20+ Telegram Scams and How to Avoid Them

Telegram scams have exploded in the past few years. The app is now the second-most downloaded messenger worldwide, with more than 1 billion users. More people on the platform means higher chances for bad actors to slip into your chats, pretend to be someone they’re not and walk away with your money or your data.

And it’s not just one particular scam — from phishing scams to crypto and customer service scams, there’s a long list of Telegram app scams. Let’s take a look at the most common ones, how they work and how to spot them. We’ll also discuss what you can do to shut them down before they get anywhere close to your wallet or your personal info.

Why Is Telegram a Hotspot for Scams?

Telegram was built with privacy at its core, which is great for everyday users, but it also gives scammers plenty of room to hide. High crypto adoption, anonymous accounts and quick bot creation all make scams on Telegram spread faster than people expect, especially when sensitive information is involved.

Here’s why scammers use Telegram:

• Strong anonymity tools: You can create an account with almost no personal details, making it easy for scammers to disappear after a hit.
• Secret chats and private groups: Encrypted spaces make it harder for victims to verify who they’re talking to.
• Huge crypto activity: Traders and collectors use Telegram every day, and scammers follow the money.
• Easy bot creation: Bots can send fake alerts, run phishing tricks or guide victims through staged support conversations.
• Fast viral spread: A scam message can jump from one group to hundreds in minutes, pulling in new targets before anyone catches on.

The Most Common Types of Telegram Scams

Scammers on Telegram love to dress up their tricks as exclusive opportunities or urgent alerts. Most of these schemes follow predictable patterns — once you know what to look for. Spotting them early keeps you out of trouble and helps strengthen your digital security.

Here are 10 most common Telegram Messenger scams you should watch out for:

1. Pump-and-Dump Schemes 

This is a classic telegram scammer move, where scammers hype a low-value crypto coin in group chats, claiming it’s about to skyrocket. Once enough people buy in, the price jumps, and the scammer cashes out. The coin crashes, and everyone else is left holding the bag.

How to spot it:

• Sudden hype around an unknown token
• Promises of guaranteed huge returns
• Pressure to buy immediately
• Anonymous group admins

What to do:

• Ignore the push to invest.

• Check if the token actually exists on reputable exchanges.

• Leave the group and block the admins.

2. Fake ICOs and Token Sales

In this scam, tricksters create a polished but fake (new) crypto project and claim you can buy tokens early at a discount. They drop whitepapers, set up flashy websites and run a countdown timer to rush decisions. Once you send your money, the project vanishes.

How to spot it:

• No real team info or verifiable founders
• Websites full of buzzwords but no proof of past work
• A wallet address instead of a legitimate payment gateway
• Limited-time presale pressure

What to do:

• Avoid sending crypto to strangers or public wallets.

• Research the team and roadmap independently.

• Report the group and block the contacts.

3. High-Yield Investment Programs

High-yield investment programs promise absurd daily or weekly profits if you deposit crypto. Some even show fake dashboards to make it look like your balance is growing. The moment you try to withdraw, everything freezes — or support suddenly stops responding.

How to spot it:

• Claims like doubling your money in 24 hours
• Fake testimonials from brand new accounts
• Withdrawal fees that keep stacking up
• No licensed investment background

What to do:

• Stop all transfers immediately.

• Screenshot conversations for evidence.

• Block the account and warn others in the group.

4. Phishing for Login Credentials

Scammers send links that look like Telegram login pages or security updates. These fake sites are built to steal your account details in seconds. And while not all phishing threats are tied to Telegram, the scale is still alarming — in 2024, more than 38 million phishing attacks were recorded worldwide.

How to spot it:

• Links that don’t match Telegram’s official domain
• Messages claiming your account will be shut down
• Bots asking you to confirm your login

What to do:

• Never enter your credentials through a link.

• Use Telegram’s official app or settings page only.

• Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add a second layer of protection.

5. 2FA Code Interception

Some scammers try to trick you into handing over your two-factor authentication (2FA) code by pretending to be Telegram support or a trusted service. Once they have that code, they can hijack your account in seconds.

