Crypto Scammers Refuse to Target TON: A Closer Look at the Risks and Misconceptions

In a surprising twist, crypto scammers using malware to steal digital assets have reportedly avoided targeting users on The Open Network (TON) blockchain. This revelation comes from Scam Sniffer experts, who noted that the operators of a popular scam tool, known as a drainer, announced their departure from the TON ecosystem. The drainer’s creators cited a lack of "crypto whales" — high-value investors — as the primary reason for leaving the network. However, the story behind this decision is more complicated than it seems.

Scammers Leave TON Behind

According to a message posted on an unspecified Telegram channel, the drainer’s developers declared they would no longer target the TON ecosystem. Their justification? The absence of large, wealthy investors made the TON network less profitable for fraudulent activities. Instead, the scammers plan to shift their focus to the Bitcoin blockchain, where they believe more opportunities for theft lie.

One of the key reasons behind the lack of whales in TON is the abundance of airdrops on the platform. These airdrops, where tokens are distributed for free to users, make it difficult for scammers to profit from phishing schemes. As a result, malicious actors see fewer financial incentives in targeting TON.

Are There Really No Whales in TON?

Despite the scammers’ decision to abandon TON, experts like Yu Xian, the founder of SlowMist, argue that the assessment of whale activity on the network may be too simplistic. In his view, the drainer operators may have overlooked the true potential of the TON blockchain. While it’s true that many users are drawn to TON for its airdrops and mini-apps, the network’s growing integration with Telegram — a platform with over 900 million users — opens the door to substantial investment and long-term value creation.

The Growing Popularity of TON: A Double-Edged Sword

TON has been one of the standout blockchain success stories of 2024. Its native token has more than doubled in value since the beginning of the year, and its integration with Telegram has helped position it as a major player in the cryptocurrency world. However, as the network's popularity grows, so does the interest from scammers.

Since November 2023, fraudulent activity on TON has been on the rise, mirroring the blockchain's rapid growth. Scammers have increasingly exploited the popularity of mini-apps, particularly those connected to tap-to-earn games like Notcoin and Hamster Kombat. These games, which reward users for simple tasks like tapping a button, have been an attractive target for cybercriminals.

The Rise of Fraudulent Activity on TON

Leading cybersecurity firms like Kaspersky Lab have noted that scammers on TON often rely on the latest trends to deceive users. For example, they create bots, referral links, and fake instructional videos, capitalizing on the excitement surrounding new TON-based projects. To make their schemes more convincing, these scammers often create tokens with names that sound similar to legitimate projects,

hoping to trick users into investing in fraudulent assets.

The scammers' methods are not new. Experts from BlockAid have observed that attackers on TON have repurposed tools previously used to exploit vulnerabilities on the Ethereum and Solana platforms. In September 2024 alone, more than 300 malicious decentralized applications (dapps) were launched on TON, underscoring the growing threat to users on the network.

Conclusion: The True State of Security on TON

While it’s true that certain scam operations have moved away from TON due to the lack of immediate profitability, it would be a mistake to assume the network is entirely safe from malicious activity. The TON blockchain’s increasing popularity and integration with Telegram make it a prime target for future scams. And as more users and developers flock to the platform, the risk of fraud will likely continue to grow.

For TON to maintain its momentum as a leading blockchain, it will need to address these security concerns head-on. The network must balance its appeal to new users with robust security measures that can protect against both emerging and well-established threats. While the exodus of some scammers may seem like a positive sign, the broader picture suggests that TON is still vulnerable to more sophisticated attacks.

As the TON ecosystem continues to evolve, users must stay vigilant, particularly when it comes to identifying phishing schemes, fake tokens, and fraudulent dapps. The network has proven its potential, but it must now focus on protecting that potential from those who seek to exploit it.