Beware! Unmasking the Top 11 Telegram Scams

Telegram, which is used by over 700 million people every month, is one of the most popular messengers in the world. However, the popularity of this application and its perceived high level of security have made Telegram a favorite tool for hackers and scammers.

Through social engineering methods, scammers force users to share their personal information, such as credit card numbers, social insurance card details, or two-factor authentication codes. This information grants access to cryptocurrency accounts and social media profiles.

What are the most common Telegram scams to watch out for? How can you distinguish a scammer from a law-abiding user?

Let's try to understand these questions.

What are Telegram scams and how do they operate?

Telegram scams encompass fraudulent schemes that are executed either within the app itself or directed at enticing users to visit unsafe external websites.

Scammers have taken a liking to Telegram due to its widespread usage and user-friendly interface. Creating an account merely requires a phone number. The range of Telegram scams is extensive, ranging from conventional phishing schemes to elaborate attacks carried out by bots posing as legitimate customer support personnel.

Typical types of Telegram scams include:

Phishing attacks: A Telegram user impersonates someone you trust—a friend, colleague, or customer support representative—and tricks you into disclosing your personal information.

Scams on third-party platforms: Fraudsters send you a link or persuade you to navigate away from Telegram to a less secure website where they can pilfer your personal data or even infect your device with viruses.

Bot attacks: The Telegram platform allows users to create bot accounts, which scammers exploit to launch attacks on unsuspecting victims. Bots are capable of stealing passwords, session cookies, login credentials, and credit card information.

Crypto scams: Telegram has become a favored platform for individuals interested in cryptocurrencies and blockchain. Many cybercriminals target Telegram users, seeking to gain access to their cryptocurrency wallets and siphon off bitcoins, ethers, and other digital coins.

These are the most common forms of scams encountered on Telegram. What's particularly concerning is that scammers are continually devising new methods of fraudulent activities and stealing personal data from trusting messenger users.

11 Telegram Scams to Exercise Caution Against

Now, we will discuss the current Telegram scams to be aware of and ways to avoid them.

Clone Websites or Fake Telegram Channels and Groups

Telegram channels and groups serve as gathering places for users to discuss topics of interest. Scammers frequently create clones of popular channels, aiming to deceive unsuspecting users by creating a false sense of security.

Clone websites closely resemble authentic resources, featuring identical names, profile pictures, pinned messages, and administrators with names that closely match those of the genuine resource administrators.

On clone platforms, "users" actively discuss advertising campaigns, get-rich-quick schemes, or alleged free giveaways offered by content creators. (Many of these creators attempt to attract cryptocurrency investors with token sales before launching a cryptocurrency project.)

Soon after a user joins the chat, administrators or other participants begin engaging with them. They convince the user to click on a link or provide their personal information, which the scammers either steal or use to compromise the user's accounts.

Preventing scams:

When joining a Telegram channel (or being added to one), check if you can send messages or if the channel is in "broadcast-only" mode, where only administrators can post. To verify, click on the speaker icon next to the channel name.

For instance, there was a case where a scammer created a Telegram group named Coinbase and added thousands of users to it. Pretending to be a representative of the exchange, the scammer regularly promoted token giveaways, aiming to gain access to user accounts.

What to do:

Report fake or suspicious channels to the messenger's administration, providing a reason for the complaint.

Adjust your settings to allow only your contacts to add your account to groups or channels. To do this, go to "Settings," then "Privacy," and then "Groups and Channels." Change the setting in the "Who Can Add Me to Groups and Channels" section from "Everyone" to "My Contacts."

Scammers Posing as "Crypto Experts"

Telegram has become one of the most popular platforms for individuals interested in cryptocurrencies and blockchain. Scammers take advantage of this by impersonating crypto experts.

Most of these scams involve promising "guaranteed" returns on cryptocurrency investments. Scammers respond to your comments (not necessarily on Telegram, but also on platforms like Twitter), informing you about an opportunity to make a 50% profit.

If you show interest, scammers will ask you to create an account on their "exclusive" cryptocurrency exchange. Once you invest your funds, they show you charts and diagrams that supposedly confirm the growth of your investments. However, as soon as you attempt to withdraw your "earnings," the scammer disappears along with your account.

How to recognize scams:

Be cautious of individuals advertising "guaranteed" profits or access to "exclusive" cryptocurrency exchanges. Such claims are clear indications of cryptocurrency investment scams on Telegram.

What to do:

Ignore anyone promising "guaranteed" profits from any investments, especially in cryptocurrencies.

