Checking a Telegram channel for bots and fraud
Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2025 9:55 am
The scale of fraud in Telegram channels is sometimes astounding. One of the reasons for this is the relatively lenient moderation. Until complaints from users are received, admins most often turn a blind eye. We will not describe in detail each fraud scheme, this is in no way a guide to action. Just be prepared that you can be deceived in such ways.
Selling fake channels or advertising in them
The simplest and most common scheme. The admin winds up bot subscribers, and then tries to sell the channel at a higher price. To counter this, always request statistics before buying. Buying a channel with bots is unprofitable in all respects - not only will you lose money, but you will also have to additionally look for a live audience.
By the way: Telegram promotion is forgivable at the first linkedin data stage of promotion. It is used to increase trust in the public. But then you will have to look for real subscribers. We have a guide on how to promote a Telegram channel in different ways.
Another variant of such fraud is when the owner is actively engaged in botting, and the channel is positioned as a "platform with a live and active audience" for advertising. Check the statistics through TGStat or Telemetr, or buy advertising on exchanges that already have consolidated statistics.
For example, Telega.in provides analytics for each channel. Specifically, we can say about this channel that there is no cheating here. And if there is, it is minimal.
Hijacking and reselling other people's channels
Channels can be hijacked in a variety of ways. But most often – through phishing messages. For example, they introduce themselves as an advertiser and offer to look at a file with conditions. As you guessed, there is a script there that steals account data. Then the channels are put up for sale and receive good money for them, especially if the publics are popular.
Channel cloning
Sometimes they make copies of other people's popular channels or blogs of famous people. The difference is usually barely noticeable - for example, an extra symbol in the title. Blogs of famous people are easier to distinguish: if it is an authentic channel, there should be a check mark - a verification sign. The goal of cloning is the same: to sell at a high price or make money on advertising. Or just to hype up. So, if Morgenstern wrote to you in a personal message and offered to buy advertising from him, do not be surprised - this is most likely a scam.
Selling fake channels or advertising in them
The simplest and most common scheme. The admin winds up bot subscribers, and then tries to sell the channel at a higher price. To counter this, always request statistics before buying. Buying a channel with bots is unprofitable in all respects - not only will you lose money, but you will also have to additionally look for a live audience.
By the way: Telegram promotion is forgivable at the first linkedin data stage of promotion. It is used to increase trust in the public. But then you will have to look for real subscribers. We have a guide on how to promote a Telegram channel in different ways.
Another variant of such fraud is when the owner is actively engaged in botting, and the channel is positioned as a "platform with a live and active audience" for advertising. Check the statistics through TGStat or Telemetr, or buy advertising on exchanges that already have consolidated statistics.
For example, Telega.in provides analytics for each channel. Specifically, we can say about this channel that there is no cheating here. And if there is, it is minimal.
Hijacking and reselling other people's channels
Channels can be hijacked in a variety of ways. But most often – through phishing messages. For example, they introduce themselves as an advertiser and offer to look at a file with conditions. As you guessed, there is a script there that steals account data. Then the channels are put up for sale and receive good money for them, especially if the publics are popular.
Channel cloning
Sometimes they make copies of other people's popular channels or blogs of famous people. The difference is usually barely noticeable - for example, an extra symbol in the title. Blogs of famous people are easier to distinguish: if it is an authentic channel, there should be a check mark - a verification sign. The goal of cloning is the same: to sell at a high price or make money on advertising. Or just to hype up. So, if Morgenstern wrote to you in a personal message and offered to buy advertising from him, do not be surprised - this is most likely a scam.