11 Latest Telegram App Scams To Watch Out For

Scammers have flocked to Telegram in recent years. Here’s how to keep your personal information, crypto, and online accounts safe from Telegram App Scams To Watch Out For.

Scammers use social engineering tactics to trick you into giving up personally identifiable information (PII), such as your credit card number, Social Security number (SSN), or two-factor authentication (2FA) codes for crypto and social media accounts.

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So, what are the most common Telegram App Scams To Watch Out For? And how can you tell a Telegram imposter from a legitimate friend or contact?

What are Telegram Scams? How Do They Work?

Telegram App Scams To Watch Out For are fraudulent schemes that either take place on the Telegram app or draw users off the app and onto a dangerous third-party site.

Scammers flock to Telegram due to its widespread popularity and ease of use. All you need is a phone number to create an account. The scams range from traditional phishing schemes to sophisticated bot attacks masquerading as legitimate customer support agents.

Here’s how some of the typical Telegram scams play out:

• Phishing attacks: A Telegram user poses as someone you’d otherwise trust (such as a friend, colleague, or customer support agent) to trick you into giving up your personal information.
• Off-platform scams: Someone sends you a link or convinces you to go off the Telegram platform and onto a less-secure site. This site could be used to steal your personal information or even infect your device with malware.
• Telegram bot attacks: The Telegram platform allows users to create bot accounts, which scammers use to rapidly target vulnerable legitimate accounts. A bot known as X-Files can steal passwords, session cookies, login credentials, and credit card details according to Intel 471 research released in July 2022.
• Crypto scams: Telegram has become the go-to platform for people interested in cryptocurrencies and blockchain. Many cybercriminals target Telegram users to get access to their crypto wallets and transfer out their bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum, and other coins.

These are only a few high-level examples of the types of scams you’ll find on Telegram. Even worse, scammers are always finding new ways to commit fraud and steal personal information from unsuspecting Telegram users.

1. “Copycat” or fake Telegram channels and groups

Telegram channels and groups are places where multiple users can come together and talk about topics that they care about. However, scammers will often create “copycat” versions of popular channels to lure in victims with a false sense of security.

These channels will look the same as familiar ones. They might have similar names and profile pictures, include the same pinned messages, and have admins with usernames nearly identical to legitimate ones.

You’ll also see lots of activity from “users” — actively chatting about whatever promotions, get-rich-quick schemes, or supposed free prizes the channel is promoting. (Many of these channels target cryptocurrency investors with flash sales of pre-launch tokens.)

Soon, however, other users or admins will start contacting you to try and get you to click on a link or give up personal information that they can use for identity theft or to hack into your accounts.

How to spot the scam:

If you’re added to (or join) a new Telegram channel, check to see whether you can enter a message or if the channel is “broadcast only.” This means that only admins can post messages. To check, look for a loudspeaker icon next to the channel name.

In one example, a scammer created a Telegram group titled “Coinbase” and added thousands of users. Then, the scammer posed as a Coinbase representative and advertised daily giveaways — all while trying to gain access to people’s accounts.

What to do:

• Report any imposters or dangerous Telegram channels. Click on the three dots in the corner and open “Report.” Then, select your reason.
• Change your settings to only allow your account to be added to new groups and channels from your contacts. To do this, go to “Settings” and then “Privacy and Security” and then “Groups & Channels.” Change who can add you to groups from “Everyone” to “My Contacts.”

2. “Crypto Expert” scams

Telegram has become one of the most popular messaging platforms for people interested in cryptocurrencies and blockchain. But scammers have taken advantage of this fact and pose as crypto experts on Telegram to scam victims out of coins, money, or account logins.

Most of these scams involve the promise of a “guaranteed” return on your crypto investment. Scammers will post replies to Twitter comments or reach out to you directly on Telegram claiming to be able to provide a 50% return on your investment.

If you engage, scammers will ask you to open an account on their “special” crypto exchange. At that point, they’ll show you charts and graphs demonstrating that your investment is increasing; but when you try to take out your “earnings,” the scammer will disappear — along with your account.

In one example, a man sent $50 in Bitcoin to an exchange and soon received $30 in profits. He told his friends, and they all invested their life savings in this scam. But once all the money was received, the faux broker disappeared with everyone’s money.

How to spot the scam:

The FBI estimates that close to 25,000 people fell victim to crypto scams last year and lost nearly $1 billion.

Be cautious of anyone who brags about “guaranteed” returns or claims to have access to a “special” crypto exchange. These are all telltale signs of a Telegram App Scam To Watch Out For.

What to do:

• Ignore anyone who claims to be able to offer a “guaranteed” return on any investment — especially crypto.
• Don’t invest in “special” cryptocurrency exchanges, as these are often faked.
• Never send money, crypto, or account information to someone you’ve only interacted with on Telegram or on other messaging platforms like WhatsApp.

3. Phishing with Telegram bots

One of the things that makes Telegram unique is its ability to build and use bots on the platform. Telegram bots use natural language processing and artificial intelligence (AI) to engage in realistic conversations, which makes it hard to tell if you’re being scammed.

In one recent version of this scam, hackers used a bot known as SMSRanger to pose as representatives from banks and companies like PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and commonly used mobile carriers.

