The messaging app Telegram is witnessing a rise in the number of Toncoin (TON) ecosystem-focused scams, according to a report by blockchain reporter Colin Wu.
Citing the blockchain security firm SlowMist, Wu says that there are currently “many phishing attacks” occurring in the ecosystem of the layer-1 blockchain aided by Telegram.
“Many phishing links (or bots) are spread through groups, using fake airdrops and other methods to hack assets in users’ TON wallets, especially Anonymous Telegram Numbers. Many people use it to create Telegram accounts, and if it is stolen, it means that the corresponding Telegram account may also be stolen unless a separate password is enabled.”
Besides the phishing scams, cybersecurity firm Kaspersky in April highlighted a Toncoin-focused pyramid scheme being conducted on Telegram.
“Scammers promote a ‘super-secret awesome bot’ and referral links as the key to earning Toncoin. In short: you invest your money, buy ‘booster’ tariffs, invite friends, and earn commission from every coin invested. The pyramid scheme incentivizes larger investments with the promise of higher returns.
According to our data, this scam has been active since at least November 2023 – targeting both Russians and users from other countries…
…The scammers promise earnings from two sources:
– A fixed payment of 25 TON for each invited friend.
– Commission based on the booster tariff purchased by your referrals.
It turns out to be a classic pyramid scheme, where each participant is ‘a partner rather than a freeloader’. Sadly, nobody profits except the scammers, and all ‘partners’ lose their investments.”
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