Crypto Fraud Alert: Telegram Channels Running Large-Scale Scams

Overview

Cryptocurrency scams on Telegram have reached an alarming level, with millions of users affected by fraudulent investment schemes. These scams rely on honeypot tokens, fake investment signals, and victim manipulation tactics to steal funds. One of the most notable scam networks operating on Telegram is led by fake identities like “Mahan Sepehri”, using channels with hundreds of thousands of followers to promote fraudulent tokens that prevent investors from selling after purchase.

Despite numerous reports, Telegram’s response to these scams has been slow and ineffective, allowing fraudsters to continue their operations unchecked. Faster and more accurate action from Telegram is crucial to protect users and prevent further financial losses.

How Telegram Crypto Scams Work

1. Promotion of Fake Tokens
   • Scammers aggressively promote new cryptocurrency tokens, falsely claiming they will experience rapid price increases.
   • They provide contract addresses and direct users to buy from decentralized exchanges like PancakeSwap and SushiSwap.
   • Their messages create a false sense of urgency, pressuring users into quick investments.
2. Honeypot Mechanism
   • Once victims purchase the tokens, they cannot sell due to restrictions embedded in the smart contract.
   • The scammers cash out, leaving investors with worthless assets.
   • Independent Honeypot Detector tools confirm these tokens are fraudulent.
3. Manipulation of Victims
   • When victims realize they have been scammed, they contact the Telegram channel admins for help.
   • The scammers demand victims record “satisfaction videos”, falsely promising that their funds will be returned.
   • Once victims submit these videos, they are blocked, and their testimonials are used to deceive new investors.
4. The Expansion of Scam Channels
   • Fraudsters run multiple Telegram channels, each using the same deceptive tactics.
   • Reports to Telegram often fail to result in timely action, allowing these scams to persist.

Evidence of Scam Channels and Tokens

Numerous channels have been identified as actively promoting fraudulent tokens:

Scam Telegram Channels Identified

1. Fake Identity “Mahan Sepehri” – سیگنال ارزدیجیتال (t.me/btc0t) – 1.16 million subscribers
2. ایران ایردراپ | روزبه تهرانی (t.me/ir_6f) – 418,000 subscribers
3. ایردراپ رایگان | مهندس تهرانی (t.me/eu_d1) – 428,000 subscribers

Confirmed Honeypot Scams

These tokens were promoted in these channels and later identified as honeypot scams, meaning users were unable to sell after purchasing:

Narwhal (NAR)

• Contract Address: 0x27D642cb4811fa0dAB9627F97AB3C9a5aCe7FeA6
• Honeypot Detection: Proof
• Posts Promoting the Scam:
  • Post #6227

Dolomite Protocol (DOLP)

• Contract Address: 0xC6C8214656a0ABC8C3e44125e7E077e5F3089859
• Honeypot Detection: Proof
• Posts Promoting the Scam:
  • Post #6074

Unknown Token

• Contract Address: 0x7C53dA07B2570BA4890a26ECe6498E6DaC7c521c
• Honeypot Detection: Proof
• Posts Promoting the Scam:
  • Post #5926

Ambient AI Price (AMBI)

• Contract Address: 0x5f3A051A9C4C8cb246B2531Ef051B91D7952ff09
• Honeypot Detection: Proof
• Posts Promoting the Scam:
  • Post #5769

The Need for Faster and More Accurate Support from Telegram

Millions of users are affected by these scams, many of whom are unaware of the risks until it is too late. The slow response time from Telegram has allowed these fraudulent operations to thrive, despite multiple reports from victims and crypto security researchers.

Steps Telegram Should Take to Combat Crypto Scams

1. Faster Review and Removal of Reported Scam Channels
   • Currently, scam channels remain active for months before any action is taken.
   • Telegram should implement an expedited review system for cryptocurrency-related scam reports.
2. Automatic Detection of Honeypot Scams
   • Telegram could integrate blockchain monitoring tools to flag and investigate channels promoting confirmed honeypot contracts.
3. Better Protection for Users
   • Warnings should be displayed when users join channels flagged for repeated scam reports.
   • Telegram should enhance its user education efforts on common cryptocurrency scams.
4. Stronger Action Against Repeat Offenders
   • Many of these scammers operate under new aliases after getting banned.
   • Telegram should take stronger action against associated admins to prevent them from opening new fraudulent channels.

How Investors Can Protect Themselves

Until Telegram improves its response time, investors must take steps to protect themselves:

• Verify token contracts on BSCScan or Etherscan before investing.
• Use Honeypot Detector tools to check if a token allows selling.
• Avoid Telegram groups aggressively pushing exclusive investment opportunities.
• Never send video testimonials or personal information to unknown admins.
• Report scam channels directly through Telegram’s reporting system.

Conclusion

The rise of Telegram-based cryptocurrency scams is a major concern for investors worldwide. Fraudulent channels continue to operate, deceiving users into investing in honeypot tokens while also manipulating victims into recording false testimonials. Despite repeated reports, Telegram has been slow in responding, allowing these scams to persist.

Telegram must take immediate action to address these issues by improving its scam detection systems, expediting the removal of fraudulent channels, and protecting users from repeat offenders. Until then, investors should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to prevent further financial loss.