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Why Would Scammers Want To Use Telegram?
Telegram is a privacy-focused messaging app, with over one billion active users around the world. Telegram users can send messages and files, make voice and video calls, and join groups and channels that comprise an unlimited number of people — all with just a username.
Telegram’s popularity and anonymity features make it a prime channel for scammers who want to hide their identities, impersonate others, or target a large number of people at once.
Specifically, scammers use Telegram for a few reasons:
- Telegram offers a high level of anonymity. Scammers can hide their true phone numbers or use temporary numbers to mask their identities. Telegram also offers special end-to-end encrypted “secret” chats that can be deleted even by just one party.
- Telegram groups can add up to 200,000 people. Telegram allows scammers to target massive numbers of people at once with popular scams, such as cryptocurrency investment schemes.
- Telegram “bots” automate scams and data harvesting. Telegram allows users to create bots that can automatically target victims with scams, harvest data, and even accept payments.
- Telegram is not a U.S. company. Until 2024, the company rarely complied with data requests from U.S. authorities. Telegram has fulfilled more data requests since the company’s founder, Pavel Durov, was arrested in France.
If you use Telegram, you should be aware of common scams on the platform — and how to avoid them.
⚠️ Were you the victim of a Telegram scam? Learn more about what steps to take to secure your accounts, try to recover lost funds, and protect yourself from future fraud.
The 12 Most Common Telegram Scams To Avoid in 2025
- Fake Telegram channels and groups
- Cryptocurrency scams
- Prepaid task scams
- Fake job listings and recruitment scams
- Data-harvesting bots
- Tech support scams
- Fake giveaways and sweepstakes
- Links to malware and scareware
- Online marketplace scams
- Subscription traps
- Romance scams (with extortion)
- Friend-in-need and other impersonation scams
Telegram scams are fraudulent schemes that either take place on the Telegram app, use Telegram’s bot API to steal sensitive information, or draw users off the app to dangerous third-party sites.
While scammers’ tactics are always evolving, here’s an up-to-date list of the most common scams taking place on Telegram in 2025:
1. Fake Telegram channels and groups
Scammers create Telegram groups and channels and add thousands of users — hoping to promote scams, gather sensitive data, or trick users into clicking on malicious links.
Telegram channels are typically “broadcast only,” meaning only administrators (admins) can send public messages. Telegram group chats can be either broadcast only or open communications, depending on posting permissions.
Scammers create Telegram channels that mimic legitimate companies and popular topics or promise inside information on investments and crypto. The channel admins then send direct messages (DMs) to users to try and steal sensitive information or trick them into clicking on links.
How to spot the scam:
- You’re added to unfamiliar groups or channels — especially ones with names that mimic official groups, such as “Coinbase”
- The group is “broadcast only” (hint: check under "Permissions" or "Group Info")
- A channel or group admin DMs you with a link or asks for personal information
What to do to stay safe: Report any imposters or dangerous Telegram channels to the platform. Click on the three dots in the corner, and open Report.
You can also change your settings so that only your contacts can add you to new groups and channels. Select Privacy and Security > Groups & Channels and update who can add you to groups in My Contacts.
2. Cryptocurrency scams
Scammers run numerous cryptocurrency scams on Telegram, including fake investment group channels, crypto giveaways, and pump and dump schemes. While the approach may differ, the goal is the same: to get victims to “invest” money in “guaranteed” crypto investments that don’t actually exist.
Warning: Any investment advice should be taken with caution. Telegram channels aren’t vetted. There is no such thing as a “risk free” investment opportunity or “guaranteed” high returns. Do your research before making any new investment.
How to spot the scam:
- You receive unsolicited messages offering advice on cryptocurrency or other investments
- You’re promised guaranteed high returns on a low investment
- Groups or chats contain suspicious links to supposed “special” crypto platforms
What to do to stay safe: Don’t trust investment advice on Telegram channels. There are hundreds of recent Reddit posts outlining crypto scams on Telegram. Don’t believe the false promises.
📚 Read more: How To Tell if a Crypto Recovery Service Is a Scam →
3. Prepaid task scams
Telegram scammers impersonate legitimate businesses and offer payment for tasks, such as visiting websites to boost their traffic numbers. To begin working, however, you need to create an account on these websites and deposit a small amount of money.
