Telegram is popular for its user-friendly interface, fast messaging speeds, and features like sharing files up to 2GB in size
Updated – Tue, 4/18/23 at 12:55am
Telegram is a free cloud-based instant messaging application that allows users to send messages, make voice and video calls, share media files, create and join groups, and use bots for various purposes. The app features secret chats, self-destructing messages, and hiding sender information in forwarded messages.
It also allows users to create channels that broadcast messages to large audiences, and has a powerful bot API that allows developers to create bots for a variety of tasks. Telegram is popular for its user-friendly interface, fast messaging speeds, and the ability to share files up to 2GB in size and add up to 2,00,000 group members.
Various scams on Telegram app:-
* Investment scams: Scammers may create fake investment syndicates, promise high returns, and advance money to victims in the form of processing fees, franchise fees, or one-time registration fees.
* Phishing Scams: Scammers may send fraudulent messages or links masquerading as legitimate organizations to steal personal info/passwords/financial details.
* Fake giveaways: Scammers may create fake groups claiming to offer cryptocurrency giveaways or services to entice users into providing personal information/payments.
* Romance Scams: Scammers may create fake profiles and form romantic relationships with unsuspecting users and end up seeking money.
* Pyramid/Ponzi schemes: Scammers may develop schemes that promise high returns on investment or earnings by recruiting new members into the network, only to eventually collapse.
* Fake airdrops: Scammers may create fake airdrop campaigns in groups, claiming to distribute free cryptocurrencies or tokens, but require users to provide personal information or send money first.
Why Telegram is more used by scammers:-
* Telegram is favored by scammers due to its anonymity
* Users can register with a virtual foreign number and hide their real identity.
* The latest update has the Fragment blockchain platform that allows users to use Ton Coins to buy anonymous numbers and sign up for Telegram without a SIM card
* The app allows users to create multiple accounts and switch between them easily, making it difficult for online investigators to track down and identify culprits.
* All pirated movies and software can be shared anonymously
* It allows cybercriminals to advertise, sell and leak personally identifiable data and usernames
*Telegram is the prominent location of illegal or counterfeit points of sale for luxury brands such as Chanel, Dior, Balmain, Celine and Louis Vuitton, which they sell through groups.
Prevent getting scammed on Telegram: –
* Verify the legitimacy of a channel, group or individual before sharing personal information or money.
* Research the sender and the veracity of their claims through credible sources and don’t trust what is said or seen on social media.
* Do not share sensitive information such as passwords, financial details or personal data
* Be wary of offers that sound too good to be true, such as high ROI
* Double check URLs and links before clicking to make sure they are legitimate and not a phishing attempt.
* Avoid engaging in suspicious activities or transactions that may appear risky or unfamiliar.
* Verify that all short links are not phishing links https://www.isitphishing.org or https://www.urlvoid.com
To report cybercrime:-
* Report abuse@telegram.org and report scammers impersonating you @notoscam
* File a complaint at https://cybercrime.gov.in/. Alternatively, victims can call the helpline 1930 if they are lost online.
