Yet another TelegramXfragment scammer!

[DYING_S0UL]

The title implies all. Well, this is an old scamming method, many of you us are already aware of how it works, and there have been a lot of discussion already. But I'm creating this topic again because it seems like this method hasn't yet died down and still in use, to scam innocent users! So this topic will serve as a warning, specially to the newbies, the beginners who have started their Crypto journey, don't be a fool, don't fall to such scams.

What happened?

A few days ago someone approched me stating they were working for web3 projects and collecting usernames for branding and bot integration. Then they offered me 5500 TON ($8,580) for my username, which was already absurd enough, because my username held no significant meaning and was a complete random one.

How it works?

First they will message you saying they are interested in buying your username. Then they might send you a video of the buy sell process, to convince you into selling the username. In the videos you'll see a lot of money being sent and received for usernames. Then they'll make you an offer through fragment (fragment is a real site where you can buy sell your username). In that offer you'll see an accept button. Upon clicking that you'll be redirected to a fake phishing fragment site or a bot or a malicious site!

What happens next..you might have guessed already!

What should we do?

• Don't be greedy
• If any 3rd party comes to you for buying usernames, don't hesitate to block them.
• If you really have an unique or pouplar figue username, then follow the offical way, which is through the official site.
• Don't even bother to reply to their messages, I did because I was well aware of what was happening, I have been approached many times by these scammers.

More Info:

You may read this topic to learn more info about this scam: Sophisticated Telegram Based Scam Designed to Fool Fragment Users

Screenshots:

[Hatchy]

One thing I'll always tell people is so long they are bringing it to you for free and offering to give you money without you requesting, there has to be something fishy going on. The is one of the easiest phishing scams I've known so far, and I'm very sure so many people will fall for it. Besides, what the use of my username when I can just change it and collect the payment instead  . this kind of thoughts is what get so many non chalanct users into trouble. Telegram is known as a den of thief's. so anything that looks so easy and too good to be true should be avoided. 5500 tons lol so many users would be caught by this amount..

[DYING_S0UL]

One thing I'll always tell people is so long they are bringing it to you for free and offering to give you money without you requesting, there has to be something fishy going on. The is one of the easiest phishing scams I've known so far, and I'm very sure so many people will fall for it. Besides, what the use of my username when I can just change it and collect the payment instead  . this kind of thoughts is what get so many non chalanct users into trouble. Telegram is known as a den of thief's. so anything that looks so easy and too good to be true should be avoided. 5500 tons lol so many users would be caught by this amount..

In my honest opinion, I believe not everyone should be using telegram or discord, even better if one used less and less social media platforms like these, unless you are well informed regarding the risks that comes with it! Better to just cut out the root instead of trying to figure out what went wrong! Like you said, it's one of the most easiest scamming method, probably well known to most, but even after that this method is still in play! Someone is surely getting scammed, $5500 is a big amount, I wonder how many can resist that kind of numbers! 

[coinlary]

Well, I guess you were a bit curious  to know where it leads  aswell or did you fell for the money too atfirst, it's  a good offer no one would love to reject for just a username .
Honestly,  the rate at which scamming accounts is increasing on telegram is alarming , there was before but it isn't  this much . 
Lately,two of my  friends account got hacked and used for sending  self hosted telegram phishing site url ( same phishing site that was used to achive the same accounts)  to all their contacts, trust me it was clean to the extent that you would think you were logged out of your telegram but web version.
I guess through that they can have access to large information and  maybe some details to steal funds.

[DYING_S0UL]

Well, I guess you were a bit curious  to know where it leads  aswell or did you fell for the money too atfirst, it's  a good offer no one would love to reject for just a username .
Honestly,  the rate at which scamming accounts is increasing on telegram is alarming , there was before but it isn't  this much . 
Lately,two of my  friends account got hacked and used for sending  self hosted telegram phishing site url ( same phishing site that was used to achive the same accounts)  to all their contacts, trust me it was clean to the extent that you would think you were logged out of your telegram but web version.
I guess through that they can have access to large information and  maybe some details to steal funds.

Sorry to disappoint you but unfortunately NO! I have never fallen for such low level scamming tactics. The reason for that is Bitcointalk and it's amazing community members! These guys kept posting about different scamming methods, news, tips and tricks that you eventually know about all the methods out there! You just won't fall for these anymore, unless the scammers invents a new way, that you aren't aware of.

TG has always been filled with filthy people. You just didn't that. No wonder why people calls it the scammers paradise.

[Perfectbaby]

If I do not give you my username and asked you to chat me on telegram then it's already a red flag for me, because I know that anyone who badges into your privacy without your approval is either wanting something and that is to scam the person, so whenever I see such messages automatically I block such person without any hesitation.
I hate telegram because it's the cheapest and easiest place to scam people and run away so quickly without any track or trace.

[DYING_S0UL]

If I do not give you my username and asked you to chat me on telegram then it's already a red flag for me, because I know that anyone who badges into your privacy without your approval is either wanting something and that is to scam the person, so whenever I see such messages automatically I block such person without any hesitation.
I hate telegram because it's the cheapest and easiest place to scam people and run away so quickly without any track or trace.

