As the TON and Telegram ecosystem rapidly grows in popularity, with over 38 million accounts now active, the increased interest brings greater risks. Scams and malicious actors are targeting the influx of new, inexperienced users, aiming to exploit the work TON and Telegram have done to make crypto accessible to everyone. While crypto offers exciting opportunities, it’s essential to stay aware of potential risks, even in the safest ecosystems. Today, we’ll guide you through the most common scams and share tips on how to protect yourself.

By staying informed, you can enjoy the benefits of TON and Telegram without worry.

Common scams to watch out for

• Friend in Need: Scammers impersonate friends or family, urgently asking for money. Always verify their identity.

• Phishing: Fake websites mimic real ones to steal login details. Verify URLs and avoid unsolicited links.

• Investment Scams: These scams are very common in crypto generally, they promise high returns without proof. Research thoroughly; if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Fake Surveys: Offers of prizes for participating in surveys to steal personal info. Avoid sharing details with unknown surveyors.

• Fake Job Offers: Attractive job ads asking for personal info or payments. Verify through official channels.

• Classified Ad Scams: Fake listings directing you to fraudulent Telegram bots to steal info.

• Pump and Dump: Groups manipulate crypto prices for profit, leaving others with losses. Always research and verify investment advice.

• Romance Scams: Online relationships where scammers request money or personal information. Be cautious with online acquaintances asking for money.

Beware of Toncoin pyramid schemes

Telegram’s support for TON Blockchain has unfortunately attracted scammers looking to exploit unsuspecting users. Here's a detailed breakdown of the scam:

• Set Up: Scammers send a link to an “exclusive earning program” that seems to come from friends or contacts. They prompt users to join an unofficial Telegram bot, falsely claiming it is for storing cryptocurrency.
• Investment: Users are instructed to buy Toncoin through legitimate channels like Wallet, P2P markets, or crypto exchanges. This adds false credibility. Once purchased, users must transfer their Toncoin to the scam bot.
• Boosters: Victims are pressured to buy “boosters” via a separate bot, costing between 5 to 500 Toncoin. At this point, users lose their cryptocurrency.
• Recruitment: Scammers promote a referral program, asking users to create private Telegram groups and invite friends. They promise earnings from a fixed payment of 25 TON per referral and commissions based on the boosters bought by referrals.

In reality, this is a classic pyramid scheme. The scammers make money while everyone else loses their investment.

Stay vigilant and only use official channels to manage your Toncoin.

How to keep yourself safe

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

• Enable Two-Step Verification on Telegram: Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Two-Step Verification to add extra security to your account.
• Verify Contacts: Be wary of unsolicited messages asking for personal information or money. Confirm the sender’s identity through other means.
• Review Telegram Account Activity Regularly: Go to Settings > Devices > Active Sessions to check for unknown devices or sessions logged into your account.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a scam, report it to Telegram.
• Avoid Get-Rich-Quick Schemes: Be cautious of schemes, even if promoted by friends or family—they might be unaware victims.
• Never Transfer Cryptocurrency to Unknown Wallets: Always verify the recipient before transferring cryptocurrency to avoid scams.

Staying safe in TON and Telegram requires vigilance and awareness. By recognizing common scams and following these security tips, you can protect your assets and personal information. Always verify sources, be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true offers, and use only official channels for transactions. By staying informed and cautious, you can enjoy the benefits of TON and Telegram without falling victim to fraud!