Telegram Bans $35B Scam Marketplace. Only to See Illicit Crypto Trades Surge Elsewhere

Introduction

Telegram has just banned a scam marketplace responsible for nearly $35 billion in crypto fraud. The takedown targeted networks promoting fake tokens, phishing links, and black-market crypto sales that had plagued Telegram groups for months.

While this crackdown is a major step toward a safer crypto ecosystem, it’s far from the end. In fact, the crackdown has triggered a migration. Fraudulent activity is now popping up on alternative platforms, forcing traders to become even more cautious.

For users of trusted platforms like Shelbit Exchange, this moment highlights why secure, verified, and well-governed crypto environments are more important than ever.

What Was the Scam Marketplace on Telegram?

The scam network operated across thousands of Telegram channels and groups, offering:

  • Fake investment opportunities
  • Rug-pull tokens and clone projects
  • Sales of stolen data, KYC credentials, and crypto wallets
  • Phishing links disguised as trading bots or crypto wallets

It became a breeding ground for malicious schemes, affecting tens of thousands of users globally. Telegram’s ban, driven by pressure from regulators and cybersecurity analysts, wiped out one of the largest open crypto scams in messaging app history.

But the Scammers Are Not Gone Just Relocated

Since the ban, security experts have noted a rapid shift in scam-related activity to:

  • Discord private servers
  • Dark web forums
  • Peer-to-peer chat apps
  • Decentralized platforms with no moderation

These platforms offer complete anonymity, which makes it easier for bad actors to regroup and operate under the radar. That’s why even though Telegram took a bold step, crypto users need to remain on alert.

Why Shelbit Exchange Offers Safer Trading Options

As shady operators move to harder-to-track platforms, using secure exchanges like Shelbit Exchange becomes more essential than ever.

Shelbit Exchange provides:

  • Verified token listings only
  • No exposure to third-party contracts or unregulated sales
  • Built-in security systems to detect suspicious trading activity
  • Anonymity without compromising user protection
  • Transparent rewards, no scams or surprise fees

By using a platform that prioritizes transparency and safety, traders can avoid the risky gray areas that scam groups exploit.

How to Stay Safe as Scams Evolve

Here are five key safety tips to protect yourself now that scammers are migrating:

  1. Avoid investment links shared in Telegram or Discord unless verified
  2. Never send funds to wallets without fully checking their legitimacy
  3. Enable 2FA and password protection on your trading accounts
  4. Stick with trusted platforms like Shelbit Exchange for all trades
  5. Stay updated with crypto security news and announcements

 

The Bigger Picture for the Crypto Community

The fact that scammers could operate so openly on Telegram for years is a wake-up call. It underscores the need for better awareness, tighter security, and platforms that enforce standards.

More regulations will likely follow this incident, and exchanges that are already secure, like Shelbit Exchange, are ahead of the curve. As new traders enter the space, having access to a reliable platform that isn’t vulnerable to third-party manipulation is more valuable than ever.

Conclusion

Telegram’s $35 billion scam ban is a significant win, but it’s only one piece of a much larger battle. As fraudulent crypto operations scatter across other platforms, the responsibility to stay safe now rests with the individual user.

Using a reliable, secure, and user-first platform like Shelbit Exchange ensures that you’re protected, informed, and trading in a clean ecosystem.

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