Fake Accounts on Telegram: How to Recognize Suspicious Accounts and Avoid Scams

Since its inception, Telegram has gained significant popularity among users. The data protection system with end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication upon account login from new devices, self-destructing messages, and the option to create anonymous accounts instilled trust. However, can we consider these measures 100% secure for users today?

Despite developers touting Telegram as one of the most secure applications, we occasionally witness situations involving the compromise of user accounts.

Frauds and Deception

The rapid development of any social network often accompanies the emergence of fraudulent activities. Frequently, scammers creating fake Telegram accounts identify vulnerabilities in users and psychologically manipulate them. Deceptively, fraudsters extract confidential information, personal data, material valuables, or pursue other selfish objectives.

Fraud in Telegram can manifest in various forms:

Phishing. Phishing attacks involve sending fake messages with malicious links, creating fake bots and channels that impersonate official sources.

Collaboration with potential advertisers. This method is often used to gain access to authors' Telegram channels with a large number of subscribers. Deceptive schemes come into play when users click on third-party resources or analytics services with altered domain names.

Sale of non-existent goods. Fake stores and sellers in Telegram may offer products or services that don't actually exist. After receiving payment from the user, scammers disappear.

Extortion and blackmail. Culprits may use Telegram as a platform for threats and extortion. For instance, scammers might demand specific actions or payments to prevent the disclosure of compromising user information.

Fake lotteries and contests. Scammers can organize fake lotteries and contests, enticing participants to provide personal data, pay an entry fee, or meet other conditions in exchange for a chance to win prizes.

Methods for Identifying Fake Telegram Accounts and Scammers

It's not always possible to predict what new tricks scammers will come up with to achieve their goals. Here are a few guidelines for behavior in the messenger that can help avoid various ploys by wrongdoers.

Never trust strangers sending you offers or links. Even if you are communicating with a friend, make sure you are not responding to messages from a compromised or closely imitated account.

Avoid sharing personal information when another user claims to be a bank employee, a large channel administrator, a business project owner, a volunteer, or any other role.

Carefully review the username, especially for substitutions of letters with other characters. Read the text of the messages you receive attentively and check for the number of spelling errors.

If you suspect that a scammer has contacted you, check their username in public groups or specialized scam-checking chats (e.g., https://t.me/Scammer; https://t.me/scammerz). You can also report the scammer's page.

In case a scammer, posing as an administrator of a popular group or channel, contacts you, open the group, find the contact information link in the channel details, and send a private message. When a private chat opens, check if your message history includes the original text they sent you. If the administrator's message was genuine, you'll be able to see it.

How to Safeguard Yourself and Your Data from Fraudulent Activities

Everytime, scammers attempt to devise new and more sophisticated ways to lull users' vigilance. There are several methods to help prevent this.

Privacy settings. After creating a Telegram account, go to "Settings," choose the "Privacy" section, and mark the checkbox next to "My Contacts." Ensure that you allow only users in your contacts to see your phone number and information about you.

Password creation. Robust passwords remain a simple yet reliable method to protect yourself from scammers. Avoid using the same password for all your accounts. It's also recommended to set up a passcode; after this, an app lock/unlock icon will appear above the chat list.

Two-factor authentication (2FA). To enhance the security of your messenger account, it's advisable to set up two-step verification. To do this, go to the "Privacy" section in "Settings," toggle the switch to "on" next to "Two-Step Verification" Then, enter a password, a hint for the password, and an email where you'll receive a verification code to complete the two-factor authentication setup.

Check downloaded files. Always pay attention to the file extension. Install antivirus software on your device to scan all files for threats. On your mobile device settings, prohibit installations from unknown sources. On your PC settings, specify that installations are only possible after obtaining permission.

What to do if you've fallen victim to scammers?

If you have fallen victim to fraud on Telegram, take steps to minimize damage and secure your account:

Change your password. Immediately change the password for your Telegram account. Use a complex password that includes not only numbers but also alphanumeric characters and combinations.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). If you haven't already, enable two-factor authentication to enhance the security of your account.

Report to telegram. Inform Telegram's support about the incident. You can use the "Complain" feature in the app or submit your complaint to the Anti-scam Support Team channel at @notoscam (note the verification badge next to the name).

Block the fraudulent account. Block the scammer's account to prevent further contact. You can do this in the chat settings.

Alert friends and contacts. If you determine that your account was compromised and used for malicious purposes, warn your friends and other contacts about the situation. This will help prevent the spread of misinformation that could harm other users' accounts.

Exercise caution in the Future. Consider your past negative experience and be vigilant when interacting with unfamiliar accounts, especially when asked for personal information or involved in financial transactions. Taking immediate action will help minimize potential negative consequences.

Fake Accounts on Telegram: How to Recognize Suspicious Accounts and Avoid Scams

Frauds and Deception

Methods for Identifying Fake Telegram Accounts and Scammers

How to Safeguard Yourself and Your Data from Fraudulent Activities

What to do if you've fallen victim to scammers?

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