Why you shouldn't buy coins on Telegram: statistics, risks, and nuances
1. Explosive growth of scam projects
According to the Scam Sniffer platform, from November 2024 to January 2025, the number of crypto scams in Telegram increased by an incredible 2000% compared to the previous quarter. Scammers actively use the popularity of Telegram among the crypto community by creating fake bots, 'alpha groups', and fake verification services to steal private keys and transfer victims' funds to unknown accounts.
The same studies note that the main methods are evolving:
Fake verification bots trick users into sharing private data by posing as official services.
'Trading' and 'airdrop groups' lure users with promises of free tokens, but substitute malicious wallets or phishing links instead.
2. Almost every second project is a rug pull
A CertiK study covered the period from November 2023 to August 2024 and showed that out of 93,930 new tokens promoted in Telegram groups, 46,526 (49.53%) turned out to be classic rug pull schemes. The total investment in these scam tokens was 149,813.72 ETH, and the scammers made a profit of 282,699.96 ETH (approximately $800 million), equivalent to an ROI of 188.7%. During this period, Telegram channels promoted nearly 90% of all new Ethereum tokens.
3. Astronomical losses and complex schemes
According to an Elliptic report, major Chinese-language hubs for crypto crime through Telegram (e.g., Xinbi Guarantee) facilitated $8.4 billion in transactions since 2022, including 'pig butchering' and money laundering by drug and cybercriminals. Despite Telegram blocks, these platforms quickly restart under new names.
A similar story with Haowang (formerly Huione Guarantee): over $27 billion in transactions, closed only after a global investigation by Elliptic and WIRED, but the threat of recurrence remains.
4. Main risks when buying 'under the table'
Anonymity of developers: unknown 'characters' without verification and public background.
Lack of smart contract audits: without checks from CertiK or OpenZeppelin, the project's code may contain 'backdoors' for stealing funds (web.ourcryptotalk.com).
No liquidity lock: instant withdrawal of all funds after reaching the minimum investment volume.
Unrealistic profit guarantees: promises of 1000% APY or 'moon' in a week — a classic bait.
Restrictions on token sales for investors: while insiders withdraw liquidity, regular investors cannot sell their assets (web.ourcryptotalk.com).
5. Nuances of scammers working in Telegram
Copy-paste channels: scammers clone official groups, maintaining the design and name so users do not notice the switch.
Improvised 'giveaways': promise free tokens for a small 'fee' or repost, but instead disappear with users' deposits.
Exclusive 'alpha groups': supposedly insider information costs 'membership fees', after which access is closed, and the money goes to the organizers.
Conclusion and recommendations
Do not trust anonymous channels. Check links and group names, look for official sources on the project's website.
Look for proof of audit. Without a report from an independent company, it is not worth investing even minimal amounts.
Check liquidity lock. If the token is not locked for at least a few months — leave.
Study the team. Real projects usually reveal the names and qualifications of the developers.
Be prepared for failure. If even 1% of such Telegram projects escape scams, that is already a success. Always invest only what you can afford to lose.
Buying 'underground' tokens on Telegram will almost certainly lead to a loss of funds — it is better to stick to official DEXs and centralized exchanges with a proven reputation. P/S. If you think that by investing $10 you will get $1000 in a month as promised by a platform, person, or community, you are being deceived.