How to spot it:

• Messages saying they need your 2FA code to verify your account
• Fake support agents with no verified badge
• Someone asking you to share sensitive codes during a security check

What to do:

• Never share any verification code with anyone.

• Confirm all account alerts inside the official Telegram app.

• Enable additional security settings like passcodes to lock your chats.

6. “Friend in Need” Emergency Scams

A scammer pretends to be someone you know and claims they’re in trouble — usually stuck abroad, robbed or dealing with a medical emergency. They lean hard on emotion to get you to act fast, hoping you’ll send money before you realize the account was cloned or hacked.

How to spot it:

• Sudden requests for money or gift cards
• Odd phrasing or grammar your friend wouldn’t use
• Claims like they can’t talk or have lost their phone
• New or unfamiliar numbers pretending to be old contacts

What to do:

• Contact your friend through another channel.

• Don’t send money until you verify the story.

• Block the scammer and report the account.

7. Fake Customer Support Groups

Fraudsters set up groups pretending to be the official support team for crypto exchanges, wallets or services. They wait for people to post questions or complaints, then jump in offering help. Before long, they’re asking for account details, seed phrases or remote access.

How to spot it:

• No verified badges or official links
• Support agents asking for passwords or codes
• Requests for seed phrases or private keys
• Generic responses that don’t address your actual issue

What to do:

• Use only official support channels listed on the company website.

• Never share sensitive info in public groups.

• Leave the group and report it.

8. Malware-Embedded Documents

Some scammers send files claiming to be receipts, invoices or investment tips. Once you open them, hidden malware installs itself on your device. This can steal logins, skim crypto wallets or spy on your activity. And the threat is growing fast — around 143,000 malicious packages were detected on mobile devices worldwide in Q2 2025 alone.

How to spot it:

• Unsolicited files from strangers
• Documents that require special unlockers or apps
• Pressure to open the file immediately
• File types that don’t match the message, such as a .exe labeled as a PDF

What to do:

• Don’t open files from unknown senders.

• Scan attachments with trusted security tools.

• Delete the message and block the sender.

9. Job and Micro-Task Scams

These scams promise easy money for simple tasks like liking posts, reviewing apps or completing surveys. After a few successful payouts, scammers ask for deposits or fees to unlock higher-paying work. Once you pay, the job vanishes.

How to spot it:

• Jobs that pay far more than they should
• Requests for upfront payments
• No real company information
• Tasks that get more exclusive only after you pay

What to do:

• Avoid any job that requires deposits.

• Research the company outside Telegram.

• Report and block the group.

10. Session Hijacking 

In this trick, scammers try to grab your Telegram session token — the digital key that keeps you logged in. If they get it, they can take over your account without needing your password. They usually pull this off through fake apps, phishing pages or different types of malware that collect stored session data.

How to spot it:

• Prompts to install unofficial Telegram apps
• Links offering faster or premium versions
• Suspicious pop-ups asking you to re-authenticate
• Messages claiming your session has expired and requiring a login through a link

What to do:

• Use only the official Telegram app.

• Log out of devices you don’t recognize.

• Turn on 2FA and set a strong passcode.

• Revoke active sessions if anything feels off.

11. Cryptocurrency Wallet Drainers

Wallet drainer scams trick users into connecting their crypto wallets to malicious websites, bots or tools. Once connected, the scammer gets permission to pull tokens out without warning. Some drainers work instantly; others wait quietly until you have enough funds to steal.

How to spot it:

• Requests to connect your wallet to verify ownership
• Bots asking for full access permissions
• Links that mimic trusted crypto tools
• Unknown accounts pushing automatic portfolio trackers

What to do:

• Never connect your wallet to random bots or links.

• Revoke suspicious permissions immediately.

• Move remaining funds to a new wallet if you suspect a breach.

• Report the scam to warn others.

12. Fake Airdrops and Giveaways

In this Telegram fraud, scammers promise free tokens, NFTs or bonus rewards if you complete a few tasks or connect your wallet. Some require you to send a small amount of crypto first. Others send you to pages that harvest your login details.

