Stay Safe: Top 15 Telegram Scam Schemes

The Telegram app has become the main platform for online scams, and more complex scam schemes are constantly appearing. It is worth learning how to protect yourself and your personal data in case of an attack.

Why are there so many scammers on Telegram, and how are they deceiving users in 2025? What do the attackers want to get from you, and how to protect yourself? Read this article and stay safe.

What are the Telegram Scams?

Telegram scams are fraudulent schemes that occur on the Telegram messaging platform. This messenger is ideal for such scams, as it is multifunctional and not controlled by government agencies.

Telegram scams are actively developing due to the anonymity and privacy provided by the platform, so it is important to be careful and not trust suspicious offers.

The Main Reasons for Telegram Scams

There are several reasons why Telegram attracts scammers to create Telegram scams here:

• Anonymity and privacy. The platform offers a high level of anonymity, which attracts scammers who avoid revealing their identities.
• Lack of control. Telegram does not have strict content control mechanisms, which allows scammers to create fake channels, groups, and bots without much hindrance.
• The popularity of the platform. Scammers often use the popularity of the platform to deceive people.
• Many fake accounts. You can easily create a large number of fake accounts on the web and use them in scam schemes.
• Telegram bots. The messenger allows the creating bots that are used for scam schemes.
• Low user awareness. Many users are unaware of the risks associated with receiving offers through messengers, which makes them vulnerable to manipulation and deception.

Telegram has become a convenient tool for scammers but with some knowledge and caution, you can avoid most scams.

Top 15 Telegram Scam Schemes

It should be remembered that psychological pressure is at the heart of any fraud scheme.

Therefore, firstly, you should not trust unfamiliar Telegram accounts that can perform the following Telegram scams.

1. Phishing through Telegram Bots Scam Scheme

One of Telegram’s main functions is creating special bots that help automate many online processes. Scammers exploit this opportunity to create a Telegram scam.

A bot is a bank assistant or a well-known company’s support, such as Apple Pay. The scammers enter the victim’s mobile phone and the bot makes a call under the guise of bank representatives. The scammers then convince the victim to disclose personal information: passwords, card details, and a 2FA code.

2. Tech Support Scam Scheme

Another common way of Telegram scam is to create Telegram bots that mimic support services. The scammers pose as technical support staff and offer users to improve their Telegram account by purchasing a premium account. The user clicks on the sent link and enters the card details, after which all the money from the bank account goes to another one.

3. “Classiscam” Scam Scheme

The most famous of the Telegram scam schemes is “Classiscam”. Despite this knowledge, thousands of people are still losing money because of this scheme.

Scammers create fake catalogs on websites and thematic ads: cameras, laptops, and other devices. After the victim is interested, they receive a link to a Telegram account where they can discuss the details of the purchase. However, the chat partner is not a criminal but a pre-created bot that is trying to get the user’s data.

4. Fake Job Offers Scam Scheme

In recent years, fraudulent schemes related to employment have increased. Scammers use Telegram for this purpose, where they offer jobs with high salaries and flexible schedules. However, to get this job, you need to find and add an HR manager to your Telegram contacts. After that, the manager asks for the user’s personal data or offers to take a short training course and purchase additional materials.

5. Romance Scam Scheme

The next on the list of common scams is the romantic scam. Here, scammers gain the victim’s trust by simulating romantic feelings. As a rule, such acquaintances begin in dating applications like Tinder, and then smoothly transfer to Telegram. Then, during the communication, the scammer asks for various gifts or money for expenses for an offline meeting. In addition, scammers may ask to send intimate photos, and then blackmail the victim.

6. “Friend in Need” Scam Scheme

This is one of the complex fraudulent schemes that requires additional training. Before scamming, scammers collect any available information about your friends, family, or acquaintances. Then they create fake Telegram accounts using the data they receive. After that, the fraudulent scheme begins: criminals begin to communicate with you on Telegram under the guise of your friend, asking for urgent help. It can be money for an operation or an accident in which other people were injured.

7. Crypto Pump-and-Dump Scam Scheme

This is one type of fraudulent scheme involving cryptocurrency. Scammers create fake Telegram channels in which they manipulate the prices of cryptocurrency. They assure subscribers that they have secret insights from crypto experts about the price dynamics of a certain crypto coin. In fact, they are trying to raise the price of an asset and then sell it for more than its real value to the point of decline.

8. Different Giveaway Scam Schemes

Another popular and uncomplicated Telegram fraud scheme — giveaways scams. The point of this scam is that the user is offered to participate in the free distribution of gifts and prizes from well-known companies, such as Amazon. However, to receive the prize, you need to provide your bank card details or personal details for processing the parcel. After receiving the necessary data, a scammer disappears.

