Fake Telegram Channel Alert
The Bhutan Computer Incident Response Team (BtCIRT), Cybersecurity Division, GovTech Agency, earnestly urges the general public to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to Telegram channels soliciting investment opportunities.
Criminals are increasingly using falsified Telegram channels to impersonate reputable companies, financial advisors, government officials, and popular influencers. These channels often look identical to official ones using similar logos, names, and stolen content to trick users into sending money, sharing personal data, or installing malicious applications.
BtCIRT would like to advise everyone to adhere to the following guidelines and recommendations regarding fake Telegram channels:
What to look out for:
- Too Good to Be True Offers: Guaranteed high returns, instant profits, or “insider” investment tips.
- Impersonation: The channel name is slightly different from the real one (e.g., adding “official,” “support,” or using underscores/numbers).
- Broadcast Only/Limited Interaction: You can join, but you cannot chat, or the chat is flooded by bots.
- Urgency & Pressure: Scammers urge you to transfer money immediately to “seize an opportunity”.
- No Verified Badge: Legitimate organizations usually have a blue checkmark. Lack of a badge on a channel claiming to be official is a red flag.
- Unsolicited DMs: Admins sending you direct messages asking for money or sharing links, often after you join a public group.
How to Stay Safe:
- Verify the Source: Only join Telegram channels directly linked from an organization’s official website or verified social media profiles.
- Enable 2FA: Set up Two-Step Verification (Settings > Privacy and Security > Two-Step Verification) to protect your account.
- Do Not Share OTPs: Never share your Telegram login verification codes or one-time passwords (OTP) with anyone, not even those claiming to be support staff.
- Use Privacy Settings: Change settings so only contacts can add you to groups (Settings > Privacy and Security > Groups & Channels).
If you are a Victim:
- Report & Block:
- Use the in-app “Report Scam and Leave” button.
- Users should report impersonation by flagging the user/channel in-app or messaging @notoscam on Telegram
- Stop Payment: Immediately contact your bank and RBP if you have shared financial details.
- Report to Authorities: Report cyber fraud to RBP, your banks and get technical support from BtCIRT.