Telegram scams are exploding, and they’re getting more clever by the day. From fake job offers to romance cons, scammers are using Telegram’s speed and anonymity to run slick operations that catch even the most cautious users off guard.
In this post, we will introduce 15 common Telegram scams you need to know about. Whether you’re chatting with a friend, applying for a job, or browsing investment groups, these are the tricks scammers use. You’ll also learn what to do if you’ve already been scammed and how to protect your account in case encounter these Telegram app scams.
Fake Telegram Account Scams
Phishing Scams
Phishing is one of the most common methods used in Telegram scams. The scammer will send you a message that appears to be from Telegram. The message will say “We have detected suspicious activity on your account” and ask you to click a link to verify your identity.
The link will take you to a website that looks almost identical to the official Telegram login page, but it is actually fake. Once you enter your username and password, the scammer will have full access to your account. They will lock you out, impersonate you, and send messages to your contacts in an attempt to scam them.
Impersonation Scams (friends, family, companies)
Impersonation scams are when scammers pretend to be someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or company you do business with, to trick you into sharing personal information or sending money.
They create fake accounts that are almost identical to real accounts, such as replacing letters with numbers or adding extra characters to trick you. Scammers may impersonate suppliers you work with and send fake invoices asking you to pay urgently. They may also pretend to be a relative in trouble and message you to ask for financial help.
Investment Telegram Scams
Fake Cryptocurrency Scams
Telegram, a regulatory blind spot, is rife with cryptocurrency traders. As a result, you may encounter scammers posing as cryptocurrency experts, promising guaranteed profits, or providing insider information about the next hot currency. They will invite you to join exclusive investment groups, show fake profit screenshots, and even operate some professional-looking websites. Once they trick you into transferring cryptocurrency to a “safe wallet”, they will disappear without a trace.
One user joined a Telegram group with thousands of followers. The admin promised to double their investment within 72 hours. After sending $500 in crypto, the user was told they had to pay an extra $100 “fee” to unlock their profits. Once the fee was paid, the admin disappeared, and the wallet address was emptied.
Pyramid Schemes
Pyramid schemes are nothing new, but they’re still active on Telegram. These setups don’t sell real products. Instead, they promise big returns if you pay to join and recruit others.
Example: A user joined a group called “Freedom Builders.” The admin promised to earn more if members invested $250 and recruited five friends. But once the group stopped growing, the money ran out, and the admin disappeared.
Gift Card Telegram Scams
Gift cards are a popular tool for scammers on Telegram because they’re easy to cash out and hard to trace. All they need is the card number and PIN. No name, no ID, no bank info.
These scams often start with someone pretending to be a friend, coworker, or company rep. They’ll say they need a gift card for office supplies, a surprise gift, or an emergency. Once you send the code, the money’s gone.
Real example: A woman in Michigan lost $16,500 to a scammer she met on Telegram. He convinced her to buy gift cards from Best Buy and Target, sending the codes multiple times. She realized too late that it was a scam, and the money couldn’t be recovered.
Romance Scams on Telegram
Love Scams
Love scams on Telegram prey on people looking for a connection. Scammers build fake relationships to gain your trust, then ask for money.
Example: A woman met a man on a dating app. He quickly suggested they move the conversation to Telegram. After a few weeks of sweet talk, he claimed he wanted to visit her, but said his paycheck was delayed and asked for help covering a plane ticket. She sent him $300. Then he vanished. That’s when she realized it was all a scam.
Blackmail and extortion
Blackmail and extortion are among the most disturbing scams on Telegram. It often starts like a romance scam—flirty messages, maybe even a video chat. But once scammers get explicit photos or recordings, they flip. Suddenly, you’re threatened: pay up, or they’ll share the content with your friends, family, or post it online.
Fake Job Opportunity Scams on Telegram
Job Scams
With remote work in high demand, job scams on Telegram are becoming more common. Scammers pose as recruiters, offering “too good to be true” jobs, high pay, flexible hours, and no experience needed. They often skip job sites and contact you directly on Telegram.
