsters lure unsuspecting Telegram users with promises of an “exclusive earning program” shared through their contacts. Once targeted individuals are enticed, they are directed to join an unofficial Telegram bot that claims to be a platform for storing cryptocurrency. They are then instructed to link this bot to their legitimate wallet and purchase Toncoins through official channels like the Telegram bot, P2P markets, or cryptocurrency exchanges, creating a false sense of security.
The scam progresses as victims are pressured into buying “boosters” through another bot. These boosters, named “bike,” “car,” “train,” “plane,” or “rocket,” come at various costs ranging from 5 to 500 Toncoins based on the chosen tariff. According to Olga Svistunova, a senior web content analyst at Kaspersky, scammers market these boosters as tools that supposedly help users earn more on their coins, reminiscent of boosters in online games.
Furthermore, victims are urged to form private Telegram groups with friends, sharing referral links and pre-recorded instructional videos created by the scammers. The Telegram Open Network (TON), which reportedly has 900 million monthly users, becomes an attractive target for fraudulent activities due to its massive user base.
In response to these fraudulent activities, Kaspersky experts advise users to be cautious of get-rich-quick schemes and exercise vigilance when engaging in cryptocurrency transactions. They recommend implementing comprehensive security measures to protect against scams and staying informed about emerging fraudulent tactics.
For more information on threats targeting cryptocurrency, users can refer to Kaspersky’s report on the new cloud attack targeting the Crypto CDN Meson ahead of its launch.
By staying informed and being proactive in safeguarding their cryptocurrency assets, Telegram users can mitigate the risks posed by these sophisticated scams.