After your first “task,” you’ll be paid a small profit, which you’ll be able to withdraw. Next, you’ll be offered a “premium task” that requires a larger upfront investment. But after paying and completing the work, you won’t be able to withdraw any money and will be pressured to add even more to your account.
How to spot the scam:
- You’re told you need to deposit money before you can start a work task
- Successive tasks require larger and larger deposits
- When you try to withdraw money, you’re either denied or told you need to pay taxes or fees to receive your money
What to do to stay safe: Never pay to work. Scammers may provide small earnings to hook you in their schemes (a common social engineering tactic). Report task scammers on Telegram.
4. Fake job listings and recruitment scams
Telegram is also a popular tool used by job scammers who create fake accounts to conduct interviews over the platform. During the interview — which could be conducted by an automated Telegram bot — you’re asked to provide personal and financial information, such as your bank details or credit card numbers, or you’re instructed to click on suspicious links.
If you’re eventually “hired,” the scammers may pressure you into paying upfront for training materials, equipment, or fake subscriptions.
How to spot the scam:
- Any employer or recruiter requests an interview over Telegram
- You’re “hired” without meeting a company representative in person or via video call
- You’re asked to provide sensitive information during or after the interview process
What to do to stay safe: Look for the warning signs of a job scam. It’s safe to assume that any job interview conducted via Telegram is a scam.
5. Data-harvesting bots
Telegram bots can engage in conversations, make calls, send files, and even collect payments. Hackers have developed a number of Telegram bots that harvest customer data or run other scams automatically.
In a recent example, scammers created a bot called “Safeguard” that claims to be used to verify your identity before joining special groups. The bot gives instructions for users to run a code on their devices to “manually confirm their identity” — which infects the devices with malware that can spy on them and steal their Telegram account details.
How to spot the scam:
- A Telegram bot asks for your personal information, passwords, or authentication codes
- You’re asked to download software, run code, or click on suspicious links
What to do to stay safe: Don’t share sensitive information with strangers or bots. Telegram bots are clearly labeled in chats and should be used with caution. As Telegram’s FAQ explains, “Naturally, any bot should be treated as a stranger.”
6. Tech support scams
Scammers often pose as technical or customer support agents for either Telegram or other well-known companies to get victims to share account details, pay for fraudulent services, or give up remote access to their devices.
These phony Telegram accounts may even use the same profile pictures and descriptions as legitimate tech support agents — but with slightly different usernames (as these are unique on Telegram).
How to spot the scam:
- You’re asked to provide your account passwords or two-factor authentication (2FA) codes to get help — legitimate support teams won’t ask for this information
- You’re asked to download a remote access app, such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer
- You’re told that you need to pay for support
What to do to stay safe: Always use official channels to reach customer or technical support teams. When in doubt, find the company’s official website and look for a “Help” or “Contact Us” page.
Note: You can only contact Telegram support through Settings and then As a question. Telegram support is run by volunteers, so response time can vary.
7. Fake giveaways and sweepstakes
Scammers create fake Telegram channels promoting giveaways and sweepstakes. If you join one, you’ll get a message from the admin account asking you to provide sensitive information or even pay for shipping, taxes, or fees to receive your “reward.”
Lately, these scams have been originating on YouTube. Scammers create fake profiles that look like large creators and then message people who’ve commented on their video with a link to a Telegram group to claim a prize.
How to spot the scam:
- Double-check usernames on platforms like YouTube — look out for look-alike names that replace letters with special characters or numbers (such as replacing the letter “l” with the character “|”)
- Beware of Telegram channels promoting crypto drops or other giveaways
- Never pay to receive a prize, as this is a telltale sign of a giveaway scam
What to do to stay safe: Remember the golden rule of online safety: if it seems too good to be true, it’s probably a scam. You should ignore all “free money” and giveaway offers.
8. Links to malware and scareware
Hackers distribute malware in popular Telegram groups and channels or use bots to trick users into downloading fake versions of the Telegram app or malware disguised as antivirus software.
