Thanks to its open channel structure and relative anonymity, Telegram has become a platform frequently used in recent years for brand impersonation and fraud attempts. A fake channel that copies a brand's name, logo, and content verbatim can reach thousands of users within just a few hours of being set up.
Why are fake channels so dangerous?
Unlike traditional social media platforms, content moderation on Telegram is quite limited. A channel can easily gain trust by using the real account's profile photo, a username close to the original, and the same content tone. This poses a serious risk especially in the following scenarios:
- Collecting user information through fake "official support" channels
- Announcing fake campaigns or giveaways in the brand's name
- Spreading copyrighted content through unauthorized forwarding
- Committing fraud by sharing crypto wallet addresses
AI-powered detection process
Achernar's Telegram Deep Scan system continuously scans a broad area, from open channels to closed groups. The process proceeds in three main layers:
1. Fake account and channel detection
Impersonating accounts are automatically flagged by comparing brand name, logo similarity, and profile information.
2. Targeted scanning within joined channels
Our system scans posts within the channels and groups it has joined using brand-specific keywords; risky content is caught instantly.
3. Discovery of new channels and groups
Newly created channels and groups are continuously detected and automatically added to scanning using brand-specific criteria.
From detection to takedown: the daily isolation process
A detected violation is passed to Achernar's Link Isolation process. As the only firm in Turkey operating on a daily basis in this field, we track and close down detected violations every single day — not over the course of days or weeks. This approach significantly limits how fast fake content can spread.
If you'd like to learn how your brand is protected on Telegram, take a look at our Telegram Deep Scan & Isolation service. If you want to get a fake channel closed entirely, see our guide to closing a Telegram channel.