Once hackers enter a Telegram user’s phone number, the bot calls and convinces the user to give up personal information, bank account logins, passwords, and even two-factor authentication (2FA) codes.

Scammers on forums claim that these bots are effective 80% of the time if a user answers the call. Even worse, anyone can get access to these bots and run scams for as little as $300 a month.

How to spot the scam:

Telegram bot scams exhibit the typical warning signs of a phishing scam, including:

• A false sense of urgency. Scammers claim your account has been compromised, or some error is putting you at risk.
• Spoofed or strange phone numbers. Look for phone numbers that don’t seem right or don’t match the company’s official number.
• Grammatical and spelling errors. Scammers and bots won’t communicate the same way that a customer support representative will.
• Requests for sensitive information. They’ll ask you to provide account details, 2FA codes, or passwords to “verify” your identity.

What to do:

• If you get an unsolicited phone call from someone claiming to be from your bank (or other organization), hang up and call back using their official number. Don’t trust your caller ID, either, as scammers can spoof or disguise their number to look like it’s coming from someone else.
• Remember: a company will never reach out to you over Telegram or any other third-party messaging platform.

4. Tech Support Scams

This one’s a classic: Scammers impersonate tech support agents, often using bots to contact users on Telegram. They’ll claim to help with issues related to your device or software but will end up asking for sensitive data or pushing you to pay for “premium” support.

How to Spot the Scam:

Legitimate tech support will never reach out to you first over Telegram. Look for requests to take remote control of your device or pay for “premium” services.

What to Do:

Always contact companies directly for support and never send payment to a tech support agent you haven’t verified. Report any suspicious accounts to Telegram.

5. Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrency Giveaway Scams

Bitcoin and crypto giveaway scams have found a new home on Telegram. Scammers claim to be giving away free crypto from well-known exchanges or companies like Apple or Amazon. But to receive the “gift,” you’re asked for personal data or payment, which is how they steal your info.

How to Spot the Scam:

A legitimate giveaway will never ask you to provide personal details or pay a “fee” for the prize. If you weren’t part of the contest, it’s most likely a scam.

What to Do:

If you receive an unsolicited message offering a prize, ignore it. Never send money or personal details in exchange for something that sounds too good to be true.

6. Lookalike Telegram Admin Accounts

Scammers often create accounts that look like legitimate admins of popular Telegram groups. These “lookalike” accounts try to lure you into off-platform scams by messaging you directly or asking for sensitive data.

How to Spot the Scam:

Search for subtle differences in the username (e.g., letter swaps or typos), or check if the account’s name doesn’t match the display name. Be wary if you’re approached privately by someone claiming to be a group admin.

What to Do:

Don’t engage with anyone who sends you unsolicited messages. Verify admin accounts before sharing personal information, and report suspicious activity.

7. “Classiscam” Fake Classified Ads

This scam involves fake listings for products like cameras or electronics that are posted on classified websites and then promoted through Telegram. The scammers aim to steal your personal details or money through a seemingly innocent sale.

How to Spot the Scam:

Check for signs of a phishing site (such as spelling errors or an “HTTP” instead of “HTTPS” in the URL). Be suspicious if the deal sounds too good to be true.

What to Do:

Verify the seller before making any payment, and always use secure payment methods that offer protection, like PayPal or credit cards.

8. “Pump and Dump” Crypto Channels

In these scams, Telegram channel owners manipulate cryptocurrency prices to pump them up artificially. Then, they sell off their own holdings before the price crashes, leaving you stuck with worthless crypto.

How to Spot the Scam:

Look for channels promising quick profits or insider knowledge. These groups often push you to act quickly or make urgent decisions to get in on the “action.”

What to Do:

Don’t fall for the hype. Always research investments thoroughly before acting, and never rush decisions based on fear of missing out.

9. Fake Job Listings and Offers

This scam targets people looking for work, with scammers posting fake job listings that require you to communicate via Telegram. Once you connect, they might ask for personal info or payment for training materials.

How to Spot the Scam:

Be wary of job offers that seem too good to be true. Scammers often promise high pay and flexible hours while asking you to use Telegram for interviews.

What to Do:

Never send money or personal details to a recruiter before verifying the job offer. Stick to official job application channels and meet employers in person whenever possible.

10. “Friend in Need” Scams

In this scam, fraudsters impersonate your friends or family members on Telegram, asking for urgent help with money or other needs. They exploit your trust to convince you to send money or personal information.

How to Spot the Scam:

Listen carefully to the language used and check if the situation seems unusual. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to make you act without thinking.

What to Do:

If you’re suspicious, ask specific questions that only your real friend would know. If it’s a scam, report and block the account immediately.

11. Romance Scams on Telegram

Romance scammers target lonely people, building fake relationships to earn trust. Once they’ve gained enough, they’ll ask for money, gifts, or even sensitive photos to use for blackmail.

How to Spot the Scam:

If someone you’ve met online refuses to meet in person or share video calls, they might be a scammer. If they ask for money, especially for vague reasons, it’s almost certainly a scam.

What to Do:

Never send money to someone you’ve met online, no matter how convincing their story may seem. Protect your privacy and be cautious when sharing personal details with strangers.

By keeping an eye out for these common Telegram scams and following the tips above, you can stay safe while using the platform. Always trust your instincts—if something seems off, it probably is.