Instant messaging software Telegram, due to its encryption and flexibility, has become an important channel for gambling practitioners to expand resources and connections. However, in recent years, scams impersonating Telegram staff or sending false notifications have been rampant, causing many users to suffer serious financial losses and privacy risks due to clicking on phishing links.
Fraud Analysis: Impersonating Officials and Phishing Links
Scammers often disguise themselves as Telegram customer service or system administrators, sending users notifications containing false "security alerts" or "account anomalies." These messages often come with a link to a fake Telegram website, asking users to enter login verification codes or two-factor authentication passwords. Some scammers also impersonate a user's contact, deceiving them into providing screenshots of chat pages containing login verification codes under the pretext of "account unlocking," thereby stealing accounts.
Fraud Escalation: Malicious Software and Address Replacement
Beyond phishing links, malicious programs are embedded in Telegram clients or "localized versions." These software automatically replace the cryptocurrency wallet addresses in users' chat messages, causing funds to be transferred to the scammer's account. Moreover, some use Telegram bots to steal users' two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, completely controlling the account and continuing to scam their contacts.
Special Risks for Gambling Practitioners
Due to frequent cross-border payments and high-frequency communication in the gambling industry, practitioners are more likely to be targeted. Scammers exploit their trust chains, impersonating resource providers or partners within groups, forging transaction records to induce users to click on malicious links. Some scam gangs also lurk in gambling discussion groups, customizing scams based on analyzed chat content.
Platform Features and Regulatory Challenges
Telegram's encrypted design and anonymous registration mechanism provide a covert space for scammers. Scammers can easily change identities to evade pursuit, while the platform's regulation of group content is relatively limited. Although police in many places have issued warnings, cross-border law enforcement and technical tracing still face challenges.
Preventive Measures and Safety Recommendations
Users should prioritize downloading the official client from the Telegram official website, avoiding third-party cracked versions or localized packages. It is essential to enable two-step verification and regularly check the login device records of the account, promptly removing any abnormal devices. For any requests for verification codes or link clicks, identity verification should be conducted through multiple channels. It is advisable to set sensitive contacts' accounts to "non-public" to reduce the risk of impersonation.
Industry Calls and Future Outlook
As scamming methods continue to evolve, gambling practitioners need to enhance their digital security awareness and establish more reliable verification processes. The industry might consider promoting the use of cryptographic signature tools to confirm identities, reducing the risks associated solely with Telegram communication. The platform could also strengthen user education by issuing safety alerts through official channels.
