Launched on August 14, 2013, Telegram is currently one of the most popular messaging platforms. It currently boasts over 900 million monthly active users. Most of these users prefer Telegram because of its high level of privacy and security. There’s also a large file-sharing feature, unlike most social media platforms that only allow sharing of bit-sized files.
April 2020 to 2024 saw Telegram grow by 500 million users. Among these users are scammers looking to take advantage of other users. In recent times, there’s been an increase in Telegram scams nationwide. As a result, we deem it fit for users to arm themselves with the necessary knowledge to protect themselves from these scams.
In this article, we’ll explore eight common Telegram scams in 2024 and provide tips on how to identify and avoid them.
Is Telegram safe?
According to Pavel Durov, Telegram founder, the messaging platform attracts a daily sign up of 2.5 million users. As Telegram continues to experience massive success, it has also attracted the good and the bad. Scammers have found a way to get around Telegram’s privacy and security features. Currently, Scammers exploit Telegram’s features, such as anonymous accounts and ease of creating channels to lure in their victims. So, Telegram, just like every messaging app out there, is not entirely risk-free. However, when you make good use of the security features, and also learn to spotTtelegram scam tactics, it’s relatively safe to use.
Why Is Telegram used by scammers?
Telegram is known for its outstanding security features, including end-to-end encryption in secret chats and cloud-based message storage. Telegram’s appeal to scammers lies in those features, as it protects every user, including scammers. The use of secret chats and ability to stay anonymous by hiding your phone number allows scammers to go about their activities freely.
What is a Telegram scam?
A Telegram scam like any social media scam usually involves scammers using deceptive tactics to trick users into sharing sensitive personal information, money, or both. But unlike other social media scams, the individuals who carry out Telegram scams can remain anonymous by using a secret chat or the self-destruct media. These Telegram scams range from impersonation to fake investment opportunities that promise mouth-watery profits but leave investors empty-handed.
8 latest scams on Telegram in 2024
Most Telegram scams are carried out by users who either hide behind the anonymous features, pretend to be someone they are not, manipulate your emotions, or offer you a lucrative financial opportunity that’s difficult to say no to.
Below, we have outlined eight of the most common Telegram scams that a large number of users have fallen victim to in 2024:
Advanced phishing scams
Scammers have begun to use sophisticated phishing tactics on Telegram by tricking users into clicking on malicious links, and by mimicking trusted entities like popular apps or services. Usually, they send messages that appear real. These messages are worded in appealing ways that’s hard to ignore. The links direct users to fake websites where they unknowingly enter personal details.
AI-generated impersonation scams
Scammers now use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to impersonate family members, friends, and government officials and other trusted persons. Often, they do these by cloning voices, creating audio/videos, or using deepfake images to make you believe you’re speaking to a trusted person, official, or family member. With AI, they create realistic interactions that deceive users into transferring money or sharing personal information.
Charity fraud
In times of global crises or natural disasters, scammers exploit people’s goodwill by posing as charitable organizations. They send urgent messages requesting donations, often using fake websites or donation links. For example, during humanitarian emergencies, scammers have created fake charity groups, preying on unsuspecting Telegram users. One needs to be vigilant, as these scammers put in so much effort to make these charities look real. They send out links or payment requests, appealing to users’ empathy. Victims often donate money, believing they are supporting a noble cause, only to later realize the charity is fake.
NFT and digital asset scams
Scammers promote fake Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) or digital asset deals on Telegram, promising exclusive access or high returns. NFT and digital asset scams also occur when a phishing link sent to you gives scammers access to your crypto wallet login credentials. The victims of this scam are lured into sending cryptocurrency or making purchases, only to find out that the assets are non-existent or worthless. These scams are common in Telegram groups where users discuss cryptocurrency and digital assets.
Fake verification scams
These scams trick users into sharing personal information or making payments under the guise of verifying their Telegram accounts. Fraudsters may claim that failing to complete the verification process will result in account suspension, pushing users to act quickly without verifying the legitimacy of the request.
Telegram investment pump-and-dump schemes
Pump and dump scheme is a form of financial fraud where a group of individuals manipulate the prices of cryptocurrencies or stocks by coordinating mass buys, sending misleading messages to potential buyers and through aggressive marketing. After they’ve gotten a huge number of people to buy in, these scammers sell off their holdings.
These unsuspecting victims are left with devalued assets after the scammers sell their shares at a peak price, leaving the market to crash.
Telegram account hijacking via SIM swapping
In a SIM swapping scam, fraudsters gain access to a user’s phone number by tricking the mobile provider into transferring the victim’s number to a different SIM card. Once they control the number, they can access Telegram accounts and other personal information linked to the phone. They can also reset account passwords, hijack the victim’s identity, and access sensitive information.
Scammers use this information to trick family members or friends into parting with their money.
AI trading bot scams
AI trading bots often analyze market trends and execute trades on your behalf. Scammers have learned to promote AI trading bots that promise guaranteed profits. When you’re lured in, these scammers either ask you to provide personal data that could be used to hack into your trading accounts, or pay a fee to gain access to these trading bots.