How to spot it:

• Free tokens that require an upfront payment
• Airdrops from projects you’ve never heard of
• Links asking for seed phrases or private keys
• Countdown timers to push fast decisions

What to do:

• Ignore offers from unknown projects.

• Never pay to receive a free reward.

• Check official project channels before trusting an airdrop.

• Block the account and move on.

13. Romance and Catphishing Scams

In catphishing scams, a scammer builds a relationship with you over days or weeks, pretending to be a charming stranger, long-distance admirer or someone working abroad. Once trust is built, they introduce a crisis — a medical bill, a stuck payment or travel costs — and ask for money.

How to spot it:

• A quick jump from casual chat to deep personal talk
• Refusal to video call or prove their identity
• Constant crises that need urgent cash
• Profiles with stock-style photos

What to do:

• Slow the conversation down.

• Insist on basic verification.

• Never send money to someone you haven’t met.

• Cut contact and block if things feel off.

14. Fake Buyer/Seller Scams

These scams show up in Telegram marketplaces or resale groups. A fake buyer might claim they’ve paid and show a forged receipt. A fake seller might collect payment but never ship anything. Some even offer deals far below market value to lure you in.

How to spot it:

• Buyers who rush the deal
• Sellers refusing escrow or secure payment platforms
• Suspiciously low prices
• Screenshots of payment instead of real transaction proofs

What to do:

• Use trusted payment platforms with buyer protection.

• Meet in public or use verified escrow services.

• Avoid deals that feel too good to be true.

• Block and report dishonest users.

15. Impersonation of Company Executives

Scammers pretend to be CEOs, managers or team leads from well-known companies. They often target employees or community members, sending orders that look urgent or confidential. The goal is to trick you into sending money, sensitive files or login access.

How to spot it:

• Sudden messages from executives you’ve never spoken with
• Requests to purchase gift cards, crypto or confidential data
• Slight misspellings in usernames
• Messages outside work channels

What to do:

• Verify the request through official company communication channels.

• Refuse to send payments without written confirmation.

• Alert your security team if it’s work-related.

• Review steps to secure your online accounts and reduce future risk.

16. Premium Trading Signal Scams

These scams target traders looking for shortcuts. A scammer claims they have insider signals or guaranteed profitable trades and sells access through Telegram groups or subscriptions. Once you pay, the signals become vague, useless — or the scammer disappears. Some even show fake profit screenshots to lure in new victims. 

How to spot it:

• Guaranteed profit language
• No proof of a real trading history
• Pushy sales tactics
• High subscription fees with no trial

What to do:

• Avoid any trading service promising certain results.

• Research the trader’s background outside Telegram.

• Block and report the channel.

17. Fake Telegram Desktop Apps

These scams are based on look-alike desktop apps that mimic Telegram’s interface. When installed, they capture your login info, session tokens or even your files. Some versions bundle malware that tracks everything you do. These apps spread through unofficial websites, ads or beta testing groups, claiming early access to exclusive features.

How to spot it:

• Download links sent through DMs
• Apps hosted on strange domains
• Promises of special features Telegram hasn’t announced
• Installation warnings from your device

What to do:

• Download Telegram only from official stores or telegram.org.

• Uninstall suspicious apps immediately.

• Change your login password and revoke active sessions.

18. Tech Support Remote Control Scams

In this scam, someone posing as Telegram or a crypto platform support asks to inspect your device using remote-control apps. Once connected, they can see your screen, access files and capture passwords. They often act polite and patient, making the scam feel like real customer service until it’s too late.

How to spot it:

• Requests to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer or similar tools
• Claims that they must fix your account manually
• Support agents with no verified identity
• Pressure to act fast

What to do:

• Never grant remote access to strangers.

• End the call or chat immediately.

• Uninstall the app and change your passwords.

• Contact official support through verified channels.

19. Deepfake/AI Voice Mimicry

In deepfake frauds, scammers use AI to mimic a friend, coworker or family member’s voice. They send voice notes asking for money or sensitive info, often claiming an emergency. With AI tools getting sharper, the impersonations can sound shockingly real.

