Scammers Exploit Telegram Dice Game in User Fund Theft Schemes

Fraudsters are exploiting a dice-based game on Telegram to steal users’ funds, cybersecurity specialists have warned, citing a rise in complaints linked to a new gambling-related feature on the messaging app, Izvestia reported.

The schemes centre on Emoji Stake, a Telegram gambling mechanic identified in late 2025 and currently being tested in a limited format. The feature allows some Telegram Premium users to place bets in the TON cryptocurrency using virtual dice rolls.

Experts say criminals quickly capitalised on interest in the feature. They set up bots and channels with similar names and prompt users to make deposits; once payment details are entered, funds are diverted to fraudsters’ accounts. Igor Bederov, head of Internet-Rozysk, said the number of victims is increasing, with users often misled by promises of quick profits from TON betting.

Evgeny Balk, head of development and architecture at Cross Technologies, said dozens of clone bots have already appeared amid the surge of interest in Emoji Stake, adding that the potential number of victims could reach 150,000–200,000.

Specialists stressed that financial risks are not limited to fake services. Any betting activity on Telegram, including the Emoji Stake bot itself, carries a risk of losses, IT expert Sergey Pomortsev said. Interest in the feature is also being used to hijack accounts. Dmitry Kiryushkin, head of digital risk protection at BI.ZONE, said more than 800 fraudulent websites aimed at stealing Telegram accounts have been identified since the start of 2026.

Anton Nemkin, a member of the State Duma’s committee on information policy, said schemes linked to Emoji Stake follow a classic phishing pattern, using clone websites and fake applications to gain access to users’ crypto assets and accounts.

Russia’s communications regulator Roskomnadzor said Telegram continues to violate Russian law on the dissemination of information about gambling. Total fines imposed for failing to remove prohibited content have exceeded 130,6 million roubles (1,4 million euro).

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