Couldn't agree more! Sometimes I just wanna delete my Telegram account! Afaik, we can hide our number and email! Can't we? Let me tell you what happened the other day, somehow, a random guy spelled out my actual number which I used to register my account in a public group. It scared the shit out of me! I'm not sure how they did it,but TG  isn't as secure as the they (TG) claims to be. All kind of shady business and bad company are out there!

Practically speaking, not everyone should be using these platforms! There are not beginner friendly nor have safe environment/ecosystem for regular users! 

[Mrbluntzy]

This is a dumb scam method, I blame the victims of such scam for their stupidity, you know why? First, why would you want to sell your telegram username or receive payment for your username that was not and has not been registered by you for personal and commercials use? To think that someone will pay you for a username that you didn't register in yours name is stupidly. There's no legal documents stating that the username was profiled and registered by you and yet you think someone will stupidly pay you for that. It's a dumb scam and dumb people fall for it.

[FirmWars]

If I do not give you my username and asked you to chat me on telegram then it's already a red flag for me, because I know that anyone who badges into your privacy without your approval is either wanting something and that is to scam the person, so whenever I see such messages automatically I block such person without any hesitation.
I hate telegram because it's the cheapest and easiest place to scam people and run away so quickly without any track or trace.

You made a very good point, if I see such message I will not automatically block the person, I will want to find out what they want before blocking them because some memecoins telegram group moderators could also PM you to help them shill their coin depending if you are a member in their project telegram group and they see how active you are, but such PMs are straight to the point and doesn't have the confusing statement that those scammers use to trick some gullible fellas into fall for their scam.

[Patikno]

What should we do?

• Don't be greedy

Whatever attacks scammers carry out, they always try to lure their potential victims, and always have all kinds of tricks to attract their attention, but basically they will not be able to succeed in carrying out their actions , as long as we do not give access, or ignore them. Therefore, we should not be easily tempted, especially by something "Too Good to be True", or something "Too Shiny". Maybe, this advice is repeated many times, but personally, I managed to avoid all kinds of scams by applying it, and I think someone will be easily tempted by a scam, if he has greed as OP meant.

[BIT-BENDER]

In my honest opinion, I believe not everyone should be using telegram or discord, even better if one used less and less social media platforms like these, unless you are well informed regarding the risks that comes with it! Better to just cut out the root instead of trying to figure out what went wrong! Like you said, it's one of the most easiest scamming method, probably well known to most, but even after that this method is still in play! Someone is surely getting scammed, $5500 is a big amount, I wonder how many can resist that kind of numbers! 

People can't help but use this App for very important reasons those apps are always going to be used so for me I think finding a solution to keep safe while using those apps is better than trying to completely stop using them.
And scammers don't only use those apps, you email, browsers and many more can be an avenue for scammers to attack.
First thing to do is learning for example if you come across this post you check it and do your own research, read on as many scam attacks and attempts news as possible.

[Potato Chips]

Can't we? Let me tell you what happened the other day, somehow, a random guy spelled out my actual number which I used to register my account in a public group. It scared the shit out of me! I'm not sure how they did it,but TG  isn't as secure as the they (TG) claims to be.

You can, but I think it's not hidden by default and you have to opt in on your privacy settings. Did you do this? if so, that's indeed fear inducing.

In addition, I've talked about this before, but it is very disappointing how telegram has paywalled the ability to close DMs.

I wish telegram wouldn't paywall such a basic feature as well.



Plus even if you subscribe to close the PMs, it appears other premium users could just bypass it.

I have closed my DMs on X and discord without subscribing to any premiums which does lessen the annoyance. Telegram should follow suit.

There is no way the team is not aware of all the scam DMs that is goin' on in their platform lol. And this is a poop way to fish out premium subs.

[DYING_S0UL]

This is a dumb scam method, I blame the victims of such scam for their stupidity, you know why? First, why would you want to sell your telegram username or receive payment for your username that was not and has not been registered by you for personal and commercials use? To think that someone will pay you for a username that you didn't register in yours name is stupidly. There's no legal documents stating that the username was profiled and registered by you and yet you think someone will stupidly pay you for that. It's a dumb scam and dumb people fall for it.

Yeah probably! But as you see, this method is still being used, meaning someone somewhere is getting scammed by this! You should remember not everyone follows every news related to these scams! Ask around and you'll find a lot of folks who aren't aware what a fragment tg scam is! Anyway as long as we being careful, and use some common sense we should be able to save ourselves from such scams!

People can't help but use this App for very important reasons those apps are always going to be used so for me I think finding a solution to keep safe while using those apps is better than trying to completely stop using them.
And scammers don't only use those apps, you email, browsers and many more can be an avenue for scammers to attack.
First thing to do is learning for example if you come across this post you check it and do your own research, read on as many scam attacks and attempts news as possible.

Me too! Even if I wanted to abandon my account I simply couldn't! One advantage is that I'm used to these scammers, so I have confidence I won't fall for them. Until now, I didn't!

You can, but I think it's not hidden by default and you have to opt in on your privacy settings. Did you do this? if so, that's indeed fear inducing.