9. Popular Crypto Expert Scam Scheme

Such crypto expert scam schemes involve fake crypto experts with a worldwide reputation. They create fake Telegram accounts and channels to confuse the victim. After the expert has gained trust, he offers the possibility of a guaranteed income. To do this, the scammer offers to create an account on a fake exchange. After registering and purchasing cryptocurrencies, the fraudster disappears with personal data and invested funds.

10. Fake Telegram Channels and Groups Scam Scheme

Recently, a fraudulent scheme using fake Telegram channels and groups has begun to spread. They are identical to the real ones — the same name, profile images, messages, admin names, etc. However, in such fake communities, users discuss various marketing campaigns and special offers. Here, scammers attract investors and crypto fans with special offers that will end soon. After the user agrees and clicks on the link, he loses not only personal data but also money.

11. Fake Channel or Group Telegram Admins Scam Scheme

Despite the fact that the user names in Telegram are unique, and scammers cannot completely copy them, they still manage to imitate the names of the admins of popular Telegram channels and groups. They belong to the same community as the real admins, and after the user publicly asks a question, they engage in conversation with them in private messages. During this conversation, the fraudster tries by any means to gain access to the user’s data or do everything possible to make the user click on the link to the phishing site.

12. Ponzi Scam Scheme

This is a fairly new scam scheme in Telegram, which has not yet spread to a large scale. In such schemes, scammers promise investors high profits from new investments. In fact, profits are paid not from real investments but from the money that new participants contribute. Scammers create a fake channel or group where they promise high returns on investments. To attract new participants, scammers pay small amounts to the first investors. However, the scheme collapses when it fails to attract enough new participants or when the scammers decide to take the money and disappear.

13. Classified Ad Scam Scheme

This is a simple and very common fraudulent scheme in Telegram, which affects every third user. Scammers create a fake Telegram channel with lots of ads for the sale of cheap smartphones. An interested buyer contacts them, and they are offered to pay through unfamiliar payment systems or cryptocurrency. After the transfer of money, the scammers disappear, and the buyer is left with nothing.

14. Malicious Links or Attachments Scam Scheme

Another common fraudulent scheme in Telegram involves hackers sending out various malicious links or attachments to steal users’ personal data, install viruses, or gain access to the victim’s accounts. This type of fraud can also steal users’ bank data if they are saved in the browser.

15. Fake Surveys Scam Scheme

Another scam scheme in Telegram is related to conducting fake surveys. The point of the scam is that scammers offer the user to take part in a free questionnaire or survey. At the same time, there is a chance to win a prize or money. However, in the end, scammers get hold of users’ personal data, forcing them to transfer money.

F.A.Q.

How does a Telegram scam work?

Telegram scams work like this: Scammers create fake channels or accounts, luring users with tempting offers. They manipulate emotions, create urgency, and ask for money transfers or personal information. After receiving money or information, the scammers disappear or continue to cheat.

How to prevent Telegram scam: Several working methods

Here are some rules to protect yourself from Telegram scam schemes:

• Check the source. Make sure that the channel or the proposed content is official and does not offer you a fraudulent scheme.
• Do not transfer money. If someone offers you to transfer money in exchange for something, it’s definitely a scam.
• Do not participate in the giveaways. As a rule, all giveaways require payment to send prizes.
• Do not disclose personal information. Keep personal information, passwords, card numbers, etc. secret.
• Use two-factor authentication. Take care of your security in advance and activate the free two-factor authentication feature.

These simple measures will help minimize the risk of getting Telegram scams.

What should you do if Telegram fraud has already happened to you?

If you have become a victim of Telegram scammers, then follow these steps:

• Do not panic and calm down. Panicking won’t work, and you risk missing the chance to save your data or money.
• Do not continue communicating with scammers. Block the suspicious account.
• Notify Telegram technical support. Tell in detail about the scam that happened to you.
• Change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Change all passwords and activate additional security measures.
• Block your bank card. If you have transferred money to fraudsters, block the card or try to cancel the transfer. Contact the bank and explain the situation.
• Warn other Internet users. Tell your friends and other social media users about what happened. This will help them be more attentive and avoid making the same mistake.

Remember, it’s important to act quickly to minimize the consequences.

Conclusion: Stay Safe and Secure!

Now you know how to protect yourself from Telegram scammers, how not to let your profile be stolen, and not give money to extortionists, as well as how to distinguish a fake account from a real one.

Follow the rules above and share this information with your friends to protect not only yourself but also them.

Good luck and stay safe!