# Start a public chat (Telegram/Discord) + anti-scam controls **URL:** \ **Category:** Public Presence and Community Setup\ **Created:** [February 9, 2026, 7:36am UTC](https://cafe.useboardwalk.com/t/start-a-public-chat-telegram-discord-anti-scam-controls/22 "2026-02-09T07:36:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Deez](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/cafe.useboardwalk.com/deez/32/8_2.png) [@Deez](https://cafe.useboardwalk.com/u/Deez)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2026, 7:36am UTC](https://cafe.useboardwalk.com/t/start-a-public-chat-telegram-discord-anti-scam-controls/22/1 "2026-02-09T07:36:10Z")
# Start a public chat (Telegram/Discord) + baseline anti-scam controls If you open a public chat, impersonators and scam DMs typically show up quickly. ## Common Practice Controls - Restrict who can post links and create invites - Require verification / screening for new accounts (Discord) - Pin an “Official Links” message + “We never DM first” warning - Use a dedicated “reports” channel (Discord) or instructions for reporting (Telegram) - Minimize admin accounts; require 2FA for admins/moderators (where supported) ## Discord: official safety + reporting Four steps to a safer server: > **[Four Steps to a Safer Server | Discord Safety](https://discord.com/safety/360043653152-four-steps-to-a-super-safe-server)** > > Get tips on how to set up and manage your server for privacy and safety. Reporting abusive behavior: > **[How to Report Abusive Behavior To Discord](https://discord.com/safety/360044103651-reporting-abusive-behavior-to-discord)** > > Learn how to report problems and issues to Discord. ## Telegram: verification + moderation Verification guidelines: > **[Page Verification Guidelines](https://telegram.org/verify)** > > Telegram offers verification for public figures and organizations so that users can easily identify official sources. The… Moderation + reporting overview: [Telegram Moderation Overview](https://telegram.org/moderation) ![Discover how Telegram enforces safety through proactive moderation, AI tools, user reports, and collaborations with global organizations. Explore efforts against CSAM, terrorism, and illegal content with ongoing transparency.](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/uploads/boardwalk_cafe/optimized/1X/10dca9755d56f7eafe1f6df78a8cdeeefb460c2a_2_690x345.jpeg) ## Create the chats fast (Discord templates + Telegram channel/group/forums) ### Discord: template-first setup (fastest) - Create a new server using a **Server Template** so you start with pre-built channels/roles/permissions. - If you’re starting from scratch, Discord’s server creation flow is still a ~1–2 minute setup (name, icon, invite). - Use Discord’s setup checklist to tighten structure (channels, roles, moderation basics) before you share invites publicly. ### Telegram: recommended structure (announcements + discussion + forums) - Create an **Announcement Channel** (broadcast-only) from the “New Message” menu → “New Channel”. - Create a **Discussion Group** (your main community chat). Telegram’s group tour covers the basic create/invite flow. - Link the channel to the discussion group to enable **comments** on channel posts (this keeps the channel clean while still allowing discussion). - Turn on **Topics (forum mode)** in the group to create “sections” like General / Support / Announcements Chat / Off-topic. Topics are available for groups at scale (Telegram has expanded availability over time). - Optional: use **Shareable Chat Folders** as a one-link onboarding flow that lets users join your channel + group together. Discord — create a server: [https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/204849977-How-do-I-create-a-server](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/204849977-How-do-I-create-a-server) Discord — Server Templates: [https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/360041033511-Server-Templates](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/360041033511-Server-Templates) Discord — Server Setup Guide: [https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/33023827550359-Discord-Server-Setup-Guide](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/33023827550359-Discord-Server-Setup-Guide) Telegram — create a channel: > **[Telegram Channels](https://telegram.org/tour/channels)** > > Channels are a tool for broadcasting your public messages to large audiences. They offer a unique opportunity to reach people directly, sending a notification to their phones with each post. Telegram — groups (create + invite links): > **[Group Chats on Telegram](https://telegram.org/tour/groups/)** > > Telegram groups are a powerful tool for building communities and each can have up to 200,000 members. Telegram — channel comments via discussion groups: > **[Channels FAQ](https://telegram.org/faq_channels)** > > This FAQ is about Telegram channels. > Back to the main FAQ » > What is a channel? > How are private and public channels different?… Telegram — topics (forums) in groups: > **[Topics in Groups, Collectible Usernames, Voice-to-Text for Video Messages and...](https://telegram.org/blog/topics-in-groups-collectible-usernames)** > > Today's update adds topics to organize discussions in large groups, a new form of collectible usernames secured on a blockchain, an option to convert video messages to text, and much more. > **[No-SIM Signup, Auto-Delete All Chats, Topics 2.0 and More](https://telegram.org/blog/ultimate-privacy-topics-2-0)** > > With this update, you can have a Telegram account without a SIM card and set up a global timer to automatically delete messages in all new chats. Topics in groups are now even more powerful – and available for groups with 100+ members. Telegram — shareable chat folders (one-link onboarding): > **[Shareable Chat Folders](https://telegram.org/tour/chat-folders)**