Scammers are increasingly targeting Telegram users by exploiting a newly introduced Stars currency to harvest sensitive data. This warning appeared on the online edition of the newspaper News, which highlighted a recent wave of deceptive promotions tied to the Stars token. Advertisements claim to offer a new currency that bypasses traditional app marketplaces, such as the App Store and Google Play, and they promise attractive terms in exchange for personal information. The ultimate objective appears to be accessing user data, including credentials for Telegram wallets and other crypto assets stored within the Telegram ecosystem.
Industry observers note that Telegram has become a popular platform for crypto activity, attracting both legitimate investors and opportunistic scammers. Elix Smirnov, a lead case analyst at InfoWatch Group, pointed out that the ease of using cryptocurrency on Telegram makes it an appealing venue for criminals seeking quick profits. This sentiment is echoed by security professionals who stress that the intersection of social messaging and digital money creates fertile ground for data theft schemes and fraud driven by the prospect of high returns.
Dmitry Kiryushin, a Brand Protection expert at BI.ZONE, described the scammers’ primary motivation as exploiting users’ eagerness to amass significant earnings. The tactic relies on promises of instant wealth, often coupled with social proof and seemingly exclusive access to new financial tools. This combination can tempt users to provide personal details or grant permissions that compromise their accounts and crypto wallets.
Earlier alerts indicated that Telegram for Android had entered a beta stage featuring features such as post publishing with photos and videos. Access to these posts is sometimes framed as contingent on payment with the Stars currency, creating a pressure mechanism to convert social activity into a cashable advantage. Analysts emphasize that any platform feature that ties content access to a proprietary token should be scrutinized for potential abuse by bad actors who want to monetize user interactions.
There is also reference to regulatory developments related to TON in neighboring regions. Kazakhstan, for example, has taken steps to approve TON for trading within its permitted platforms, which underscores a growing interest in tokenized ecosystems and their governance. While such regulatory moves can legitimize certain blockchain innovations, they can also open doors for scams that try to ride the wave of legitimacy to collect data or siphon funds. Security teams advise users to stay cautious and avoid sharing sensitive information or wallet credentials in response to unsolicited offers tied to new currencies or in-app tokens.
Overall, the evolving landscape of crypto-enabled messaging apps calls for heightened awareness. Users should verify the legitimacy of any new currency or promotional campaign through official channels, resist prompts to disclose confidential information, and exercise strong security measures for their Telegram accounts and wallets. Security experts remind the community that legitimate crypto opportunities do not require surrendering private keys or payment details through in-app chats. Staying informed and practicing prudent digital hygiene can reduce exposure to fraud as blockchain-based tools continue to proliferate across mainstream messaging platforms.