Recent investigations revealed AI-powered scam factories, especially in places like Indonesia, where trafficked workers are forced to run massive fraud operations. These “scam factories” use Telegram and other platforms to target victims worldwide, generating fake job ads and tricking people into paying upfront fees or sharing personal info.
Interview Forms Used for Data Theft
Some Telegram scams go beyond stealing money—they steal your identity. Scammers pretend to be recruiters offering dream jobs and invite you to a “Telegram interview.” During the interview, they ask for sensitive info like your Social Security number, bank details, or a copy of your ID.
Example: A college student in Texas applied for a remote customer service job. The recruiter moved the interview to Telegram. After some basic questions, she was told she got the job and asked to submit personal info for payroll, like her full name, birthdate, address, and bank account. A few days later, her bank account was hacked.
Fake Product and Service Scams
Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals on Telegram
If a product on Telegram is priced way below market value, it’s probably a scam. Scammers often target popular items like electronics, sneakers, or designer clothes, using fake seller accounts and fake “flash sales” to rush you into buying.
Example: Someone saw an ad for a brand new iPhone at half the retail price. The seller claimed it was a clearance sale and even showed a fake receipt and tracking number. After the buyer sent the money, the seller vanished, and the Telegram account was deleted.
Subscription Traps on Telegram
Be careful with “free trials” or super cheap offers on Telegram. Scammers promise limited-time deals, free Telegram Premium, or exclusive Netflix access. Once you enter your credit card info, you might get stuck with recurring charges that are hard to cancel.
Example: One user is asked to verify by entering payment details. Then, without clear notice, they see $20, $30, or more charged every month, with no easy way to stop it.
Charity & Prize Telegram Scams
Fake charity donation scams
Another common Telegram app scam is fake charities. Scammers use emotional stories, urgent pleas, and heartbreaking photos or videos to get you to donate quickly. They often claim the money is needed for disaster relief or emergency aid.
Example: After the 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, scammers set up fake Telegram channels pretending to be relief groups. Many people donated, thinking they were helping real victims, but these “charities” were completely fake.
Giveaway Scams on Telegram
Telegram is full of giveaways promising free iPhones, gift cards, or cash, but most of these are scams. They often fake celebrity or brand endorsements to look legit.
To claim your “prize,” you’re asked to fill out surveys, share personal info, or pay a small “handling” or “shipping” fee upfront. The prize doesn’t exist, and once they get your money, they vanish.
Malware & Data Harvesting Scams
Malware via Fake Apps or Links
Some Telegram scams start with a simple link claiming you won a prize, need to verify your account, or should download an app.
But clicking it can install malware on your device. This lets scammers steal your passwords, credit card info, and even take control of your phone or computer.
Data Harvesting Bots (quizzes, horoscopes, etc.)
Telegram bots can be fun and helpful, but some are scams in disguise. Lately, lots of bots offer things like daily horoscopes, personality quizzes, or games, sometimes promising rewards or “personalized results” if you answer a few questions. Sounds harmless, but it’s not.
These bots are collecting your info—like your name, phone number, email, and even financial details. In worse cases, scammers use bots like SMSRanger to impersonate trusted companies (PayPal, your bank) and call you. Once on the phone, they try to trick you into giving up sensitive info, including login details and 2FA codes.
What is a Telegram Scam?
A Telegram scam is any type of fraud that happens on or starts from the Telegram app. Scammers love Telegram because it’s fast, anonymous, and widely used. With just a phone number, anyone can create an account and start messaging people, no real identity checks required.
These scams can take many forms: fake giveaways, phishing messages, crypto wallet traps, or even bots pretending to be customer support. Some scammers will lure you off Telegram and onto shady websites, where they try to steal your login info, banking details, or install malware on your device. Others stay within the app, using fake profiles, flashy offers, and pressure tactics to get you to click, pay, or share personal information.
What makes Telegram scams tricky is how real they can look. From fake “Coinbase” groups to bots imitating PayPal or Apple support, scammers go to great lengths to seem legit.
What to Do If You Fall for a Telegram Scam
Getting caught in a Telegram scam can be frustrating, even a little embarrassing. But what matters most is how quickly you act. The sooner you take steps to protect yourself, the better your chances of minimizing the damage.
