Telegram Introduces NFT-Enabled Collectible Gifts in Latest Update

Telegram’s latest update allows users to upgrade gifts into non-fungible tokens (NFTs), enabling trading and ownership on blockchain platforms.

Collectible Gifts ( NFTs )🎁

Telegram gifts can now be upgraded into NFTs. These NFT gifts possess unique attributes and can be exchanged with other users or sold on a TON NFT marketplace.

Upgrading a gift reveals a fresh look from numerous custom designs created by Telegram… pic.twitter.com/GTK1RIP9Ms

— damx 🀄️ (@damxton) January 2, 2025

According to a recent blog post by Telegram, the new feature transforms digital gifts into unique collectible items with customizable attributes, which can be exchanged or sold on NFT marketplaces.

Digital Gifts Upgraded to NFTs

The gift custom attributes include background colors and icons, ensuring each item is distinct. Upgrading requires Telegram Stars, the platform’s digital currency, to cover blockchain fees.

Over 20 types of digital gifts are eligible for this upgrade, including items like Jelly Bunny and Santa Hat.

The collectibles provide users with additional flexibility for exchanging and personalizing their digital assets.

The update now has over 1,400 unique collectible appearances with plans for expansion Collectibles can also be instantly transferred, exchanged or traded.

Based on the announcement, the app also includes message search filters, allowing users to narrow search results to specific categories, such as private chats, group chats, or channels, directly from the search bar.

Telegram has added a built-in QR code scanner that works through the app’s camera on Android and iOS, enabling users to scan codes and open links without leaving the app.

Service messages, such as those for receiving gifts, joining groups, or starting video chats, now support reactions, letting users respond quickly with a tap.

Telegram Scamming Malware Targets Crypto

Scam Sniffer, a blockchain security firm, recently identified new schemes exploiting Telegram bots to target cryptocurrency users.

👨🏻‍💻 Scam Sniffer has raised alarms about a new wave of scams targeting cryptocurrency users through fake Telegram verification bots. #Scam #Hackhttps://t.co/NVGgaqyr7v

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) December 11, 2024

Scammers are leveraging fake verification bots to inject malware, gaining access to victims’ crypto wallets.

The scammers lure users into Telegram groups by impersonating well-known crypto influencers through fake accounts on X.

Within these groups, users are instructed to verify their accounts using a bot named “OfficiaISafeguardBot,” which facilitates the malware injection.

According to Scam Sniffer, the fake bot deploys PowerShell code to compromise victims’ systems.

The malware enables scammers to extract private keys, allowing them to drain crypto wallets.