For example, you may receive a “security alert” from a Telegram bot in a group that you’re part of, claiming that your device has been infected — with instructions to click on a link to clean it up. However, clicking on the link will download malware to your device.
How to spot the scam:
- You receive a message that creates a sense of urgency, directing you to click on a link or download an app
- You see signs that you’re dealing with a fake app
What to do to stay safe: Don’t click on suspicious links. The easiest way to prevent a malware-laden phishing attack is to not click on links from unknown senders or bots. For added protection, consider downloading a reputable antivirus program.
9. Online marketplace scams
Also known as a “classiscam” (classified scam), fraudsters post in-demand items for attractive prices across Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and other online sites. If you message the sellers, they’ll ask you to add them on Telegram to discuss the deal. But if you do, you’ll end up talking to a bot designed to steal your sensitive information or trick you into sending money without receiving the item.
How to spot the scam:
- A too-good-to-be-true deal on an online marketplace
- You’re asked to add the seller on Telegram to discuss the deal
- A seller asks for sensitive information or wants you to pay before receiving the item
What to do to stay safe: Follow best practices when purchasing goods from online marketplaces. This means meeting in person (when it’s safe to do so), paying via cash or a trusted payment method, and keeping conversations on the original messaging platform.
10. Subscription traps
Subscription traps are a type of phishing scam in which fraudsters offer free trials or discounted sign-ups for popular subscription services, such as Telegram Premium. But when you go to sign up, you provide scammers with your payment information and get unwittingly signed up for an expensive recurring subscription.
Another form of the Telegram Premium subscription scam occurs when scammers claim you’ve won a subscription to Telegram Premium and include a link to sign in. After you enter your account credentials, you’ll see a congratulatory message and a 24-hour countdown timer — supposedly delineating when you’ll gain access to your newly upgraded account.
Why 24 hours? That’s due to a Telegram security feature that forces users to wait a full day when using a new device before they can force all other sessions to end. At the end of the 24 hours, you’ll be booted from your account.
How to spot the scam:
- Be wary of free offers, especially if they require clicking on a link from an unknown sender
- Make sure you read the fine print before signing up for any new service
- Check the sender’s profile and reputation
What to do to stay safe: Keep your Telegram account secure with two-factor authentication (2FA). This can prevent scammers from taking over your account, even if you give them your password. You should also keep an eye on your bank statements for suspicious activity.
📚 Read more: How To Tell If an Email Is From a Scammer (With Examples) →
11. Romance scams (with extortion)
Scammers create fake profiles posing as attractive individuals on Telegram, social media platforms, or dating apps and try to quickly build strong relationships with their victims. Eventually, they create an emergency scenario and ask you to send them money or gift cards.
In other cases, these imposters may pressure victims into sharing intimate photos or videos of themselves. If they do, the scammers threaten to release the content, unless they’re paid a ransom.
Telegram is promoted as a privacy-first messaging app, which may lead some users to think their messages, photos, and videos can’t be shared. But this isn’t the case.
How to spot the scam:
- An unknown account starts trying to quickly build a personal relationship with you
- You’re asked to send money to someone you’ve only met online
- An online account pressures you to share intimate photos or videos
What to do to stay safe: Look for the red flags of a romance scammer. This can include love bombing, vague or minimal online profiles, an inability to meet in person or for video calls, and requesting money or help for emergency situations.
12. Friend-in-need and other impersonation scams
In this scam, fraudsters use stolen or leaked personal information to impersonate your friends and family members or other entities that you trust — such as companies or government agencies. Scammers may stalk your social media profiles, buy information from data brokers, or even find your contacts list on the Dark Web after a data breach.
In the “friend-in-need” version of this scam, fraudsters reach out and ask for help with an urgent matter — such as needing money for groceries or rent. In other variations, they may claim to be from a government agency and say that you owe money for a fine and are at risk of going to jail.
How to spot the scam:
- Unsolicited contact about an emergency situation from someone you know or haven’t spoken to in a while
- The sender uses language that’s uncharacteristic of the person that you think you’re talking to
- You’re threatened with fines or jail time if you don’t do what they say
What to do to stay safe: Confirm whom you’re talking to by reaching out directly. This means calling your friend or family member on the phone, seeing them in person, or using a government agency’s official contact number.
