Telegram, as the most important social platform in the cryptocurrency world, has become a "dark web" where scammers love to lurk while facilitating user communication. To remain undefeated in the TG arena, you must master the following security practices. Let's transform from novices into heroes together!
Introduction: Have you ever been troubled by these questions while navigating the ocean of Telegram?
"XXX has airdropped, come claim it!" — Is there really such a good thing as money falling from the sky?
"Hey buddy, here's a chance to make big money!" — Could it be that you are the chosen one?
"Dear user, your account has security risks…" — Would official customer service really speak like this?
"Hello, this is the official group of XXX…" — Why is there not a single real person in the group?
These seemingly friendly messages often hide deadly traps. In the world of Telegram, scammers are everywhere, and it's hard to guard against them. So how can you navigate TG safely and stylishly? Let's master the strongest Telegram security secrets together!
1. Personal Protection: Account Security Settings Are Essential
As a newcomer to TG, your primary task is to put a bulletproof vest on your account. The following settings can significantly increase your account's security:
1.1 Hide Phone Number: Top Secret, No One Can See
Setting Path: Privacy and Security - Phone Number - Who can see my phone number? - No one
Why set it this way? If your phone number falls into the hands of scammers, they can easily impersonate you and even reset your various accounts through SMS verification codes. So, never let anyone see your phone number.
1.2 Restrict Others from Finding You by Phone Number: Only Close Friends Can Find You
Setting Path: Privacy and Security - Phone Number - Who can find me by my number? - My Contacts
This setting prevents strangers from finding your TG account through your phone number. After all, in the anonymous world of TG, we don't know whether others are good or bad. Limiting harassment from strangers is also a way to protect privacy.
1.3 Hide Last Seen Time: Mysterious and Trace-Free
Setting Path: Privacy and Security - Last Seen/Online - Who can see my last seen time? - No one
Have you ever thought that scammers can infer your daily routine from your last seen time? With this information, they can implement scams more precisely. So, maintain an air of mystery and don't let anyone know your online time.
1.4 Enable Two-Step Verification: Double Insurance, Double Security
Setting Path: Settings - Privacy and Security - Two-Step Verification
Two-step verification acts as a second line of defense for your account. Even if scammers obtain your password, they cannot log in without the second verification. So, be sure to enable two-step verification to add an extra layer of protection to your account.
1.5 Disable Message Preview: Avoid Privacy Leaks, Prevent Others from Snooping
Setting Path: Notifications and Sounds - Message Preview - Never You definitely don't want others to sneak a peek at your TG messages while looking at your phone, right? Disabling message previews can maximize the protection of your chat privacy. This small setting can have a significant impact.
In addition to these basic settings, I have some advanced security suggestions:
1.6 Don't Add Contacts Easily: In the Vast Sea of People, Who is Friend and Who is Foe?
Do not casually accept friend requests from strangers. Scammers often gain your trust by adding you as a friend and then implement scams. We must be very cautious about friend requests from strangers.
1.7 Do Not Store Sensitive Information in TG: Private Keys, Mnemonic Phrases, Never Show Them to Others
If your TG account is hacked, all the information inside could fall into the hands of scammers. Therefore, do not store any sensitive information related to assets in TG, such as private keys, mnemonic phrases, etc. This information must be stored offline, and the more hidden, the safer.
1.8 Always Stay Alert: There’s No Free Lunch in the World
In the world of TG, do not easily believe anyone's promises, especially those enticing "airdrops," "free coins," etc. Remember, there’s no free lunch in the world. Everything that seems "free" may have a scam trap behind it.
2. Sharp Eyes: Spotting Fake Officials and Fake Customer Service at a Glance
One of the most common scams in the TG world is impersonating official customer service to trick users into revealing sensitive information. So how can you distinguish between real and fake? Remember these points:
2.1 Official customer service will never proactively message users.
Any private message claiming to be official is undoubtedly a scammer. Just think, how could an official customer service representative have time to privately message every user one-on-one? Therefore, any so-called "official customer service" that proactively messages you is a scammer impersonating.
2.2 Official names usually have a "✅" mark.
Those without this mark are most likely fake. This small "✅" mark is the certification given by TG to real accounts. So, before interacting with any account claiming to be "official," be sure to verify whether they have this certification mark.
