Introduction
Telegram-based crypto games like BTC Rush, Notcoin, and Catizen offer users a frictionless way to explore blockchain-based engagement. With just a tap, you’re earning points, entering lotteries, or preparing for airdrops. But this simplicity comes with a serious caveat: most users are doing this from their primary crypto wallets, a risky move that exposes them to unnecessary threats.
Enter the burner wallet, a lightweight, single-purpose wallet that keeps your main funds and identities safe.
In this extensive guide, we’ll walk you through:
- Why using your primary wallet for BTC Rush is dangerous
- What a burner wallet is (and isn’t)
- Step-by-step setup for Tonkeeper and OpenMask
- How phishing scams exploit careless wallet behavior
- The best ongoing wallet hygiene and safety practices
Let’s dive in.
1. What Is a Burner Wallet?
A burner wallet is a temporary or single-purpose cryptocurrency wallet created for low-risk, disposable interactions. These wallets are typically:
- Not used to store large funds
- Not connected to DeFi protocols, exchanges, or identity-linked platforms
- Created specifically for events, dApps, or Telegram games like BTC Rush
Think of it like using a prepaid debit card to shop online instead of your main credit card.
Key Features:
Feature | Burner Wallet | Primary Wallet |
---|---|---|
Fund Storage | Minimal | Medium to High |
Linked Identity | None | Often Linked |
Duration of Use | Temporary | Long-Term |
Use Cases | Games, Airdrops, Beta dApps | Trading, Investments, Staking |
2. Why You Should Never Use Your Primary Wallet for BTC Rush?
BTC Rush game operates via a Telegram bot connected to the TON blockchain. While the core bot may be safe, it’s the ecosystem around it, clones, fake links, phishing dApps, that poses the real threat.
Here’s what can go wrong:
- Scam Clones: A clone bot mimicking BTC Rush tricks you into connecting your wallet and steals your funds.
- Hidden Contract Approval: You unknowingly approve a malicious smart contract that grants token spending access.
- Reused Private Keys: If you used your main wallet in multiple apps, a breach in one can jeopardize all.
- Targeted Spam: Connecting your wallet to exposed Telegram bots may leak your wallet address to spammers or phishers.
By using a burner wallet, you isolate this risk.
3. Common Scam Techniques in Telegram Games
Understanding the tricks scammers use will help you stay alert:
1. Impersonator Bots
These are Telegram bots that look exactly like the official BTC Rush bot, often using similar handles like @btcru5h_gamebot
or @btcrushfreebot
. Their goal is to:
- Ask you to connect a wallet
- Prompt you to sign messages or approve token spending
- Redirect you to phishing sites
2. Fake Airdrop Links
Messages offering fake BTC airdrops or bonus mining rewards can lure users into connecting wallets to malicious sites. These often include:
- Typosquatting domains (e.g.,
btcrush.games
vsbtcrush.game
) - Links embedded in community replies or spam DMs
3. Malicious Smart Contracts
Once connected, a malicious site may request approval to spend tokens or assets in your wallet. If you use a primary wallet, this could lead to instant loss.
Burner wallets neutralize all these risks by removing financial exposure.
4. How to Set Up a Burner Wallet with Tonkeeper?
Tonkeeper is a popular mobile wallet used across the TON ecosystem, including BTC Rush. Here’s how to create a burner wallet using Tonkeeper:
Step-by-Step:
- Download the App
- Available on iOS and Android app stores
- Make sure the publisher is “Tonkeeper Ltd.”
- Choose 'Create New Wallet'
- Select this option instead of importing an existing one
- Securely Note the Seed Phrase
- Write it down on paper or store in a password manager
- DO NOT reuse the same phrase as your primary wallet
- Skip Cloud Backup (Optional but safer)
- Avoid linking the burner wallet to any cloud storage or account
- Name It Clearly (e.g., BTC Rush Burner)
- This ensures you don’t mix it up with your primary wallet
- Fund It With a Small Amount (Optional)
- Send a small amount of TON if needed for transaction fees
That’s it, you now have a dedicated wallet with no exposure to your main funds.
5. How to Set Up a Burner Wallet with OpenMask?
OpenMask is another TON-compatible wallet, especially suitable for browser extension users. While convenient, it does come with some limitations compared to mobile-first wallets like Tonkeeper.
Setup Guide:
- Download from Official Website or Chrome Store
- Always verify the publisher and URL
- Be wary of fake versions mimicking OpenMask, double-check the domain and extension developer
- Click 'Create New Wallet'
- Never import existing seed phrases, especially not your primary wallet
- This wallet should be isolated for gaming use only
- Save the Seed Phrase Offline
- Write it down or store in a secure password manager
- Avoid using screenshots or cloud-based apps that could be compromised
- Label as Burner
- Use a clear name like "BTC Rush Burner" or "Telegram Game Wallet"
- This helps avoid accidentally using it for serious transactions
- Connect to Telegram Game When Needed
- Use it specifically to authorize BTC Rush or similar games
- Disconnect it from other dApps when not in use
Potential Pitfalls:
- No Mobile Version Yet: OpenMask is browser-based, which may not suit users who primarily play Telegram games on mobile.