Avoid depositing funds on "exclusive" cryptocurrency exchanges, as they are often fraudulent.

Never send money, cryptocurrencies, or account information to individuals you have only interacted with on Telegram, WhatsApp, or similar platforms.

Phishing with Telegram Bots

One of Telegram's distinctive features is the ability to create and use bots on the platform. Thanks to natural language processing and AI, bots can engage in conversations so convincingly that detecting scams can be challenging.

An example of such a scam is the SMSRanger bot, pretending to represent banks and companies like PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and popular mobile operators.

The scheme is simple: hackers input the user's phone number, and the bot calls and convinces the user to disclose personal information, bank account logins, passwords, and 2FA codes.

Scammers claim on their forums that, in 80% of cases, when a user responds to the call, such bots succeed. Phishing bots can be easily obtained online, and operating a bot can cost $300 per month.

How to recognize scams:

Telegram bots have typical distinguishing features that indicate phishing scams:

Urgency and pressure tactics: Scammers claim that immediate action is required, such as stating that your account has been compromised or there is a threat to your account.

Fake or suspicious phone numbers: Pay attention to numbers that look unusual or different from official company numbers.

Grammatical and spelling errors: Scammers and bots may communicate differently from real customer support representatives, and the difference can be noticeable.

Requests for sensitive information: Scammers ask you to provide sensitive information such as account details, two-factor authentication codes, or passwords under the pretext of "verifying" you.

What to do:

If someone claiming to be a representative of your bank (or another organization) calls you on their own initiative, call back using the official number.

Remember: Companies will never reach out to you through Telegram or any other third-party platform.

Tech Support Scams

Another common Telegram bot scam involves creating accounts that mimic legitimate technical support staff. These bots scan channels and groups for keywords and phrases, then approach users pretending to be support staff. They may ask for sensitive information or payment for "premium" support.

Tech support scam:

How to recognize scams:

Beware of accounts offering support without you seeking it. If you encounter any issues with a company or account, always reach out to them directly through official channels.

Avoid anyone offering to pay for "premium" support or pushing you to "upgrade" your account. These are clear signs of scams.

What to do:

Block any suspicious accounts and report them to the Telegram administration and the companies they pretend to represent.

Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Giveaway Scams

Free prizes, lotteries, and giveaways are among the oldest types of scams, and they have made their way into Telegram.

In these scams, a bot or Telegram account approaches users and offers them a chance to participate in giveaways from well-known companies like Apple, Amazon, Venmo, or cryptocurrency exchanges. However, to receive the prize or gift, users are required to provide their credit card information, personal data, and/or pay a "commission."

Once scammers obtain the data or money, they disappear.

How to recognize scams:

Some companies do conduct lotteries and giveaways, but almost all of them require users to take some preliminary actions. Otherwise, the giveaway is likely a scam. You can always contact the company directly to verify the details.

What to do:

Ignore and block any accounts offering "prizes."

Never pay a "commission" for a prize, especially if asked to pay in cryptocurrency or through payment apps like Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App.

Duplication of Telegram Accounts of Group and Channel

Admins Telegram usernames are unique, so scammers cannot literally copy existing ones. However, they create account names that mimic real ones.

Fake accounts often approach users to "help" them after they publicly ask a question. In reality, they are trying to gain access to their accounts or lure them to a phishing website or platform.

How to recognize a scam:

Carefully examine the account name for errors or swapped letters in the administrator's name (e.g., "TichSupport" instead of "TechSupport").

Be wary of admins or users who send you private messages instead of posting them in the group. Direct private messages are a favorite tool of Telegram scammers because they make it difficult to verify their source.

What to do:

Find posts from the user who contacted you in the group. If such posts are not found, you are dealing with a scammer.

Never provide personal information or passwords in private messages.

Report scam accounts to Telegram administration or the companies that scammers impersonate.

Fake "thematic advertisements" (Classiscam)

Classiscam is a fraudulent scheme involving Telegram bot scams that has caused users to lose $6.5 million in recent years.

Criminals create fake catalogs on thematic advertisement websites where cameras, laptops, and iOS devices are sold. If you respond to an ad, you are asked to switch to Telegram to discuss the deal. However, your conversation partner is a bot that attempts to steal your personal information.

Another variation of this scam involves scammers contacting you directly through Telegram and sending you a link to their catalog. Clicking on the link takes you to a page that visually resembles pages on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and so on.

To complete the purchase, you are asked to enter personal information such as your home address and credit card number. This type of scam is particularly common in Europe.

How to recognize a scam:

Pay attention to markers of fake internet sales, such as suspiciously low prices, the seller's refusal to meet in person, or their request to switch to Telegram.

