# The 12 Latest Telegram App Scams To Avoid in 2026 December 3, 2025 By [Jory MacKay](/content/author/jory-mackay/index.html), 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**](https://telegram.org/faq/#q-what-is-telegram-what-do-i-do-here) 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 01. [**Fake Telegram channels and groups**](/content/learn/telegram-app-scams#1.-Fake-Telegram-channels-and-groups/index.html) 02. [**Cryptocurrency scams**](/content/learn/telegram-app-scams#2.-Cryptocurrency-scams/index.html) 03. [**Prepaid task scams**](/content/learn/telegram-app-scams#3.-Prepaid-task-scams/index.html) 04. [**Fake job listings and recruitment scams**](/content/learn/telegram-app-scams#4.-Fake-job-listings-and-recruitment-scams/index.html) 05. [**Data-harvesting bots**](/content/learn/telegram-app-scams#5.-Data-harvesting-bots/index.html) 06. [**Tech support scams**](/content/learn/telegram-app-scams#6.-Tech-support-scams/index.html) 07. [**Fake giveaways and sweepstakes**](/content/learn/telegram-app-scams#7.-Fake-giveaways-and-sweepstakes/index.html) 08. [**Links to malware and scareware**](/content/learn/telegram-app-scams#8.-Links-to-malware-and-scareware/index.html) 09. [**Online marketplace scams**](/content/learn/telegram-app-scams#9.-Online-marketplace-scams/index.html) 10. [**Subscription traps**](/content/learn/telegram-app-scams#10.-Subscription-traps/index.html) 11. [**Romance scams (with extortion)**](/content/learn/telegram-app-scams#11.-Romance-scams-(with-extortion/index.html)) 12. [**Friend-in-need and other impersonation scams**](/content/learn/telegram-app-scams#12.-Friend-in-need-and-other-impersonation-scams/index.html) ### 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.