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‘Photos of You as a Child’: The Phishing Scam Targeting Telegram Users
‘Photos of You as a Child’: The Phishing Scam Targeting Telegram Users
Introduction
Imagine getting a message from a close friend with a link that says something like, “Photos of you as a child.” I thought, Did my friend find some old photos and upload them to share? But what happened next turned out to be a close call with a cleverly crafted phishing attack that could have compromised my Telegram account and much more. Here’s what happened and how you can protect yourself from similar scams.
It All Started with a Friendly Message
Just like any other day, I received a message on Telegram from a trusted friend. The message seemed innocent enough: “Photos of you as a child.” Who wouldn’t be curious, right? With the link attached, I figured they had uploaded some old pictures to a cloud service. It seemed legit at first glance, and my guard was down because it came from someone I trusted.
A Fake Telegram Login Page
As I clicked the link, I was directed to what looked like the Telegram login page. It appeared authentic, down to the smallest details. They’d perfectly replicated the interface, including the option to enter my phone number to receive a one-time password (OTP) and even Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) verification. I began to suspect something was wrong, but the page was so well-crafted that it could fool almost anyone.
The Red flags
Fortunately, some aspects of the phishing attempt started to stand out:
1. The URL was Suspicious:
The domain name didn’t match Telegram’s official URL, which immediately raised a red flag. Phishing sites often use lookalike URLs or add extra words like “secure,” “telegram-login,” or “cloud” to seem legitimate.
2. An Unexpected OTP Request:
Receiving an OTP from Telegram for a link sent by a friend didn’t make sense. Typically, an OTP is only necessary when I initiate a login, not for accessing shared photos.
3. A Friend’s Unusual Behavior:
The casual nature of the message didn’t quite fit the way my friend usually communicates. This often-overlooked detail can be a major indicator that something is amiss.
The Consequences of Falling for Such Phishing Scams
If I had entered my details on this fake login page, the scammers could have:
• Stolen My Telegram Account:
They’d instantly have access to my account, chats, contacts, and any information within those conversations.
• Spread the Attack:
With access to my account, they could message my contacts, posing as me, to send them similar phishing links.
• Potentially Access Other Accounts:
If my Telegram was linked to other social media or email accounts, they could initiate password reset requests and access more of my data.
Conclusion
Phishing scams are getting more sophisticated by the day, and even the savviest among us can fall victim if we’re not careful. This experience was a reminder of how essential it is to stay vigilant, even with messages from people we trust. By recognizing the red flags and following basic security practices, we can keep ourselves safe in an increasingly digital world.