For example, see the image below:
2.3 Carefully identify the official account's username.
Scammers will use very similar usernames to confuse users. One of the common tricks used by scammers is to register a username that is very similar to the official account. For example, if the official username is "OfficialTON," a scammer might register "0fficialTON" (note that the first character is the number "0"). Therefore, when confirming official identity, be sure to carefully check each character and do not be misled by similar usernames.
2.4 Anyone asking you to provide keys, private keys, or verification codes is a scammer!
This may be the most important point. Regardless of whether the other party claims to be official customer service, project party, or a long-time friend, as long as they ask you to provide keys, private keys, verification codes, or other sensitive information, they are undoubtedly a scammer. Real official personnel and friends will never ask you for this information.
3. Be Prepared: Group Chat Traps, Every Step is Dangerous
In addition to private messages, criminals often set traps using group chat features. When faced with various Telegram groups, we must remain vigilant:
3.1 Fake Official Groups:
Scammers will forge official logos and create groups that are very similar to official groups. Be sure to carefully identify before joining. Just like impersonating official customer service, scammers will also impersonate official groups. These fake groups often use names and avatars that are very similar to the official group, aiming to gain users' trust. Therefore, before joining any group, be sure to verify the authenticity of the group through official channels.
3.2 Scam Trap Groups:
So-called "XXX Airdrop Groups," "XXX Discussion Groups," are mostly scams. Don't be greedy for small advantages to avoid being deceived. Scammers love to use so-called "airdrops," "free coins," and other gimmicks to attract users into groups. These groups often claim to be "official discussion groups" or "airdrop activity groups," but in reality, they are traps set by scammers. Once you enter these groups, you may be lured into clicking phishing websites or be scammed out of your private keys and mnemonic phrases. So, do not casually enter unfamiliar groups, and do not easily trust others in the group.
3.3 AI Bot Groups:
Groups where all interactions are by bots aim to create a false sense of prosperity, making you let your guard down. Don't be deceived by appearances! Some groups may seem lively, but upon closer inspection, they are all bots spamming. The purpose of such groups is to create a false sense of prosperity, making you mistakenly believe this is a hot project, thus lowering your guard. When encountering such groups, keep your eyes open and do not be deceived by surface appearances.
4. Countermeasures: Breaking Down Various Scams
In addition to the common scams mentioned above, there are many diverse scams in the TG world. Next, let's break them down one by one:
4.1 Zero Amount Transfer Scam:
Scammers send a transfer of 0 amount and leave a phishing website link. Do not click! You may wonder why scammers would transfer 0 coins to you? This is actually a bait. Scammers hope you will click on that phishing website, thereby stealing your sensitive information. Therefore, for such inexplicable transfers, we must remain vigilant and not click on any links casually.
4.2 Fake Airdrop Scam:
The so-called "airdropping tokens to your wallet" aims to entice you to authorize or transfer. Please be alert! Airdrop scams can be said to be one of the most common scams in TG. Scammers claim to airdrop tokens to you, but the premise is that you must first authorize or transfer. Once you comply, your wallet may very well become the scammer's ATM. So, do not believe any "airdrops" that require you to pay first; they are all scams.
4.3 Fake Customer Service Scam:
Scammers claim they can help you "create a wallet" or "sync a wallet," but in reality, they steal your mnemonic phrases and private keys. Please refuse all requests for sensitive information! In TG, there has never been any "official customer service" that proactively offers "wallet creation," "wallet syncing," and other services. These are common tricks used by scammers. Their goal is to trick you into providing mnemonic phrases, private keys, and other sensitive information, thereby stealing your assets. So, do not believe any requests for sensitive information, no matter who the other party claims to be.
4.4 Malware Scam:
Scammers lure you into downloading malware through files, links, etc., to steal your information. Do not click on anything from unknown sources casually! When receiving strange files or links in TG, your first reaction should be to be cautious. This could very well be malware sent by scammers. Once you download and run it, your device may be controlled by hackers, and all your information will be completely exposed. Therefore, do not click on files and links of unknown origin casually; this is the most basic security common sense.
5. Learning from History: Real Case Warnings
5.1 Trojan Invasion Case
A project leader received a message from someone claiming to be a well-known venture capitalist, inviting them to a video conference. The other party recommended using a specific conference software, claiming it had AI instant translation features. In reality, the software was a Trojan, leading to multiple wallets being emptied, with losses exceeding $150,000.