How to spot it:

• Voice messages that sound right but use odd phrasing
• Sudden urgent requests
• Refusal to switch to live calls
• Background noise that sounds artificial

What to do:

• Verify through a different communication channel.

• Ask a question only the real person would know.

• Don’t send money based on a voice note alone.

20. Charity and Fundraiser Fraud

Fraudsters will reach out to you with fabricated emotional stories about disasters, sick children or urgent relief efforts. They post moving photos and payment links, hoping people donate without checking. These scams spike after major news events, when people want to help fast — and scammers want to cash in.

How to spot it:

• No official charity registration
• Crypto-only donation requests
• Emotional stories with no way to verify details
• Profiles created very recently

What to do:

• Donate only to known charities.

• Verify fundraisers through official websites.

• Report suspicious campaigns.

21. URL Shortener Phishing

Shortened links hide the real destination, making them easy tools for phishing. Scammers share Bitly-style URLs that redirect to fake login pages, wallet drainers or malware sites. The links look harmless, especially when dropped into busy group chats, but a single tap can expose your device or account.

How to spot it:

• Links with no context
• Senders with new or empty profiles
• Promises of bonuses, downloads or free tools
• URL previews disabled

What to do:

• Don’t click shortened links from unknown accounts.

• Expand the link using preview tools before opening.

• Turn on security settings that warn about risky sites.

22. Group Admin Impersonation

A scammer pretends to be a trusted admin in a group, often by copying their name and profile photo. They DM members claiming to offer support, run giveaways or fix account issues. Because the profile looks familiar, many people fall for it before noticing the tiny differences.

How to spot it:

• Admin look-alikes with slightly different usernames
• Direct messages claiming to represent the group
• Requests for personal info or payments
• Pressure to act quietly or avoid alerting others

What to do:

• Check if the real admin actually messaged you through the group.

• Ignore any DM from someone claiming to be staff.

• Block the impersonator and alert the group.

How to Protect Yourself From Telegram Scams

All of these scams might make you wonder if Telegram is safe. But most attacks rely on tricking you rather than breaking the app itself. Some good security habits, like using 2FA and anti-malware, can help you stay in control and even avoid scam phone numbers. They can also help you identify a fake Telegram account before it gets anywhere near your data. 

Here’s how to tighten your defenses:

• Activate 2FA immediately: A simple passcode adds a strong barrier against account takeover.
• Strictly control your privacy settings: Limit who can see your phone number, photo, groups and activity.
• Treat all unsolicited links and files as threats: Assume every unknown file or shortened URL could be harmful.
• Verify identities on a secondary communication channel: A quick call or message outside Telegram cuts through impersonation tricks.
• Install comprehensive anti-malware protection: Good security software can stop hidden downloads and risky installs.
• Regularly review and terminate active sessions: Remove devices you don’t recognize to block silent account hijacks.

Secure Your Digital Life With Panda Security

A strong antivirus like Panda Dome can help protect your instant messages and keep you ahead of the latest Telegram scams. It blocks phishing links, flags suspicious downloads and stops hidden malware before it can sneak onto your device.

It also watches for strange activity in real time, giving you quick alerts if something tries to steal data, hijack sessions or mess with your security settings. With simple tools that work quietly in the background, Panda Security makes staying safe feel effortless.

Try Panda Dome for free and keep danger at arm’s length with real-time protection.

Telegram Scams FAQ

Is Telegram a Legit Platform?

Yes, Telegram is a legitimate messaging app, but its open features and privacy tools make it easy for scammers to blend in.

How Can I Permanently Report a Scammer on Telegram?

Open their profile, tap Report, choose the reason and block them. You can also report entire groups or channels through the same menu.

Can a Telegram Scammer Still Contact Me if I’ve Blocked Them?

No, once blocked, they can’t message you, call you or see your profile updates. They can contact you from a new profile, though.

How Do Scammers Find My Profile or Phone Number on Telegram?

To get your details on Telegram, scammers often scrape usernames from public groups, use scam phone numbers, buy leaked data or guess numbers tied to Telegram accounts.