The 12 Latest Telegram App Scams To Avoid in 2026

December 3, 2025

By Jory MacKay, Aura Cybersecurity Editor

Telegram offers a high level of anonymity to users, making it an attractive option for scammers who want to hide their true identities or impersonate others.

Why Would Scammers Want To Use Telegram?

Telegram is a privacy-focused messaging app, with over one billion active users around the world. Telegram users can send messages and files, make voice and video calls, and join groups and channels that comprise an unlimited number of people — all with just a username.

Telegram’s popularity and anonymity features make it a prime channel for scammers who want to hide their identities, impersonate others, or target a large number of people at once.

Specifically, scammers use Telegram for a few reasons:

  • Telegram offers a high level of anonymity. Scammers can hide their true phone numbers or use temporary numbers to mask their identities. Telegram also offers special end-to-end encrypted “secret” chats that can be deleted even by just one party.
  • Telegram groups can add up to 200,000 people. Telegram allows scammers to target massive numbers of people at once with popular scams, such as cryptocurrency investment schemes.
  • Telegram “bots” automate scams and data harvesting. Telegram allows users to create bots that can automatically target victims with scams, harvest data, and even accept payments.
  • Telegram is not a U.S. company. Until 2024, the company rarely complied with data requests from U.S. authorities.

If you use Telegram, you should be aware of common scams on the platform — and how to avoid them.

The 12 Most Common Telegram Scams To Avoid in 2026

  1. Fake Telegram channels and groups
  2. Cryptocurrency scams
  3. Prepaid task scams
  4. Fake job listings and recruitment scams
  5. Data-harvesting bots
  6. Tech support scams
  7. Fake giveaways and sweepstakes
  8. Links to malware and scareware
  9. Online marketplace scams
  10. Subscription traps
  11. Romance scams (with extortion)
  12. Friend-in-need and other impersonation scams

1. Fake Telegram channels and groups

Scammers create Telegram groups and channels and add thousands of users — hoping to promote scams, gather sensitive data, or trick users into clicking on malicious links.

How to spot the scam:

  • You’re added to unfamiliar groups or channels — especially ones with names that mimic official groups, such as “Coinbase”
  • The group is “broadcast only” (hint: check under "Permissions" or "Group Info")
  • A channel or group admin DMs you with a link or asks for personal information

2. Cryptocurrency scams

Scammers run numerous cryptocurrency scams on Telegram, including fake investment group channels.

Warning: Any investment advice should be taken with caution. Telegram channels aren’t vetted.

3. Prepaid task scams

Telegram scammers impersonate legitimate businesses and offer payment for tasks.

How to spot the scam:

  • You’re told you need to deposit money before you can start a work task
  • Successive tasks require larger and larger deposits

4. Fake job listings and recruitment scams

Telegram is also a popular tool used by job scammers.

How to spot the scam:

  • Any employer or recruiter requests an interview over Telegram

5. Data-harvesting bots

Telegram bots can engage in conversations, make calls, and send files.

How to spot the scam:

  • A Telegram bot asks for your personal information, passwords, or authentication codes

6. Tech support scams

Scammers often pose as technical or customer support agents.

How to spot the scam:

  • You’re asked to provide your account passwords or two-factor authentication (2FA) codes to get help

7. Fake giveaways and sweepstakes

Scammers create fake Telegram channels promoting giveaways and sweepstakes.

How to spot the scam:

  • Double-check usernames on platforms for look-alike names

8. Links to malware and scareware

Hackers distribute malware in popular Telegram groups and channels.

How to spot the scam:

  • You receive a message that creates a sense of urgency

9. Online marketplace scams

Fraudsters post in-demand items for attractive prices across online sites.

How to spot the scam:

  • A too-good-to-be-true deal on an online marketplace

10. Subscription traps

Scammers offer free trials for subscription services.

How to spot the scam:

  • Be wary of free offers requiring registration.

11. Romance scams (with extortion)

Scammers create fake profiles on Telegram, social media platforms, or dating apps.

How to spot the scam:

  • An unknown account builds a personal relationship quickly.

12. Friend-in-need and other impersonation scams

In this scam, fraudsters use stolen or leaked personal information.

How to spot the scam:

  • Unsolicited contact about an emergency situation from someone you know.

How to Know If Someone Is Scamming You on Telegram

  1. Ask them to respond in the main group.
  2. Check their profile. Look for signs that you’re dealing with a scammer.

How To Protect Yourself From Telegram Scams

  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Telegram account.
  • Hide your phone number. This limits who can see your phone number attached to your Telegram username.
  • Keep your Telegram app updated to the latest version.

What To Do If You Were Scammed on Telegram

  1. Document evidence of the scam.
  2. Report and block the scam account.
  3. Scan your device for malware.
  4. Change your account login credentials.
  5. Review your active sessions.
  6. Freeze your credit with all three bureaus.
  7. Contact your bank or financial institution.
  8. Try to recover lost funds.
  9. File a report with the proper authorities.
  10. Monitor your bank and credit file for fraud.

Telegram Scams FAQ

Is it safe to use Telegram?

Yes, in most cases, as long as you follow the recommended safety steps above.