Durov Impersonator: How @Cold Enables Scammers or Is Involved in the Schemes
In a shocking revelation, our investigation has uncovered a sophisticated scam operation targeting high-value Telegram usernames. At the center of this web of deceit is a brazen impersonator known as "haha" and a middleman called @Cold, whose practices raise serious questions about complicity in these fraudulent schemes.
The Anatomy of a Scam
Our investigation began with an analysis of conversations between "haha" and a user attempting to sell the coveted "@cybertruck" username. The scammer's tactics were both audacious and alarming:
- False Claims and Impersonation: "Haha" claimed ownership of an impressive portfolio of high-value usernames, including @cryptos, @money, @finance, @poker, and @dubai. Most shockingly, they implied being Pavel Durov, Telegram's CEO.
- Fabricated Proof: To support their Durov impersonation, "haha" sent screenshots purportedly from Durov's Fragment wallet. While this information is publicly accessible, its use in this context was clearly manipulative.
- Pressure Tactics: The scammer employed urgency, stating, "this might be the last day I will be active," attempting to force a hasty decision.
- Refusal of Secure Methods: Consistently, "haha" rejected escrow services or any secure payment method, insisting the username be transferred first – a glaring red flag.
- Shifting Excuses: When pressed for in-person meetings or advance payments, "haha" offered a range of dubious excuses, from being a busy "influencer" to concerns about "ruining the terms of Telegram."
- Financial Inconsistencies: Despite claiming 10,000 TON was "not big money," the scammer refused even small verification transactions, exposing their fraudulent intent.
The @Cold Connection: Enabling or Involved?
Our investigation took a significant turn when we discovered the link between "haha" and @Cold, a prominent figure in the Telegram username market. The scammer had been operating under the username @plunge, rented from @Cold's service.
When confronted, @Cold admitted to renting out @plunge but claimed ignorance about the renter's legitimacy. This lack of due diligence is deeply troubling and raises critical questions:
- Is @Cold merely negligent, or is there a more calculated involvement in these scams? What if he's profiting from a small percentage of fraudulent deals, hiding behind the rental scheme? If he scams just 1 out of 10 deals, who would ever know?
- How many other rented usernames are being used for fraudulent purposes?
- What responsibility does @Cold bear for the actions of those using his rented usernames?
Cold's Role in Enabling Scams: While Cold may be a trusted middleman for legitimate transactions, his username rental service inadvertently facilitates scams. By allowing individuals to rent usernames like @plunge, he provides scammers with a veneer of credibility, which they can exploit to deceive others. The messenger points this out directly, accusing Cold of "enabling a scammer."
Lack of Due Diligence on Renters: Cold admits he doesn't know if the person renting @plunge is legitimate. This lack of vetting creates a loophole for scammers to exploit.
Impersonation and Chain of Scams: The conversation also reveals that the scammer is impersonating someone else ("He is also impersonating"). This suggests a potential chain of scams, where the scammer rents a username to appear legitimate, impersonates another person, and then attempts to defraud others.
The Wider Scam Network
Further investigation revealed a forwarded message from @hahalist, showcasing multiple "insane" usernames, including:
@water
@super
@addict
@growth
@member
@assembly
@activity
@influencer
@make
@triple
@tasty
@judge
@trick
@spred
@elixir
@affair
@medal
@titter
@widget
This suggests a broader network of fraudulent activity, potentially involving multiple rented or stolen high-value usernames.
Real Victims, Real Consequences
The human cost of these scams became evident when we uncovered a blockchain message from an apparent victim of @plunge. The message, laden with expletives and threats, provides a glimpse into the anger and betrayal felt by those defrauded through these schemes.
Conclusion: A Call for Accountability
This investigation exposes critical flaws in the Telegram username marketplace. Whether through intentional complicity or negligent oversight, @Cold's username rental service has become a breeding ground for scams.
The Telegram community deserves better. We call for:
- Stricter verification processes for username rentals and transfers
- Greater transparency in the username marketplace
- Accountability for those who enable or turn a blind eye to fraudulent activities
- An official Telegram escrow service to ensure safe and legitimate transactions for all users.
As we continue our investigation, we remain committed to exposing these deceitful practices and pushing for meaningful change to protect users from exploitation.
P.S. We welcome if you can share your own stories of scams and abuse by the prominent middlemen like Cold.
The whole conversation with the scammer will be share in the channel: