The number of fraudulent schemes that allow hacking user accounts and sometimes stealing money from accounts is growing every year. And if the old ones stop giving any results, then something new is invented. A similar problem also concerns accounts in popular social networks and messengers. In particular, recently you can often see complaints from users that their Telegram account was stolen , and they allegedly did not tell anyone any codes.
It turns out that the attackers have come up with a very clever scheme that allows you to steal a Telegram account without you even realizing it. The thing is that they disguise themselves as a support service, and it is very difficult to distinguish them. Let's figure out how to steal a Telegram account and whether you can protect yourself from this.
Telegram account hacking
If you are already authorized in Telegram on one of your devices, then when you try to log in on a new gadget, you will receive a notification with a confirmation code and a message about this fact from the official Telegram account . This is what the scammers have faked. They find a victim and start bombarding them with service messages supposedly with an authorization code. However, they are seriously different from what Telegram itself sends.
The text of the message contains a link that you supposedly need to follow. You should never do this. After following the link, you will very quickly be left without your account. Many of those who fell for this scheme say that they did not even have to enter anything on this site. It was enough to simply use the link from the letter. Remember that the official Telegram account never sends any links and certainly does not encourage you to leave the messenger.
How to pin a chat in Telegram
To avoid falling for this bait, there are several options. First, I recommend that you pin the official Telegram account , which sends various service messages, to the main page of the messenger. This will allow you to respond to confirmation codes only from it and not become a victim of scammers. You can do this like this:
- If you do not have any saved messages from your Telegram account , then follow this link from your computer;
- On your smartphone, open Telegram and go to settings;
- Select the "Devices" item;
- Click "Connect device" and scan the QR code from your computer screen ;
- Return to the main page of the messenger, where a chat with the Telegram account will appear;
- Hold your finger on it and tap the "Pin" button in the drop-down menu.
If you already have a chat in your messenger, you can simply find it in the list and pin it to the top of the list. Now you will be absolutely sure that all confirmation codes should be there, and everything else is scammers.
Restrict sending messages in Telegram
However, this will not completely protect you from receiving such messages. That is why it is better to slightly change the privacy settings . See what you need to do:
- Open Telegram on your iPhone and go to the Settings tab;
- Select the "Privacy" option;
- In the “Privacy” block, find the “Messages” item and click on it;
- Switch to Contacts & Premium Subscribers.
- Now, if a contact is not on your list, they won't be able to send you a message just like that . True, premium subscribers will still be able to send text, but this still significantly reduces the likelihood of running into scammers.
Blacklist in Telegram
Unfortunately, no one prevents scammers from subscribing to Telegram Premium , which they often use to bypass such bans. That is why, if you received a service code not from a previously pinned chat, you must do the following without further thought or doubt:
- Open a chat that seems suspicious to you. Do not under any circumstances follow any links contained in it;
- Click on the contact name;
- Tap the button with three dots and the word "More";
- At the bottom of the drop-down menu, click Block.
Please note one very important point. There are no additional buttons in the Telegram support account , as for regular accounts. You cannot block it, set up a secret chat, and most importantly, gift premium. This is a critical difference from fraudulent accounts. Be sure to pay attention to this point and do not let yourself be deceived. Remember that in 99% of cases, hacking an account in Telegram and other services occurs due to the carelessness of the user himself, who followed a dubious link or told the received authorization code. These few tips will allow you not to lose your account and always stay in touch with your family and friends. Have you ever had your accounts stolen on social networks or messengers? Or maybe you have encountered attempts?