Silvija Danauskaitė
Telegram is a multi-platform messaging service and one of the largest communication platforms in the world. Unfortunately, its popularity has proven irresistible to cybercriminals, with scammers flocking to the service in search of easy prey. That’s why it’s more important than ever to protect yourself while using the app.
Before you can defend yourself, though, you must first know what you’re up against. So, let’s take a closer look at the various types of Telegram scams to watch out for and the best ways to stay safe.
Understanding Telegram scams
Telegram has become the preferred platform for scammers for several reasons. With 950 million monthly active users, it offers a huge pool of potential victims ripe for the picking. Some of its features also make it easy for scammers to take advantage. For instance, creating an account requires only a phone number — great for anonymity, but not so much for security.
Meanwhile, features like file-sharing and support for automated chatbots let scammers reach tons of users at once, maximizing damage with minimal effort. Take the bogus “Coinbase” channel, for example, it promotes giveaway scams almost daily, using paid bots to generate hype.
Telegram’s popularity among cryptocurrency enthusiasts also makes it a hotbed for crypto-related scams. For instance, scammers exploited Donald Trump’s support for the crypto project WLF (World Liberty Financial) by allegedly running ads on WLF’s official channel, promising up to $15,000 in cryptocurrency to those who “connect” their crypto wallet.
Whatever methods scammers use, their scams on Telegram usually follow a similar formula. First, they create fake profiles or channels that seem legitimate. They either reach out directly or lure you in with enticing deals, grand opportunities, or exclusive access. Once you’re hooked, they extract personal information or money from you.
Types of Telegram scams to watch out for
Most scammers on Telegram are after the same thing — your money or sensitive information to exploit. The only difference is how they try to get it.
Phishing scams
Phishing scams are among the most common types on the app. They involve scammers sending fake links to dupe you into entering your credentials. These links often imitate Telegram or other websites’ official login pages to create a false sense of security. Once they capture your credentials, they’ll access and take control of your account.
From there, they can impersonate you, scam your contacts and other users, or access sensitive information like private messages, shared files, and payment details.
Impersonation scams
Scammers pose as trusted individuals or organizations to trick you into revealing personal information, entering login credentials, or making financial transactions in impersonation scams.
Often, their modus operandi involves creating fake profiles or hijacking existing accounts, usually of people you know, to gain your trust before trying to take over your account or redirect you to phishing sites. Alternatively, they might impersonate family or friends in distress to rush you into sending sensitive information, payment, or financial assistance.
Fake cryptocurrency scams
Fake crypto scams on Telegram come in many forms and almost always promise high or guaranteed returns. Fraudsters often pose as experts with insider knowledge and use sham market stats to get you to hand over crypto coins, cash, or account logins. They might even show you fake earnings to keep you invested longer or squeeze more money from you.
An example is the pump-and-dump scheme, where scammers artificially inflate the price of an asset by getting people to buy in. As the price rises with the hype, they sell off or “dump” their assets at the inflated price, causing the value to plummet.
Romance scams
Bad actors preying on those seeking love create fake profiles to build relationships and then ask for money. For instance, they might request funds for a flight ticket to meet you. Once you send the money, they’ll create a convenient excuse to stand you up. Alternatively, they might claim they need urgent cash for rent or medical treatment.
These scammers tend to repeat the same trick until you pull the plug or they’ve emptied your coffers, leaving you heartbroken and financially drained.
Fake job offers
Another increasingly popular Telegram scam is fake job opportunities. Here, scammers put up bogus job listings, pretending to be recruiters offering high-paying positions. To sweeten the pot, they may entice you with attractive perks like flexible hours and remote work.
However, to land the job, you’ll often be asked to make upfront payments to secure the position or purchase “training materials.” Alternatively, they might send fake interview questions designed to steal your personal information, which can then be sold or used for different types of identity theft.
Malware and fake apps
Cybercriminals frequently spread malicious software disguised as legitimate apps on Telegram. They heavily hype up these apps in groups or direct messages before sharing download links.
Once you click on these links, the malware can cause significant damage. It might access your private data, steal your login credentials, or even remotely control your device. In some cases, it could also track your activity, steal financial info, or install ransomware that locks you out of your device until you pay a ransom.
Giveaway scams
In Telegram giveaway scams, crooks masquerade as trusted brands or known personalities to run fake giveaways — tempting you with promises of free prizes, cash, or other goodies. To claim your prize, you’ll need to provide personal information like your email, home address, or banking details. They then use this info for identity theft, spam, or fraudulent activities.
Some even ask for a small upfront payment for processing or shipping. However, once you shell out, they vanish and you never get your prize.
Pyramid schemes
An age-old scam, pyramid schemes rely on recruiting others rather than offering real products or services. On Telegram, cons create flashy groups and channels promising quick and easy money. The premise is simple: you send over an upfront fee or make an “investment” and are promised hefty returns if you recruit more people.