How to Know If Someone Is Scamming You on Telegram
Telegram scammers are getting more creative, which means you may be targeted with a scam that’s similar but not identical to the ones described above. In those cases, you’ll have to use your best judgment when chatting with other Telegram users.
If you’re suspicious of an account, here are some ways to determine if you’re dealing with a scammer or malicious Telegram bot:
- If someone sends you a direct message, ask them to respond in the main group. Scammers always try to keep their conversations private to avoid detection.
- If an “admin” of a channel asks you for personal data, take a screenshot of their profile and send it to a known channel admin. A real user will be able to tell you if you are interacting with a legitimate account or not.
- Question why anyone would need your personal information. If someone is asking for your login information, location, photos, or videos of you — or for you to send them money — it is likely a scam account.
- Check their profile. Look for warning signs, such as generic or stolen profile photos (you can use a reverse image search tool for this), limited activity, and mismatched usernames and display names.
The bottom line: Requests for personal and sensitive information or money should always be treated with caution.
How To Protect Yourself From Telegram Scams
The steps required to stay safe on Telegram are mostly the same as they are on other online platforms — engage only with people you know, be cautious of strangers and unsolicited links, and don’t send money, passwords, or personal information until you can confirm whom you’re dealing with.
Here are some platform-specific ways to keep yourself safe when using Telegram:
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Telegram account. This creates an extra layer of security on your Telegram account, even if hackers gain access to your password. You may also want to enable a passcode or fingerprint ID lock to keep your account secure if someone else is using (or steals) your phone.
- Hide your phone number. This is a privacy setting that limits who can see the phone number attached to your Telegram username. You can choose to show it to everyone, only your contacts, or to nobody.
- Change your “last seen” settings. Turn this off to prevent strangers from seeing when you were last online.
- Keep your Telegram app updated to the latest version. This ensures that your app has the latest security patches and isn’t vulnerable to known malware.
- Check usernames and display names. Telegram doesn’t allow duplicate usernames. Check for look-alike or spoofed usernames to ensure that you’re not dealing with fraudsters.
- Use cybersecurity tools to protect your devices and encrypt your browsing history. Most devices can benefit from antivirus software as well as anti-track tools and a virtual private network (VPN) for encrypting data when browsing in public.
- Don’t click on suspicious links. If in doubt, long-press on a link to preview its destination. Aura’s Safe Browsing tools also warn you if you’re entering a malicious or fake website.
- Be on the lookout for warning signs of a phishing attack. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) provides clear steps on how to identify and avoid common phishing tactics.
📚 Read more: How To Prevent Identity Theft →
What To Do If You Were Scammed on Telegram
If you’ve sent messages to a scammer or a Telegram bot, you should be fine — as long as you didn’t include sensitive information. Break off contact with them, and then block and report the scam account.
However, if you’ve given a scammer or scam account personal information, money, or account credentials, you need to act quickly to shut them down.
Here’s what to do:
Document evidence of the scam
As soon as you realize you have been scammed, document key evidence that can help you dispute fraud. This includes screenshots of conversations, email addresses, profiles, etc. Once done, you can fully break off contact with the scammer.
Report and block the scam account
Protect yourself from future harassment by reporting the scam account on the Telegram app:
- To block a Telegram scammer’s account: Go to the user’s profile, click on the three dots in the corner of your screen, and select “Block user.”
- To report a Telegram scam account or channel: Send a screenshot of the scam account and any other information to @notoscam on Telegram (or via their website). You can also send an email to: abuse@telegram.org.
Scan your device for malware
If you clicked on a suspicious link or downloaded software, your device may be infected with malware. Delete any unfamiliar apps, and run an antivirus scan to root out any hidden malware.
Change your account login credentials
If you think scammers may have access to your password or authentication codes, update your Telegram app login credentials.
The best passwords are strong, unique, and long (at least 10 characters). To help you organize and remember new passwords, consider signing up for a password manager.
Are you locked out of your Telegram account? You can attempt to recover access by using your phone number. Open the Telegram app, enter your phone number and confirm it, select Tap to get a code via SMS, and then enter the code you receive along with any 2FA passwords.
