Introduction
Cryptocurrency scams on Telegram have grown into one of the most significant threats to investors worldwide. Among the most common and damaging schemes are honeypot tokens — smart contracts designed so that users can buy the token but cannot sell it, leaving them trapped with worthless assets.
In recent months, Webamooz conducted extensive research into fraudulent Telegram channels that promoted such tokens. Through direct communication with Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, our documented reports resulted in Telegram officially restricting and tagging 160 scam channels and groups with the SCAM label.
This marks a milestone in the fight against crypto fraud and highlights the role of independent investigative reporting in forcing tech platforms to act.
What Is a Honeypot Scam?
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has repeatedly warned investors about deceptive practices in digital assets, including “honeypot” smart contracts. In these schemes:
- Users are encouraged to buy a token promoted as a “once-in-a-lifetime” investment opportunity.
- After purchase, the token’s smart contract prevents victims from selling.
- Scammers then liquidate their own holdings, leaving victims with tokens of no value.
- Detection tools such as Honeypot Detectors or blockchain explorers like BscScan and Etherscan confirm these restrictions.
(Source: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission – Investor Alerts)
Webamooz Investigation and Documentation
Our team at Webamooz launched a multi-stage investigation into these fraudulent operations:
- Identification of Channels
- Monitoring large Telegram channels with hundreds of thousands to millions of subscribers.
- Collecting names, links, and posts advertising new tokens.
- Technical Verification
- Extracting contract addresses from promoted tokens.
- Running them through Honeypot Detectors to confirm fraudulent restrictions.
- Documenting screenshots, blockchain data, and proof of non-sellable tokens.
- Direct Reports to Pavel Durov
- We compiled the evidence into three separate, comprehensive reports.
- Each report included channel names, scam posts, honeypot proof links, and forensic details.
- These reports were sent directly to Pavel Durov for urgent review.
Telegram’s Response: SCAM Tagging 160 Channels
Following our direct submissions, Telegram officially restricted and marked 160 channels and groups with the red SCAM label. These networks had collectively attracted millions of users, many of whom were victims of financial fraud.
Our internal estimates showed that one single honeypot network stole over $120 million from investors. By enforcing the SCAM designation, Telegram has taken a crucial step toward reducing the influence of these fraudulent operations.
What Happens When a Channel Gets Tagged SCAM?
The SCAM label is more than a cosmetic change — it cripples the channel’s functionality and visibility:
- Content cannot be forwarded to other users.
- Contract addresses cannot be copied from posts.
- Screenshots are disabled, limiting fraudulent content reuse.
- Channel admins lose access to Telegram Ads.
- A red SCAM label appears next to the channel name.
- The channel description automatically changes to a warning: ⚠️ Warning: Many users reported this account as a scam or fake account. Please be careful, especially if it asks you for money.
- The channel becomes unsearchable in Telegram’s global search.
- The channel rapidly loses credibility with its audience.
The result: the channel becomes practically unusable for fraudsters.
Why This Matters
The Webamooz investigation demonstrates that independent reporting can drive real action against organized crypto fraud. Telegram’s enforcement against honeypot scams represents:
- A recognition of the scale of the problem, with millions at risk.
- A precedent for tech companies to collaborate with researchers.
- A direct blow to organized networks that were operating for years unchecked.
However, the threat is not over. Scammers will attempt to create new channels and rebrand under fresh identities. Vigilance, continuous reporting, and user education remain essential.
Conclusion
The restriction of 160 Telegram channels and groups following Webamooz’s reports marks a significant victory against crypto crime. For years, these honeypot operators deceived users, collectively stealing hundreds of millions of dollars. By acting on documented evidence provided directly to Pavel Durov, Telegram has delivered a strong message: fraudulent networks are no longer untouchable.
This is only the beginning. Webamooz remains committed to documenting, exposing, and dismantling fraudulent ecosystems. Together, with active cooperation from platforms like Telegram, we can protect users worldwide from falling victim to crypto honeypot scams.