In reality, your returns mostly come from the investments of new recruits, making it a house of cards bound to collapse when recruitment dries up.
Subscription traps
Don’t get swayed by free or cheap deals on Telegram, either. Scammers aren’t above baiting you with tempting offers like free trials, limited-time promotions, or exclusive access, only to hit you with automatic recurring charges later.
Getting out of these subscriptions also tends to be incredibly challenging, with elusive or difficult customer support and a maze of procedures. Besides making you jump through hoops, they may even slap you with cancellation fees.
Fake charity scams
Another worrying trend on Telegram is fraudulent charity scams. These scams feature fraudsters impersonating charitable organizations to trick unsuspecting users into donating. Usually, these phony charities rely on emotional appeals, images, videos, and pleas to play on your emotions. Many will also urge prompt action by claiming that immediate donations are critical.
Some may impersonate well-known charities, claiming to support causes like disaster relief or community aid. Once they’ve collected the donations, they disappear.
Account takeover scams
Account takeover scams happen when cybercriminals gain control of your Telegram account through phishing or social engineering tactics. This hijacking often features messages that mimic those from trusted or official sources.
For instance, they might claim there are urgent security or technical issues, prompting you to verify your account by clicking a link and entering your details. They could also impersonate friends or family, urging you to click on suspicious links. Once you’ve entered your details, the scammers take over your account to commit further fraud or steal personal data.
Impersonation of Telegram support
Be very cautious if someone claims to be Telegram support, as scammers often pretend to be staff to steal information. They may claim there’s an issue with your account and ask for your login credentials or other sensitive information to resolve it.
Some might even ask you to pay to fix the issue or for premium support. They could also attempt to take remote control of your device, claiming it’s necessary to help resolve the problem.
Scareware scams
Scareware scams on Telegram use fake security alerts to scare you into downloading malicious tools. They usually start with a bogus warning that your device or account is compromised, then urge you to click a link or download a file to “fix” the issue.
In reality, the link or file contains malware or spyware that can infect your device. Once installed, it can steal your personal information, spy on your private communications, or hijack your accounts. It might even include ransomware that encrypts your files or locks your device until you pay a ransom.
Fake product sales
Con artists may reel you in with offers of unusually low prices, only to never deliver the items. They run convincing ads with time-sensitive deals or special sales on hot items to push you to act quickly.
Once you provide your payment details or transfer funds, these conmen disappear along with their “products.” In some cases, they might even send fake tracking numbers to buy time.
Membership fee scams
Scammers charge fees to join fake exclusive groups or channels in membership fee scams. Here, they set up fake Telegram groups or channels that supposedly offer exclusive content or benefits. These are often portrayed as highly coveted and only for a lucky few.
To get in, you must spring for a membership — either with a one-time payment or a recurring subscription. However, once you pay up, the scammers vanish or add you to a dummy group or channel.
Fake investment groups
Telegram is home to many fake investment groups and channels that promise insider tips, high returns, or expert advice on stocks and other investments. The admins often present themselves as financial whizzes with a long list of glowing testimonials and success stories — all fabricated to lure you in.
To get their tips, you’ll usually need to pay for a membership or course, with extra charges for access to premium groups or additional perks.
Gift card scams
Gift cards are a darling of Telegram scams because of their anonymity. Unlike bank transfers or direct payments, they typically don’t reveal personal information.
In gift card scams, fraudsters trick you into purchasing gift cards and sharing the codes. For example, they might offer a job that apparently requires you to buy gift cards for training or supplies, asking you to share the codes for reimbursement. Alternatively, they may pose as a friend or family member in an emergency and ask for gift cards.
Data harvesting bots
Data harvesting bots on Telegram are malicious bots that collect personal data under the guise of offering seemingly fun content like personality quizzes, trivia, daily horoscopes, or fortune telling. They’re often promoted in groups, channels, or direct messages, promising personalized results or rewards in exchange for your participation.
In reality, these bots are designed to gather your personal details such as name, email address, phone number, or even more sensitive information. Your data is then exploited for malicious purposes, including identity theft, targeted phishing, or spam.
Lottery and prize scams
These scams trick victims by offering fake prizes or lottery winnings that can only be claimed after a payment is made. Scammers usually dream up creative but convincing reasons for the payment, such as taxes, processing charges, or shipping costs. Some may even claim that all they need is your personal info for “verification.”
Once they get what they want, these fraudsters either disappear or invent additional fees and obstacles. Ultimately, there’s no prize — just a ploy for them to milk you for all they can before they take off.
Blackmail and extortion scams
Blackmail and extortion scams can escalate from romance scams or involve building a relationship to get you to share private photos or videos. Whatever you share is then used to shake you down, with cybercriminals threatening to release the sensitive information unless a ransom is paid.