Lessons Learned:
Be cautious when downloading unknown software
Verify domain registration dates
Use tools like VirusTotal for detection
Use separate devices for important accounts
5.2 Social Engineering Phishing Case
User A contacted B under the pretext of exchanging cryptocurrency, extracting information and subsequently stealing B's account. They then continued to scam others using B's identity, resulting in a chain of fraud.
Preventive Measures:
Verify the identity of contacts
Do not easily share screenshots
Be wary of verification code scams
Enable two-step verification
6. Speed is Key: Don't Panic When Stolen, Quick Loss Control is Crucial
Even if we are careful, there will inevitably be times of negligence. Once you realize you have been scammed, please take the following measures immediately to minimize losses:
Calmly analyze and confirm the facts of the scam. When you realize you may have been scammed, the first step is to calm down and clarify the sequence of events. Confirm whether you have truly been scammed and the specifics of the loss. Only by understanding these can you take targeted action.
Immediately change the passwords of all related accounts. Once you confirm you have been scammed, the primary task is to control the losses. Change the passwords of all related accounts immediately, including TG, exchanges, wallets, and all other accounts. Additionally, if your TG account has been hacked, go to "Settings - Privacy and Security - Active Sessions" to log out of all other devices. This can prevent scammers from continuing to use your account.
If funds are stolen, contact the exchange or wallet provider immediately to attempt to freeze or recover them. If your funds have been transferred to an exchange, contact the exchange's customer service immediately, explain the situation, and request to freeze the funds. If transferred to another wallet, contact the wallet's development team to see if there is a way to recover them. Time is money; the sooner you act, the greater the chance of recovery.
Collect evidence, report to law enforcement, and actively cooperate with the investigation. While taking loss control measures, also collect evidence in preparation for reporting to law enforcement. Keep all chat records, transaction records, etc., as these are valuable evidence. Then, report to the local police and actively cooperate with their investigation. Only with law enforcement's involvement can there be a real chance to punish the scammers and recover losses.
Summarize lessons learned and strengthen awareness of prevention. "A fall teaches a lesson." Although the experience of being scammed is painful, it is also a valuable lesson. We must summarize our experiences, reflect on our mistakes, and constantly remind ourselves to stay vigilant. Only by continuously learning and growing can we navigate safely in the complex world of TG.
7. Hero's Secret Manual: Always Stay Alert and Control the Situation
The world of TG is full of uncertainties and defenses are often inadequate. To navigate this world with composure, relying solely on the above tactics is not enough. We also need to master some hero-level mindsets:
Do not easily trust others, especially the promises of strangers. There is no free lunch in the world! This saying is particularly applicable in the world of TG. The so-called "free airdrops" and "high-yield returns" are often traps set by scammers. As travelers in the TG world, we must always remain vigilant and not easily believe anyone's promises, especially those from strangers.
Always stay alert and maintain a skeptical attitude towards everything. Better to miss out than to be misled! In the world of TG, staying alert is a form of self-protection. Maintain a skeptical attitude towards any information and do not easily believe it. Even if this leads to missing some so-called "opportunities," it is far better than being gullible and suffering significant losses. Remember, better to miss out than to be misled!
Master overall information and understand the development dynamics of the cryptocurrency world. Knowing yourself and your enemy ensures victory in every battle! The world of TG is ever-changing, with various projects and information emerging constantly. As a qualified "TG hero," we must always pay attention to industry dynamics and understand the latest developments of various projects. Only with a comprehensive understanding of the entire cryptocurrency world can we adeptly respond to various challenges.
Cultivate the ability to think independently and not follow the crowd. Verify from multiple sources to discern right from wrong! In the information-exploding world of TG, it seems everyone has their own "judgment." However, we cannot blindly follow others. Instead, we should cultivate the ability to think independently and learn to analyze and judge for ourselves. For any information, we should verify from multiple sources rather than easily believe it. Only in this way can we find the truth amidst the chaos of information.
Conclusion: The Road in the TG World is Long, and Safety is Always the Top Priority
We hope that through these tactics, you can navigate the world of Telegram safely and become a true security hero! Let us always remain vigilant, wielding the sword of wisdom and caution to cut through the schemes of scammers, and together create a safer and more trustworthy cryptocurrency world.
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