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The Final Word for Android Users

Posted: Tue May 20, 2025 10:12 am
by asimj1
Retrieve publicly available information like username, first name, last name, and profile photo (if they haven't restricted visibility).
How it works: It requires a Telegram developer account, API keys, and basic Python knowledge. You feed it a list of phone numbers, and it attempts to interact with the Telegram API as if adding them as contacts. If successful, it pulls public profile data.
Key Limitations (Important News):
Not for Hidden Numbers: It cannot reveal a phone number that a Telegram user has explicitly set to "Nobody" in their privacy settings. If the user has restricted finding them by number, the tool will slovenia whatsapp number data return an "ERROR: no response, the user does not exist or has blocked contact adding."
Technical Tool: This is not a user-friendly "bot" you can simply chat with. It requires setup and command-line execution.
Risk of Account Ban: Bellingcat's own documentation warns that using this tool, especially for large numbers or with VPNs associated with spam, can lead to your Telegram account being blocked. They advise using a separate, non-personal account.
Ethical Considerations: Bellingcat strongly emphasizes the ethical and legal considerations for its use, stating it "should be used as part of tightly scoped investigations" and to "be careful not to dox people."
The "news" from Telegram's evolving privacy features, stark cybersecurity warnings, and the collective experience on Reddit underscores one undeniable truth: do not rely on or trust any "number tracker bot," "hidden number finder," or similar service for Telegram found on Reddit or anywhere else. These are high-risk ventures that threaten your Android device's security and your personal privacy, with no guarantee of legitimate results. Tools like Bellingcat's are for specialized OSINT use, not for revealing hidden numbers. Stick to Telegram's built-in functionalities and official, reputable applications for a secure and respectful messaging experience.