Others rely on fear tactics, claiming to have personal photos, private messages, or data from data breaches or hacks. They then demand a ransom, often setting a tight deadline to create panic.
How to protect yourself from Telegram scams
To stay safe on Telegram, there are some simple yet effective actions you can take to dodge scammers’ traps. Here are some of them.
Follow security best practices
One of the best ways to protect yourself from Telegram scams is to follow security best practices. Here are some essential ones:
- Enable 2FA (two-factor authentication) to add another layer of security by requiring a secondary form of verification;
- Use strong, unique passwords that are difficult to guess, combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols;
- Review and limit permissions granted to Telegram, only allowing it to access what’s necessary;
- Tweak privacy settings to manage who can see your information and contact you on the app;
- Regularly check and install updates for Telegram to ensure you have the latest security patches and improvements.
Be cautious
A classic tip for old-school scams, staying vigilant also helps in avoiding Telegram scams. Be wary of unsolicited messages and requests, even if they seem friendly or professional. Steer clear of offers that sound too good to be true, ask for personal information, or pressure you to act fast. Don’t click on links or open attachments from unknown or suspicious sources, either.
Additionally, before interacting with new contacts, groups, or channels, verify their authenticity by looking them up online or reaching out through trusted channels. Official channels and users will have a blue check mark next to their names.
Use a VPN
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) like Surfshark adds a valuable extra layer of security when you’re on Telegram. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making your data unreadable to anyone trying to eavesdrop or intercept it. This helps protect you from Telegram scammers who might try to steal or exploit your personal information.
The success of some scams depends on the information scammers can gather about you, which can sometimes be gleaned from your IP (Internet Protocol) address. For example, knowing your location can help them pull off phishing, impersonation, or romance scams. By masking your IP, a VPN significantly reduces your risk of getting targeted by scams that prey on IP-related vulnerabilities.
Leverage Alternative ID
Alternative ID, included in all Surfshark plans, provides a virtual name and email that you can use on Telegram to protect your real identity. This feature lets you customize your persona with details like name, date of birth, address, gender, and country.
By shielding your actual identity from everyone on the app, Alternative ID makes it harder for scammers to target you with personalized scams. It also limits the amount of personal information scammers can access — reducing the risk of exposure and fraud, especially when you join new channels and groups or interact with unknown users.
What to do if you’ve been scammed on Telegram
As scams on Telegram become more sophisticated, it can be tough to avoid falling victim to them. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having been scammed, here are some crucial steps you need to take immediately:
- Document: take detailed screenshots of conversations, transactions, and any other relevant information as evidence;
- Report: send all the gathered information to @notoscam on Telegram to report the scam account, group, or channel or email it to abuse@telegram.org;
- Update: change your Telegram password right away and also update passwords for any other accounts linked to your Telegram or compromised in any way;
- Activate: enable 2FA on your Telegram account for added security and protection against unauthorized access;
- Contact: reach out to your banks and financial institutions if you made any transactions to potentially reverse the charges and prevent further unauthorized charges;
- Freeze: put a hold on any cards linked to your Telegram account to prevent misuse and other fraudulent activities;
- Monitor: keep a close eye on your financial accounts for suspicious activities and report any unrecognized transactions immediately;
- Warn: inform your family and other contacts about the scam, advising them to be alert if they receive suspicious messages or requests from someone impersonating you.
Stay vigilant and safe from Telegram scams
Identity theft, financial losses, data breaches, and heartbreaks are just a few of the many potential consequences of not staying vigilant against scams on Telegram. As more scams flood the app, it’s essential to take proactive measures to protect yourself.
Start by following security best practices — use strong passwords, enable 2FA, and be cautious about how you interact and engage with other users and media on the app. For enhanced privacy and security, get a VPN to encrypt your data and mask your IP address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Telegram safe and legit?
Yes, Telegram is as safe and legitimate as other communication platforms, as long as you take proper security precautions. Always practice good security hygiene like using a strong, unique password and enabling 2FA. For added privacy, use Surfshark VPN to encrypt your data and mask your IP address. Additionally, use Alternative ID to keep your personal information safe.
How do I report a scam on Telegram?
To report a scam on Telegram, take screenshots of suspicious activity and send all details about the scam account or channel to @notoscam on Telegram. You can also email abuse@telegram.org with the details of the scam, including screenshots, links, and a description.
Does Telegram send spam messages?
No, Telegram itself doesn’t send spam messages. If you’re receiving spam messages, they’re likely from third-party users, groups, or bots impersonating the platform. Be sure to report and block them immediately.
Is the Telegram app a legitimate way to make money?
Yes, you can make money on the Telegram app by setting up paid channels, providing services, or selling products. However, it’s vital to watch out for dubious opportunities and scams on Telegram. As a rule of thumb, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t a legitimate opportunity.