Review your active sessions
If hackers have successfully logged in to your Telegram account, it will show up in your active sessions. To check this, go to Settings > Devices and then select Terminate all other sessions (or Active sessions on desktop). This will log out all other instances of your Telegram account presence, except on your current device. You can also choose specific sessions or devices to terminate.
Pro tip: Set up an “auto-terminate” function. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally stay logged in on public or old devices. To set this up, go to Settings > Devices > Automatically terminate old sessions and set a timeframe.
Freeze your credit with all three bureaus
A credit freeze helps prevent scammers from using your personal information to open new accounts, take out loans, or apply for credit cards in your name. To freeze your credit, you’ll need to contact each of the three credit bureaus individually:
Contact your bank or financial institution
If you’ve given up financial information or personal details that could be used to steal your identity, you’ll want to contact your bank’s fraud department. Call the phone number on the back of your bank card and explain the situation. Tell them you’d like to cancel your cards and accounts and have new ones issued to you.
Try to recover lost funds
If you’ve sent scammers money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to recover your lost funds. However, there are still steps you can take, depending on the payment method used.
Here are the steps you should take, according to the FTC:
- Credit or Debit Card. Call the phone number on the back of your card to report the charge as fraudulent and request a "chargeback."
- Wire Transfer (e.g., Western Union, MoneyGram). Contact the wire transfer company's fraud department immediately, as some wires can be stopped if caught early enough.
- Gift Card. Contact the company that issued the gift card (e.g., Apple, Google Play, Amazon). Tell them the card was used in a scam, and ask if any remaining funds can be frozen or refunded. Keep the card, along with the purchase receipt, for your records.
- Cryptocurrency. Contact the crypto exchange or wallet provider that you used to send the funds, and report the transaction as fraudulent. Be aware that cryptocurrency transactions are designed to be irreversible, making recovery highly unlikely.
- Cash Sent via U.S. Mail. Contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 and ask to start a "Package Intercept." This is only possible if the package has not yet been delivered.
Note: Don’t fall for “recovery scams.” If someone reaches out to you claiming that they can help you recover lost money — especially cryptocurrency — it’s a scam.
File a report with the proper authorities
Reporting fraud to the authorities can help you recover from identity theft and protect others from becoming victims.
- File an official identity theft report: If you gave scammers your personal information, fill out an official identity theft affidavit with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov and then file a report with your local police (if you have information that could lead to an arrest or need to dispute fraudulent transactions and accounts).
- Report details of the scam: Help authorities fight scammers by reporting details of the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the FBI at IC3.com.
- Forward scam emails and text messages. Forward phishing emails to your bank’s fraud department and the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) at reportphishing@apwg.org. Scam texts can be forwarded to 7726 (SPAM).
Monitor your bank and credit file for fraud
Identity thieves and scammers may not strike right away. After you’ve been scammed, it’s important to continually monitor your online and financial accounts for fraudulent activities.
For ongoing and automated security, consider signing up for an identity theft protection service with credit monitoring and fraud alerts.
Telegram Scams FAQ
Is it safe to use Telegram?
Yes. In most cases, Telegram is safe to use with people you know — as long as you follow the recommended safety steps above.
However, there are other documented risks of using Telegram that users should also be aware of, including:
- Use by militant and terrorist groups
- The spread of illegal pornography
- Drug and other illicit goods trade
How can I identify a fake Telegram account?
Check the Telegram account profile’s username, profile photo, and recent activity for signs that you’re dealing with a scammer.
How do I report a scammer or scam channel on Telegram?
There are multiple options for reporting scammers on Telegram:
- In-App Reporting. To report a specific message, tap and hold the message, select Report, and choose the appropriate reason (e.g., Scam). To report a user or an entire channel, navigate to their profile or info page, tap the three-dot menu, and select Report.
- Official Anti-Scam Bot. Telegram operates an official bot specifically for reporting scam issues. You can forward scam messages or provide scam account details to @notoscam.
- Official Abuse Email. For complex cases or to provide detailed evidence such as screenshots, you can send a formal report to abuse@telegram.org.
- Telegram Spam FAQ. To understand why accounts are limited after being reported and how the system works, you can review Telegram's official Spam FAQ.
