Telegram Bots Now a Threat: Crypto Users, Protect Your Wallet

How Scammers Are Using Telegram Bots to Steal Your Crypto Assets

Scammers Exploit Telegram Verification Bots to Inject Crypto-Stealing Malware

Scammers are increasingly using sophisticated tactics on Telegram to infiltrate systems and steal crypto, according to blockchain security firm Scam Sniffer. 

In a Dec. 10 X post, Scam Sniffer detailed how scammers are employing a “specific combination of fake X accounts, fake Telegram channels, and malicious Telegram bots” to deceive users and gain access to their crypto wallets. 

By impersonating popular crypto influencers and inviting users to Telegram groups, they create urgency through fake verification bots like “OfficiaISafeguardBot.” These bots inject PowerShell scripts that download malware, compromising users’ systems and leading to the theft of private keys.

The Rise of Fake X Accounts and Malicious Telegram Bots

Scam Sniffer revealed that these scammers create fake X accounts to impersonate well-known crypto personalities. Once users join the bogus Telegram groups, they are instructed to verify through a fake bot, which shortens verification windows to create artificial urgency. 

This method effectively tricks users into granting permissions that allow malware to be installed. The injected malware is designed to raid crypto wallets, and Scam Sniffer reported numerous cases where this scam method resulted in significant financial losses.

Evolving Tactics in Crypto Scams

According to Scam Sniffer, this new wave of scams marks the first known use of this particular combination—fake X accounts, Telegram channels, and malicious bots—to execute crypto theft. 

While malware targeting regular users is not new, the sophistication of these tactics is increasing. Scammers are now running “scam-as-a-service” models, similar to how crypto wallet-draining software is hired out to phishing scammers. This growing complexity indicates that these schemes are becoming more advanced and harder to detect.

Surge in Impersonations and Phishing Attacks

The warning comes as Scam Sniffer notes a sharp rise in impersonation cases on X (formerly Twitter). On average, the firm has identified 300 fake X accounts a day this month—compared to 160 in November—exposing more users to phishing and malware risks. This surge coincides with a broader campaign targeting Web3 workers, using fake meeting apps to inject malware and steal sensitive data. The security firm Cyvers has also highlighted the potential for a spike in phishing attacks this December, as online transactions increase during the holiday season, making users more vulnerable to scams.

Conclusion: Protecting Against Crypto Malware Scams

The evolving tactics used by scammers to steal cryptocurrencies through Telegram bots and fake X accounts highlight the need for heightened vigilance. Users are advised to be cautious when verifying on platforms like Telegram, avoid following links from unknown or suspicious sources, and stay informed about the latest scams in the crypto space. As scammers become more sophisticated, keeping security measures up to date is essential for safeguarding personal and financial information.