Posts referring to a supposed'Pinay Gold Medallist' viral videocontinue to circulate across social media, accompanied by short clips, blurred images and Telegram links claiming to offer access to a 'full video'.
The claims, framed as aleaked scandalinvolving a Filipino athlete, have spread widely on platforms includingFacebook,TikTokand X. Many of the posts reuse similar captions and visuals, often directing users to Telegram channels or external pages.
Despite the scale of the circulation, no athlete matching the description has been identified. No sporting body or established news outlet has confirmed the existence of the alleged video. Observers note that the posts display patterns commonly associated withmanipulated mediaand phishing campaigns, with Telegram emerging as a frequent destination within the network of links.
Telegram's structure allows users to create large public channels, private groups and automated accounts with relatively few barriers. While this flexibility supports a wide range of communities, it also enables the rapid spread of misleading content.
Unliketraditional social networks, Telegram channels can distribute messages to large audiences instantly. Links often appear without previews, moderation varies between groups, and accounts can be created quickly. These features make the platform attractive for high-volume link sharing.
Scam campaignsfrequently incorporate Telegram alongside mainstream platforms, directing users away from public feeds and into channels where material may appear more exclusive or less scrutinised.
The posts commonly use captions such as 'viral video', 'watch full clip' or 'leaked footage'. Many feature blurred thumbnails, recycled profile images or short video loops designed to attract attention.
While theclaims referencea 'Pinay Gold Medallist', no sporting body or official record supports that description. In several instances, posts have used the names and photographs of real social media users, lending the impression of authenticity.
The repeated use of similar captions, shortened URLs and cloned visuals across multiple accounts suggests coordinated distribution rather than organic sharing. Telegram links frequently appear within these posts, presented as the location of the supposed 'full video'.
Following the links typically redirects users away from the original post, either toTelegram channelsor to external webpages. Many of these pages present steps resembling routine verification processes, including age checks or login prompts.
Source: International Business Times UK
