One type of fraud on Telegram involves the use of various scam bots. Fake bots have been created on Telegram for several years now, so this problem is familiar to many. They are created with the aim of stealing user data or money.
It is not easy to determine whether a bot is fake or real, as scammers are very careful when developing their scams and try to avoid even the slightest mistakes.
You can also read about “SCAM” in affiliate marketing in this article by AffCommunity.
What are the most common bot scams on Telegram?
Fake bot
A common type of fraud in Telegram is the creation of fake versions of bots belonging to famous people, various organizations, or government agencies. Criminals use them to steal users’ data or money. It is not difficult to identify such fake bots. Each Telegram bot has a unique nickname. By going to the channel or website of a particular company or blogger, you can check the name. Be as careful as possible when doing so. For the sake of plausibility, attackers usually change only one character or letter in the name, so the difference may not be noticeable.
Voting bots
When using this fraudulent scheme, attackers are not trying to get money, but user data. By creating a bot that asks users to vote for a certain person, they force users to log into their Telegram account and confirm their choice, after which they steal the information they are interested in.
Casino bots
Many fake bots offer quick money by depositing money into a Telegram casino account.
Exchange bots
In this case, a similar exchange is used, but the money is offered to be transferred to a cryptocurrency exchange account.
This is by no means a complete list of the schemes used by scammers who create fake bots on Telegram. How can you recognize these fake bots?
The main signs that can help you identify a fake bot
- The presence of the word “SCAM” next to the bot’s name. This is how the platform itself warns users of potential danger. If this word appears next to a bot, it is stealing money or data from users, so you should not use it. This word appears next to the names of bots that have already scammed users and received complaints. However, you should not count on the presence of such a mark on a fake bot, as not all of them have it. As soon as this inscription appears, the scammers stop using the bot that has been exposed and create a new one instead.
- The nickname does not match the one that was declared. These are fake bots, which can be detected by carefully checking the information.
- Offers of quick money. If you are offered easy, quick money, do not fall for it and do not give your consent. Such offers always come from criminals.
- Request to enter personal data. If you are asked to provide personal data, especially a code, close and block the bot — it belongs to scammers.
- Offers of “government assistance.” This scheme is similar to the one that promises quick money. Only in this case, the criminals offer not a big casino win, but assistance from international organizations or the government. Keep in mind that such organizations and government agencies never send offers for assistance via Telegram.
What can you do if you are scammed?
The methods for protecting yourself from fraudulent activities are described above. But is there anything you can do if you have already been scammed? Yes, but only if it is not money that has been stolen, but personal data.
If your Telegram account or other social media account has been stolen, you should change your password as soon as possible and delete all active sessions except your own.
If money has been stolen, the situation is much more complicated. As a rule, it is impossible to return it to the owner. Many victims of fraud go to the police, where they file a crime report. However, this rarely helps to solve the problem. Criminals usually use disposable cards to withdraw their victims’ money, which they delete immediately after withdrawing the funds. Therefore, even if the victim has the cardholder’s details and card number, it is not possible to get the money back.
Tip
If you do not want to lose your money without the possibility of getting it back, be as careful as possible. Be cautious when using Telegram bots and always check them in advance.