Yu Xian, founder of blockchain security firm SlowMist, has warned about increased phishing attempts targeting the TON ecosystem.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, June 24, 2024, Xian highlighted the growing threat to users’ assets in TON wallets, including NFTs and particularly Anonymous Telegram Numbers.
The TON ecosystem, a blockchain platform hosting various dApps across DeFi, gaming, NFTs, and memecoins, recently integrated with Telegram as part of its push to boost blockchain adoption by lowering the barrier of entry. However, Xian noted that the “overly free nature” of the Telegram ecosystem facilitates the spread of phishing links and bot forms through message groups and airdrops.
According to Xian, the phishing attacks primarily target Anonymous Telegram Numbers, which users employ to create accounts not linked to traditional SIM cards. These anonymous numbers can also be used to change the phone numbers of existing accounts.
Telegram introduced the “anonymous numbers” feature in late 2022 to enable users to log in without needing a SIM card. Notably, this feature allows users to log in using blockchain-based anonymous numbers provided by platforms like Fragment, eliminating the need for a SIM card.
Xian warned that if these anonymous numbers are phished, users risk losing access to their Telegram accounts unless they have enabled Two-Step Verification. He urged users to remain vigilant, noting that “the phishing methods are basically the same, so pay attention.”
This warning comes amid ongoing phishing attacks in the crypto industry. In May, a scammer involved in a significant poisoning scam that resulted in the loss of $71 million worth of Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) contacted the victim through Telegram, offering to return 50% of the stolen funds. The scammer subsequently returned nearly 50% of the stolen funds (11,446.87 ETH, worth approximately $35 million) to the victim’s address in three separate transactions, according to blockchain security firm, Peckshield.
If you want to read more news articles like this, visit DeFi Planet and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and CoinMarketCap Community.
“Take control of your crypto portfolio with MARKETS PRO, DeFi Planet’s suite of analytics tools.”
