It started like a regular day at around noon when I got the first message on Telegram.
Hey.
I was surprised because the message was from a strange account. I was skeptical, but I decided to respond, and I replied, “Hello.”
Within a few seconds, I got the next message,
Hey, just wanted to ask – are you open to discussing @Scofield_eth
I was taken aback and asked what it was about.
The reply was
I want to buy your username.
I can offer a good price
At this point, I began to piece together what the conversation was about, and I quickly searched for information on whether selling Telegram usernames was a thing.
It was, so I responded, What is your offer?
The response was
I’m offering 3,000 TON
Quite strange why the offer was so high and why me, I immediately knew something was fishy, and I decided to see what the end game was.
I responded that 3000 TON was not ok, I asked for 5000 TON and after a few back and forth, we agreed. on 4000 TON.
Next, I got this message
I use Fragment for the transaction.
Have you heard of it?
I responded, I knew about it, and I got another message, and at that point, the plot thickens.
Before I share what happened next, check out our telegram channel where we share everything spanning across all tech domains. The one stop for everything Tech.
I got this link.
To understand how crafty the scam was, you need to understand how fragment works.
Telegram Fragment Name Selling — Simplified
Telegram allows users to buy and sell unique usernames (called fragments) on its platform through a marketplace called Fragment.
Main Component:
- Username NFTs: Each Telegram username is turned into an NFT (digital asset) on The Open Network (TON) blockchain.
- Buying/Selling: Users can buy, sell, or auction these usernames on the Fragment site using TON cryptocurrency.
- Ownership: Once bought, the username is yours. You can use it on Telegram or resell it later.
As a rule, I do not click on links I am unsure of, but I decided to go along to see what happens. I told the contact that I had to auction the name, and they had to bid for it, but I was quickly rebuked with the following.
That’s because I don’t work with auctions, but through a direct transaction.
So please open the link and let’s make a deal.
My next move was to use another phone, click on the link, and download a TON wallet, as that was the only way I could complete the transaction.
I knew I could not use any wallet with real TON, so I don’t get wiped out.
First thing I noticed after clicking is the site looked sketchy, but that was not the light bulb moment.
It was showing Preparing transaction.
I asked why the transaction was pending, and I was told
try to connect another wallet or write to support
Be informed that when you click the scammer’s link, the support page does not close, which means they want you to speak with support.
Here is how the conversation went.
I knew it was likely the same person or part of their team.
At this point, I knew I was being scammed, so I continued playing along to see what would happen and to gather information.
Remember, I was using an empty wallet, and I knew if there were funds, there was a high likelihood that clicking the link and signing the transaction could empty it.
I knew this was the end.
But to conclude my investigation, I went back to the chat on Telegram to inform the scammer that I won’t be paying.
I got this reply
What’s your problem? It’s a security deposit for the transaction. But I pay the commission, and your deposit and my money go back to you
I was informed that once I fund my account, I would also receive my initial deposit of 200 TON plus the 4000 TON.
I told him to minus the 200 TON from the payment as I won’t be paying it.
I got another sketchy response
They sent me this with the message
my money is frozen for the transaction and is waiting for your transaction
I ended the chat here, but I kept getting messages that I am going to lose money.
Conclusion
Scammers are getting smarter, and Telegram username scams are the new trap. What started as a seemingly legitimate offer turned into an elaborate ploy to steal crypto through fake sites and pressure tactics.
Here’s the takeaway:
- Never click on unknown links.
- Never “connect” a wallet with funds.
- Only use fragment.com for Telegram name sales.
- And if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Stay sharp. The price of carelessness could be your entire wallet.
