The Dark Side of TON: How Telegram Bots and TON Apps Are Scamming Users
TON (The Open Network) blockchain, originally developed by Telegram and later taken over by the TON Foundation, has gained significant traction due to its integration with Telegram and various on-chain applications, including bots and mini-apps. However, despite its growth, there are several concerns regarding TON, particularly regarding security, decentralization, and the prevalence of scams. Here’s a detailed breakdown of why TON has major issues and how Telegram bots and other TON-based apps scam users.
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Key Issues with TON Blockchain
1. Centralization Risks
Validator Control: While TON claims to be decentralized, a significant portion of its validation power is controlled by a small number of entities. This makes it susceptible to censorship, manipulation, and coordinated attacks.
Tightly Linked to Telegram: Although Telegram claims to have distanced itself from TON after regulatory scrutiny, it still plays a major role in its ecosystem. This creates a risk where Telegram can exert control over the network’s direction.
2. Lack of Transparency
Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, where development and governance are open and transparent, TON has a more opaque structure. The foundation controlling the network makes major decisions without clear community governance.
3. Poor Smart Contract Security
TON’s smart contract infrastructure is relatively new compared to Ethereum and lacks robust security measures.
Many TON-based contracts are poorly audited, leading to frequent exploits and hacks.
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How Telegram Bots and TON Apps Are Scamming Users
1. Ponzi Schemes and High-Yield Investment Scams
Many TON-based bots promise high returns on deposits, similar to classic Ponzi schemes.
These projects often lure users with staking rewards, airdrops, or yield farming opportunities that are unsustainable.
Examples: Some TON-based investment bots claim daily returns of 5-10%, which is impossible to sustain in a real market.
2. Rug Pulls on TON-based Tokens
Developers create a new token on the TON blockchain, promote it aggressively, and encourage users to buy it.
Once a significant amount of liquidity is in, the developers dump their holdings (rug pull), crashing the price to zero.
Since TON lacks effective decentralized exchanges (DEXs) with proper anti-scam measures, it's easier to manipulate token prices.
3. Fake Wallets and Phishing Scams
Many TON wallet apps on Telegram or unofficial sources have been reported to steal private keys or inject malicious code.
Users unknowingly install these wallets and lose all their TON assets.
4. Fake Telegram Trading Bots
Some trading bots claim to help users trade tokens on TON with automated strategies.
In reality, these bots often require users to deposit funds into externally controlled wallets, leading to total loss of funds.
5. Hidden Fees and Forced Fees in Bots
Some TON-based apps and Telegram bots claim to be free or low-cost but then introduce unexpected withdrawal fees.
Some bots require users to invite others before withdrawing their funds, effectively making them a pyramid scheme.
6. Fraudulent NFT Projects
Fake NFT projects on TON promise exclusive access, rare items, or high resale value.
Once users invest in them, the project team vanishes, leaving worthless NFTs behind.
7. Lack of Regulation and Recovery Options
TON operates outside of traditional financial regulations, meaning once you lose money, it’s gone.
Unlike centralized exchanges, where chargebacks or dispute resolution exist, TON’s lack of regulation makes it a haven for scammers.
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Case Study: Popular TON Scams
1. "Investment Bots" promising high yield – Users deposit funds and later find they can't withdraw.
2. "Play-to-Earn" TON games – Require an initial investment but never actually pay users back.
3. Fake TON staking services – Claim to offer high APR but steal user deposits.
4. NFT launches on TON with hype but no real backing – Creators abandon the project after making quick profits.
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Conclusion
TON blockchain and its ecosystem, especially within Telegram bots and apps, have significant security risks, centralization issues, and a high rate of scams. While the network itself is technically capable, its lack of transparency and regulatory oversight make it a breeding ground for fraud.
If you're using TON-based applications, it's crucial to:
-Avoid too-good-to-be-true returns.
-Use official and well-audited wallets.
-Be cautious of Telegram bots handling your funds.
-Verify token legitimacy before investing.
Don't Let Someone Else Play With Your Hard Earned Money
$TON
#TON #scamriskwarning
