Staying Secure on TON and Telegram

As the TON and Telegram networks continue to expand, now boasting over 38 million active accounts, the growing user base unfortunately also attracts scammers and malicious actors. These individuals are targeting the influx of new and less experienced users, seeking to exploit the accessibility that TON and Telegram have brought to the crypto world. While the opportunities in cryptocurrency are promising, it’s crucial to be aware of potential dangers, even within well-regulated environments. In this guide, we’ll outline common scams and offer tips for protecting yourself.

By staying informed, you can fully enjoy the benefits of TON and Telegram while minimizing risk.

Common Scams to Avoid

Impersonation Scams: Fraudsters may pose as friends or family, urgently requesting money. Always verify their identity before responding.

Phishing Schemes: Fraudulent websites may mimic legitimate ones to steal login credentials. Double-check URLs and avoid clicking on unsolicited links.

Investment Fraud: Promises of high returns with no evidence are common in crypto scams. Conduct thorough research—if it seems too good to be true, it likely is.

Survey Scams: Offers claiming prizes for survey participation may be attempts to gather personal information. Avoid sharing your details with unfamiliar survey requests.

Job Offer Scams: Be cautious of enticing job advertisements that request personal information or payments. Verify these offers through official channels.

Classified Ad Scams: Fake ads may direct you to deceptive Telegram bots designed to collect personal information.

Pump and Dump Schemes: Some groups artificially inflate crypto prices to profit, leaving others with losses. Always research and verify investment recommendations.

Romance Scams: Scammers in online relationships may request money or personal details. Exercise caution with online acquaintances asking for financial assistance.

Be Aware of Toncoin Pyramid Schemes

The support Telegram provides for the TON Blockchain has unfortunately attracted scammers seeking to exploit naive users. Here’s a detailed look at a typical scam:

Initial Setup: Scammers distribute links to “exclusive earning programs” that appear to come from trusted contacts. They direct users to join an unofficial Telegram bot, falsely claiming it’s for secure cryptocurrency storage.

Investment Phase: Users are encouraged to buy Toncoin through legitimate channels like Wallet, P2P markets, or exchanges, lending the scam false credibility. Once acquired, users are instructed to transfer their Toncoin to the scam bot.

Booster Purchases: Victims are urged to buy “boosters” through a separate bot, costing between 5 to 500 Toncoin. At this stage, users lose their cryptocurrency.

Recruitment Efforts: Scammers promote a referral scheme, asking users to set up private Telegram groups and recruit friends. They promise earnings from a fixed payment of 25 TON per referral and commissions based on the boosters purchased by referrals.

In reality, this is a classic pyramid scheme where the scammers profit at the expense of others.

Tips for Staying Safe

To protect yourself from online fraud and ensure the security of your Telegram account, follow these essential practices:

Enable Two-Step Verification: Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Two-Step Verification to add an extra layer of security to your Telegram account.

Verify Contacts: Be cautious of unsolicited requests for personal information or money. Confirm the identity of the sender through alternate means.

Regularly Review Account Activity: Check Settings > Devices > Active Sessions to identify any unknown devices or sessions accessing your account.

Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a scam, report it to Telegram immediately.

Avoid Get-Rich-Quick Schemes: Exercise caution with schemes, even if recommended by acquaintances—they may unknowingly be victims themselves.

Verify Cryptocurrency Transfers: Always ensure you are sending cryptocurrency to a verified recipient to avoid scams.

Staying secure on TON and Telegram requires vigilance and awareness. By recognizing common scams and adhering to these safety tips, you can safeguard your assets and personal information. Always verify sources, be wary of overly promising offers, and use only official channels for transactions. By staying informed and cautious, you can enjoy the advantages of TON and Telegram without falling prey to fraud.