Watch Out for These Top Telegram Scams: Your Guide to Staying Safe
With its focus on privacy, speed, and massive group chat capabilities, Telegram has become a go-to communication platform for millions worldwide. But its popularity has a downside: it has also become a fertile ground for scammers and malicious actors looking to exploit unsuspecting users. As these fraudsters become more sophisticated, it’s more important than ever to know what to look for.
This guide will walk you through the most common Telegram scams and provide actionable steps to protect your account and your assets.
Common Telegram Scams You Need to Know
Scammers on Telegram use a variety of clever tactics, often preying on a user’s trust, excitement, or fear. Here are the most prevalent schemes to watch out for.
1. Cryptocurrency and Investment Fraud
This is arguably the biggest category of scams on Telegram. The platform is a hub for crypto enthusiasts, and scammers take full advantage of this.
- Pump-and-Dump Schemes: Scammers create a channel dedicated to a little-known cryptocurrency. They generate massive hype, promising “insider information” that the coin’s value is about to skyrocket. As users buy in, the price inflates (the “pump”). The scammers, who bought the coin when it was cheap, then sell all their holdings at the peak price, causing the value to crash (the “dump”). New investors are left with worthless assets.
- Fake Investment “Gurus”: Fraudsters pose as successful traders, showing off a lavish lifestyle allegedly funded by their trading genius. They lure you into private groups where they offer “guaranteed high returns” for a fee or ask you to invest directly with them. In reality, they will simply take your money and disappear.
- Phony Crypto Giveaways: A scammer might impersonate a well-known figure in the crypto world or a popular exchange. They’ll announce a giveaway, promising to send back double the amount of crypto you send them (e.g., “Send 1 ETH, get 2 ETH back!”). This is always a scam designed to steal your funds.
2. Impersonation and Phishing Attacks
Phishing involves tricking you into giving up sensitive information, like passwords or private keys. Impersonation is the key to making these attacks work.
A common tactic involves a scammer creating a fake account that looks nearly identical to one of your real contacts—often using the same profile picture and a slightly altered username. They may message you with an urgent request for money or ask you to click a link.
Another variation is the fake Telegram support or admin account. This fake account might message you, claiming there’s a security issue with your account and that you need to follow a link to verify your identity. This link leads to a fake login page designed to steal your password and 2FA code. Remember, official Telegram staff will never proactively ask you for personal information or login credentials.
3. Malware Disguised as Helpful Files
Scammers often join large groups and share files disguised as something useful or entertaining—a new app, a trading bot, a game, or an exclusive document. However, these files often contain malware, spyware, or viruses.
Once installed on your device, this malicious software can steal your personal data, access your crypto wallets, or even take control of your accounts. Be extremely cautious about downloading and executing files from unknown sources, especially if they have extensions like .exe, .apk, or .scr.
4. Fake Job Offers and Lotteries
The “too good to be true” offer is a classic scam that thrives on Telegram. You might see a post for a high-paying remote job with very few requirements. To apply, you’re asked to pay a small “processing fee” or provide extensive personal information that can be used for identity theft.
Similarly, you may be added to a group or receive a message congratulating you on winning a lottery or giveaway you never entered. To claim your prize, you’ll be instructed to click a suspicious link or pay a “transaction fee.” Legitimate companies and lotteries will never ask you to pay money to receive a prize or a job.
How to Protect Yourself from Telegram Scams: Actionable Security Tips
Staying vigilant is your best defense. By adopting a few key security habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to fraud.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This is the single most important step you can take. With 2FA enabled, a hacker would need both your password and a code from your phone to log in. To set it up, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Two-Step Verification.
Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages: If you receive a message from someone you don’t know—especially if it involves money, investments, or an urgent request—treat it with suspicion.
Verify, Then Trust: If a contact messages you with an unusual request (e.g., asking for money), verify their identity through another channel. Call them or message them on a different platform to confirm it’s really them.
Never Share Sensitive Information: Your Telegram login code, password, 2FA recovery code, and cryptocurrency private keys are for your eyes only. No legitimate administrator, support agent, or friend will ever ask for them.
Scrutinize Links and Profiles: Before clicking any link, inspect it carefully. Look for typos or unusual domain names. For user profiles, check the username (it might have a subtle difference, like an underscore or a swapped letter) and their phone number visibility. Scammers almost always hide their numbers.
Adjust Your Privacy Settings: Control who can see your phone number, add you to groups, and message you first. Go to Settings > Privacy and Security and set these options to “My Contacts” instead of “Everybody.” This drastically reduces your exposure to random scammers.
Telegram remains a powerful communication tool, but its open nature requires users to be proactive about security. By understanding common scams and implementing strong security practices, you can navigate the platform safely and confidently.
Source: https://www.kaspersky.com/blog/phishing-and-scam-in-telegram-2025/54090/
