LTA files report with Telegram after unblockable scam ads appear on agency's channel

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has filed a report with messaging platform Telegram.

The agency said on Apr. 24 that scammers have been running fraudulent advertisements on its Telegram channel.

"These advertisements contain malicious links and apps, and cannot be blocked," said the LTA.

The agency advised its Telegram channel subscribers to refrain from tapping the links that appear in said ads or downloading apps that these scammers promote.

"Please remain vigilant and stay alert against the latest scam tactics," said the LTA.

"If unsure, call the 24/7 ScamShield anti-scam helpline via 1799."

When Mothership checked LTA's Telegram channel today (Apr. 24), there was an ad on the bottom of the channel, advertising for something called Holabet.

The scam ad seemed to be targeted at Singaporeans, using phrases like "No bluff ah!" and "Don't miss lah!"

Telegram channel advertisements

Targeting LTA's channel makes sense for scammers because subscribers typically trust government agencies as well as the content they put out.

In this case, it appears that the scammers exploited a loophole in Telegram's approach to advertisements.

According to Telegram, anyone can run ads on the platform. These ads will appear in Telegram broadcast channels.

Parties who buy ads on Telegram can choose specific channels to show their ads.

They can also pay for the ads using cryptocurrency.

The ads will only appear if the subscriber is not a Telegram Premium user.

Top screengrab from LTA's Telegram channel.