- Limited UI Features: Some users report fewer customization or portfolio management tools compared to Tonkeeper.
- Higher Risk of Phishing: Browser extensions are a common target for fake clones. Double-check every install link.
Despite these limitations, OpenMask is fast, lightweight, and ideal for quick gameplay-related interactions if used with discipline and care.
OpenMask is another TON-compatible wallet, especially suitable for browser extension users.
Setup Guide:
- Download from Official Website or Chrome Store
- Always verify the publisher and URL
- Click 'Create New Wallet'
- Don’t import existing seed phrases
- Save the Seed Phrase Offline
- Avoid screenshots or cloud storage
- Label as Burner
- Add a note/tag to remind yourself it's for games only
- Connect to Telegram Game When Needed
- You can use OpenMask to log in or claim rewards on dApps when prompted
Like Tonkeeper, OpenMask is ideal for single-purpose wallet use, but with the added benefit of quick browser access.
6. Security Best Practices for Using Burner Wallets
Just because it’s a burner doesn’t mean you can be careless. Follow these habits to stay truly safe:
Revoke Permissions Regularly
Use tools or wallet features to review and revoke smart contract approvals you no longer need. Popular options include TON Viewer and TON.live for checking smart contract interactions. Revoke tools like Revoke.cash are more Ethereum-centric but offer a helpful reference model.
Never Interact with Unverified Bots
Only use links from official sources: project websites, Magic Store listings, or verified social media accounts. Before interacting, inspect the bot creation date and history. Avoid bots that:
- Have no group or channel affiliation
- Ask for sensitive data too early
- Don’t link to a real website
Rotate Wallets Occasionally
If you’ve used a burner for many dApps or months, consider retiring it and creating a new one. This minimizes cumulative exposure and keeps wallet history lean.
Don’t Store Tokens Long-Term
A burner wallet should never become your secondary vault. Claim rewards, move funds, and keep balances near zero. If you're expecting rewards later, set reminders to withdraw promptly and clear out.
Use Multi-Device Separation
Access Telegram games on a different device than the one with your primary crypto assets (e.g., phone for games, laptop for finance). Telegram also lets you fine-tune bot privacy settings under Settings > Privacy and Security > Bots and Websites, limit their access where possible.
Just because it’s a burner doesn’t mean you can be careless. Follow these habits to stay truly safe:
Revoke Permissions Regularly
Use tools or wallet features to review and revoke smart contract approvals you no longer need.
Never Interact with Unverified Bots
Only use links from official sources: project websites, Magic Store listings, or verified social media accounts.
Rotate Wallets Occasionally
If you’ve used a burner for many dApps or months, consider retiring it and creating a new one.
Don’t Store Tokens Long-Term
A burner wallet should never become your secondary vault. Claim rewards, move funds, and keep balances near zero.
Use Multi-Device Separation
Access Telegram games on a different device than the one with your primary crypto assets (e.g., phone for games, laptop for finance).
7. Comparing Wallet Security Levels
Wallet Type | Purpose | Risk Level | Recommended For |
---|---|---|---|
Primary Wallet | Investments, Trading | High | Exchanges, DeFi, NFTs |
Burner Wallet | Games, Airdrops | Low | Telegram bots, Web3 events |
Hardware Wallet | Cold storage | Very Low | Long-term HODLing, large funds |
Always match the wallet to the use case. BTC Rush and similar games belong strictly in the burner category.
8. How to Switch Wallets in BTC Rush?
BTC Rush allows users to switch wallets via its bot interface.
Steps:
- Go to the BTC Rush Telegram bot.
- Type or click on /wallet or “Change Wallet.”
- Connect your new burner wallet when prompted.
- Your game progress (mining power, referral) remains intact.
Note: Only the withdrawal address changes, not your game stats.
9. What to Do If You Used Your Main Wallet Already?
Don’t panic. If you’ve already used BTC Rush with your primary wallet, follow these steps immediately:
- Revoke Smart Contract Permissions
Use TON’s native tools or third-party services to check and revoke all dApp approvals. - Transfer Assets Out
Move all funds to a fresh wallet not connected to Telegram. - Create a Burner Wallet
Follow the Tonkeeper or OpenMask setup above. - Use New Wallet Going Forward
Start fresh. BTC Rush allows wallet change without affecting gameplay.
10. Final Thoughts
Telegram crypto games like BTC Rush offer incredible opportunities to earn, engage, and explore blockchain with ease. But ease should never compromise safety.
A burner wallet is your first and most effective line of defense.
- It isolates game risk
- Prevents large fund exposure
- Keeps your identity and portfolio safe
Just like you wouldn’t use your main credit card to test a random arcade machine, don’t use your primary wallet in casual crypto games.
The extra 3 minutes to set up a burner wallet can save you from hours of regret later.
Next Steps:
- Create your burner wallet on Tonkeeper or OpenMask
- Switch your BTC Rush wallet via the Telegram bot
- Stay updated on scams and verified listings via trusted directories like Magic Store