If you visit a website to make a purchase, look for phishing indicators, such as unusual design details, grammar and spelling mistakes, or an HTTPS URL with a lock symbol.

What to do:

Always try to personally inspect the item or verify the seller before providing personal information or making a payment.

Use only credit cards or trusted platforms like PayPal for transactions. If you are deceived, there is a higher chance of recovering your money if you use these payment methods.

Crypto channels using the "pump and dump" scheme

In this fraudulent scheme, Telegram channel owners attempt to manipulate cryptocurrency prices using a large group of users. Admins may claim to have "insider information" about price dynamics. In reality, they try to inflate the price of an asset and then sell it before the price collapses. In many scams of this type, admins also charge a fee for "VIP membership."

How to recognize a scam:

Many Telegram channels of this type call themselves "signal groups" and disguise their true intentions with "market insights" and "insider information." This makes their identification difficult.

However, there is one common characteristic of such scams: scammers are in a hurry. In these groups, you are urged to act quickly, without much thought, creating the impression that delaying will result in missing out on a "great opportunity."

Remember the golden rule to recognize a scam: if an offer seems too good to be true, it is likely an attempt to deceive you.

Study the previous indicators. How successful have the creators of such channels or groups been in predicting price dynamics in the past?

Fake job offers and interview requests on Telegram

Scams related to employment thrive on professional platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, etc. Many of them also use Telegram in their operations.

Within this fraudulent scheme, scammers offer attractive jobs with high salaries and flexible working hours. They ask you to find and add a "staff recruitment specialist" to your Telegram contacts.

When the "specialist" contacts you, they either ask for your personal information or request payment for "training materials."

How to recognize a scam:

Almost all fake employers use the same formula. They offer high salaries, flexible work schedules, and ask you to contact them on Telegram or another messenger for an interview.

These scammers often ask for more information than is necessary for a real job application, such as requesting your social security number. They frequently ask you to pay for "training materials" either from your own funds or with a check they claim to send you. However, you will never receive the materials, or the check will turn out to be fake.

Do not provide personal data or sensitive information until you see an official contract or meet the employer in person.

Pay attention to scam signs: a very short interview or the absence of an official paper document when the employer says that you have been "hired."

"Friend in Need" scam

Within this scheme, scammers gather information about your friends or relatives and impersonate them on Telegram. They approach you pretending to be your friends or relatives, asking for urgent help. For example, they may say that they urgently need money for rent or that they have been in an accident and need money for medical treatment.

How to recognize a scam:

Scammers find enough information on social media to impersonate the "friends and relatives" of their potential victims, but they often make mistakes that should raise suspicion. Pay attention to their language: does it resemble the way your friend or relative speaks? Are there any peculiarities? Another marker is the element of time. Would your relative or friend ask for urgent help without explaining in detail what happened?

What to do:

If you have suspicions, ask questions that only the real friend or relative can answer. For example, inquire about what you were doing when you last saw each other.

If you are convinced that you are dealing with a scammer, block them immediately and promptly warn your friends and relatives about the scam so that they don't become the next victims.

"Romantic" scams on Telegram

"Romantic" scams involve attempts to establish online relationships with the aim of gaining trust and extracting funds. In most cases, such scammers use apps like Bumble, Tinder, or Hinge and are willing to play the long game. On Telegram, scammers often target those interested in short-term relationships or adult content.

Flirt scams:

They may ask for gifts or cash to cover expenses necessary for a meeting. For example, one Reddit user shared how they started communicating with a woman on Telegram who complained that she couldn't meet because she had to look after her children. She asked him to send her a Steam gift card, claiming that the children were willing to "let" their mom go for a walk in exchange.

Often, these scammers ask the victim to send nude photos or explicit videos, which they later use for blackmail and extortion.

How to recognize a scam:

"Romantic" scammers can never meet in person and/or via video call; they always have obstacles preventing them from doing so. They try to accelerate the development of the relationship by saying they are "in love" or by sending "their" explicit photos stolen from third-party accounts. Finally, they often start by directly asking for money. According to Aura, as of January 2023, each of the 13% of Americans who encountered scammers on dating apps lost an average of over $2,000.

What to do:

Never transfer funds to people you have just met on Telegram, regardless of what they say.

Never rush to provide any personal data. Even answers to the most basic questions about your family or work can be used to hack your account.

Conclusion

Telegram is an excellent tool for staying in touch with friends and communicating with people from all over the world. Just remain vigilant, and you can use Telegram without fear of scammers.