Published July 13, 2026
How Cybercriminals Use Viral Leaks to Distribute Phishing Links on Telegram
Understanding how Telegram channels exploit viral search volume to run phishing scams.
The Telegram Scam Ecosystem
Telegram is a powerful messaging app, but its privacy settings make it a popular tool for scammers. During viral controversies, malicious actors set up public channels optimized for keywords like "Sheryl Gabriella leaked link" to harvest user data.
How the Phishing Scam Operates
When a user joins these channels, they are prompted to click a link to watch the video. This link redirects them to a fake website that looks like a Facebook login page. Users are asked to enter their password to verify their age. Once typed, the credentials are stolen by scammers, who hijack the account, connecting with our guide on spotting phishing traps.
Malware and Spyware Risks
In addition to credential theft, some links prompt users to download file attachments containing Trojan horses and spyware. These programs record keystrokes and steal bank details, as detailed in our post on the malware risks of leak searches. For an overview of the timeline of these scams, see the homepage.