Whether you clicked a suspicious link, sent money, or shared personal info, here’s what to do:
1. Save the Evidence
Before doing anything else, take screenshots of the entire conversation, the scammer’s username, payment receipts, or any sketchy links. These records are your best tool if you need to report or dispute anything later.
2. Report the Scam
Send the details to @notoscam on Telegram or email [email protected]. You’ll help stop the scammer from targeting others.
3. Secure Your Accounts
Change your Telegram password immediately, and if you reused that password elsewhere, update those too. Then turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra protection.
4. Contact Your Bank or Payment Provider
If you sent money or gave out payment details, call your bank or payment app support right away. Ask about freezing your card, reversing charges, or disputing the transaction.
5. Monitor and inform Others
Keep an eye on your bank accounts, credit cards, and Telegram activity. Let your friends and contacts know what happened in case the scammer tries to impersonate you.
How to Avoid Telegram App Scams?
Scams on Telegram are getting more convincing by the day, but with the right habits, you can stay a step ahead. Here’s how to keep yourself safe:
1. Lock Down Your Account
Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) so even if someone gets your password, they still can’t get in. Use a strong password that isn’t reused anywhere else. And while you’re at it, check your privacy settings — limit who can see your info or message you.
2. Be Picky About Who You Trust
Be cautious of strangers sending offers, investment tips, or asking for personal details. Always double-check usernames for weird spellings or extra symbols. Scammers often create fake accounts that look almost real.
3. Skip the Sketchy Links
If someone sends you a link out of the blue, don’t click it. Whether it’s a “giveaway,” “urgent alert,” or a “limited-time deal,” these are classic bait tactics. The same goes for attachments; if you didn’t ask for it, don’t open it.
4. Use a VPN for Extra Privacy
Your IP address can reveal more than you think, like your location. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) helps by hiding that info, making it harder for anyone to track or target you based on where you are.
For extra privacy, we recommend LightningX VPN. It hides your real IP address using advanced encryption, so no one can track your location or online activities. With over 2000 servers in 70+ countries, unlimited speed and bandwidth, LightningX VPN lets you browse safely and access global content with ease.
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5. Keep Personal Info Off the Table
Never share your credit card number, home address, or social security number with anyone on Telegram, even if they seem “official.” Telegram doesn’t ask for this stuff. If someone does, that’s a red flag.
6. Use an Alias When Needed
Use a virtual identity or burner email when signing up for groups or talking to people you don’t know. It adds a solid layer of protection between you and potential scammers.
7. Stay Updated
Scammers are always looking for new tricks, but app developers are always patching vulnerabilities. Make sure you’re running the latest version of Telegram so you have all the newest security features and bug fixes.
You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to stay safe on Telegram. Just be smart, trust your instincts, and follow these basic principles. If you’re frustrated with Telegram, you can always choose a more secure Telegram alternative.
FAQ about Telegram scams
1. Why are strangers contacting me on Telegram?
Strangers might contact you on Telegram for several reasons:
- Your privacy settings are open: Anyone can find and message you if your settings allow it.
- You joined public groups or channels: Group members can often see and message each other.
- Scammers or bots: Some Scammers try to trick users into clicking links, sharing info, or sending money.
- You shared your username somewhere: If you posted it online, others can use it to reach you.
To stop this, go to Settings > Privacy and Security and adjust who can message you or add you to groups.
2. How to stop Telegram bots from messaging you?
If you think a bot is a scam and want to stop it from messaging you, you can:
- Block a bot: Open a bot chat. Tap the three dots in the top right corner. Select “Block bot”.
- Adjust your privacy settings: Go to Settings > Privacy and safety. Tap Groups and channels, then “Who can add me” – set it to “My contacts”.
- Avoid suspicious links and channels.
These steps won’t block all bots permanently, but they can significantly reduce spam and help make your account more secure.
3. Is Telegram Safe?
Telegram is generally safe if you use its security features like two-factor authentication and secret chats. However, regular chats aren’t end-to-end encrypted by default, so be careful with unknown contacts and links.
Read more: What is Telegram? Is Telegram Safe?