In addition, I've talked about this before, but it is very disappointing how telegram has paywalled the ability to close DMs.

My privacy is set at "Only Me". Despite that somehow they managed to find my number! Pretty concerning yeah!

Unfortunately, it's a paid feature! I hope at least they would make this free! Whom should I chat with, who can PM me is my personal choice, it's my right!

[uchegod-21]

I love what op said, if you must sell out your username, pass through the normal process, the official way. Getting unsolicited messages like this from a stranger is one of the first redflags. That stranger should be treated as a suspected until you can prove beyond reasonable doubt that he is genuine with his intentions. And if you can't prove anything, or still have doubts in your mind, decline the offer immediately. Do not let greed make you fall victim. Scammers are still using this tactics because people are just too greedy and they are falling victim to the cheap scam.

[Sim_card]

Any offer that it's good to be true is a scam. How will someone just pay you money for no reason. That's the bait, they put money in front to lure the greddy ones into their net. I have been receiving random messages lately, offering to assit me make money, I block them instantly, or delete the mail.

[DYING_S0UL]

I love what op said, if you must sell out your username, pass through the normal process, the official way. Getting unsolicited messages like this from a stranger is one of the first redflags. That stranger should be treated as a suspected until you can prove beyond reasonable doubt that he is genuine with his intentions. And if you can't prove anything, or still have doubts in your mind, decline the offer immediately. Do not let greed make you fall victim. Scammers are still using this tactics because people are just too greedy and they are falling victim to the cheap scam.

Another way to confirm your suspicious is by proposing a escrow of your own.

At first, they would try to feed you some technical shit, this needs to be done, that needs to be done, the username has to be converted into a NFT in order to sell and so on. But simply you could ask for a escrow and do the deal here. For example, I had proposed that I wanna use BTT forums reputable user as my escrow. Escrow holds the funds, I would change my username, and then buyer can change it back again. But unfortunate none of them agree, and tried to explain me shit that it can't be done. So now you definitely know, it's a scam.

Any offer that it's good to be true is a scam. How will someone just pay you money for no reason. That's the bait, they put money in front to lure the greddy ones into their net. I have been receiving random messages lately, offering to assit me make money, I block them instantly, or delete the mail.

Which platform?

[uchegod-21]

I love what op said, if you must sell out your username, pass through the normal process, the official way. Getting unsolicited messages like this from a stranger is one of the first redflags. That stranger should be treated as a suspected until you can prove beyond reasonable doubt that he is genuine with his intentions. And if you can't prove anything, or still have doubts in your mind, decline the offer immediately. Do not let greed make you fall victim. Scammers are still using this tactics because people are just too greedy and they are falling victim to the cheap scam.

Another way to confirm your suspicious is by proposing a escrow of your own.

At first, they would try to feed you some technical shit, this needs to be done, that needs to be done, the username has to be converted into a NFT in order to sell and so on. But simply you could ask for a escrow and do the deal here. For example, I had proposed that I wanna use BTT forums reputable user as my escrow. Escrow holds the funds, I would change my username, and then buyer can change it back again. But unfortunate none of them agree, and tried to explain me shit that it can't be done. So now you definitely know, it's a scam.

This is correct. Any buyer who is not comfortable with a safe and transparent process is a scammer. The truth is that people do actually buy and sell usernames, but scammers have began to use that means to hack into people's accounts and scam them afterwards. Any buyer who is actually genuine should not be having any problems using an escrow service. It is quite unfortunate that some victims do not usually check all these facts, they only  realise their mistakes when the error has already been committed.

[Pablo-wood]

If I do not give you my username and asked you to chat me on telegram then it's already a red flag for me, because I know that anyone who badges into your privacy without your approval is either wanting something and that is to scam the person, so whenever I see such messages automatically I block such person without any hesitation.
I hate telegram because it's the cheapest and easiest place to scam people and run away so quickly without any track or trace.

I also know for sure telegram isn't a platform for mutual bonding or relationship it is either business or scam attempt. I don't even resend to random messages in my DM. Just as you sighted I must have shared my telegram username with anyone before considering their messages worth responding to, except for users who I have on my contact list already. I rarely block except the start proposing offers that looks too good to be real.

[IjawMan]

One thing I'll always tell people is so long they are bringing it to you for free and offering to give you money without you requesting, there has to be something fishy going on. The is one of the easiest phishing scams I've known so far, and I'm very sure so many people will fall for it.

You are not greedy which makes you ask this relevant question. A greedy dude with appetite for free offers will be lacking of such self examination. Greed can blindfold all sense of reasoning of a man ontil he is finally caught in the net.

Besides, what the use of my username when I can just change it and collect the payment instead  . this kind of thoughts is what get so many non chalanct users into trouble. Telegram is known as a den of thief's. so anything that looks so easy and too good to be true should be avoided. 5500 tons lol so many users would be caught by this amount..

Telegram has evolved into a playground for scammers and a great percent of offers on that platform are fraudsters organized schemes. The activities continue to thrive cause each moment they strike there are greedy unfazed users whom fall for it.

[NotATether]

I was once contacted by one of these username scammers. I just told them I'm not interested, and that was the end of the matter.