Unfortunately, these bots are fake and used solely to scam users out of money, offering no real trading functionality.
How to identify a Telegram scam?
To protect yourself from these common Telegram scams, look out for the following red flags in Telegram secret chats, group conversations or personal interaction with other individuals:
- Suspicious links: Be on the lookout for links that appear suspicious, especially when they have misspelled words, or come from an unknown source. Even when you receive a link from a known source, it’s not a go-ahead to click, as the other person’s account may have been compromised.
- Unsolicited messages: watch out for messages advertising a lucrative business opportunity or asking for personal details. Also, in meeting new friends online, always proceed with caution as there’s sometimes more than meets the eyes.
- Requests for personal information: When a new “online friend,” family/friends, or any individual starts asking for sensitive information like credit card information, banking information, or Telegram login details, it’s usually a cue to let your guard up. Those are the kinds of information scammers need from their victims.
- Too-Good-to-Be-True offers: Scammers often promise high returns or unbelievable deals. So, when an offer seems too good to be true, it’s probably because it is. Promises of high returns with little risk are often a red flag, and should leave you concerned.
- Look out for generic profile photos and usernames: A generic or blurry profile photo is sometimes an indication that the picture was stolen. And if for some reason, you get unsolicited links and messages from individuals with such photos, it’s a sign that you might be their next target.
How to avoid scams on Telegram?
With the increase in scam activities on Telegram, knowing these Telegram scams and how to avoid them have become necessary. Below are practical tips to help you stay safe on Telegram:
Method 1. Enable two-step verification
Telegram allows every user to enable two-step verification, as this adds an extra layer of security to their accounts. To do this:
Step 1. Go to settings on your Telegram app.
Step 2. Click on privacy and security. Select “Two-step Verification.”
Step 3. You’ll be required to set an additional password.
Step 4. Do that, and return to settings.
Step 5. Next, you’ll need to set a recovery email. Enter the email address, and a code will be sent to verify the email.
Step 6. Input the code, and return to settings. Your Two-step verification has been enabled.
Method 2. Verify authenticity
Always double-check the legitimacy of messages, especially if it has to do with personal information or payment. Even when this message is from a trusted individual, do well to call via video or audio to confirm, before sharing the sensitive details. Sometimes, their accounts may have also been compromised, and the scammer is using them to get to you.
Additionally, you can use the Telegram message timer to set a limit on how long the message is allowed to appear in you and the trusted recipient’s chat box. Do this, in case their accounts get hacked in the future.
Method 3. Join trusted channels
Always join verified and trusted channels for news, updates, investment opportunities and group interactions. When the offer is suspicious or too good to be true, it’s advisable to exit such a group.
Method 4. Limit personal information
Be cautious about sharing personal details, even with contacts who seem familiar.
What to do if you get scammed?
If you’ve accidentally fallen victim to a Telegram scam, take the following steps immediately:
Step 1. Stop all communication
Take screenshots of conversations with the scammer, including that of their Telegram profile, and end your communication.
Step 2. Report to authorities
Armed with the screenshots, contact Telegram via Contact@notoscam, and report the incident.
If you’ve shared your financial information, it’s necessary to call your bank and file a report. If need be, also report to your local law enforcement.
Step 3. Secure your accounts
Change your passwords and other login information. Also, enable two-step verification on your Telegram account, if you’ve not done that.
How to report a Telegram scam?
To report a scam on Telegram, you’ll need to use the web version of the app via web.telegram.org. After logging in, follow the following steps:
Step 1. Open the chat with the scammer, and tap on the three dots at the top right corner of the chat screen.
Step 2. Scroll down and select “Report” from the options provided.
Step 3. Choose the reason for reporting, and click “report.”
Bonus for parents: how to protect your kids from Telegram scam
As a parent, you play an important role in protecting your kids’ from falling victim to Telegram scams.
The following are tips needed to keep your kids safe online:
Tip 1. Choose a strong password for Telegram accounts
Avoid using passwords that are easy to figure out on your kid’s Telegram account. Help them choose a password that’s a combination of upper/small case letters, words and symbols.
Tip 2. Teach about online scams and common tactics
Phishing is one common Telegram scam that kids are more likely to fall prey to. Your kids should be aware of the negative effect of clicking on suspicious links, as their accounts can be hacked into and used to obtain sensitive information from parents.
Tip 3. Enhance protection by using a parental control app
An App like FlashGet Kids works hand-in-hand with you to protect your kid from these scammers who prey on young minds. Besides, with its unique features, FlashGet Kids ensures your kids are not exposed to harmful content or suspicious contacts. These features include:
- Screen Mirroring: If you want to keep an eye on your child’s Telegram activities in real-time, enabling this feature on FlashGet Kids will help you do that. It basically shows whatever your child is doing on their Telegram account, on your device.
- Notifications: Viewing your kid’s Telegram app and message notification has been made easy with this feature. The content of these notifications would help you to know what they’re up to, and what step you should take to ensure they’re safe.
- Keyword detection: On FlashGet Kids, keyword detection gives you a chance to list the keywords that should be flagged in your child’s Telegram conversations. In this case: links, personal, investment, giveaway, etc.
- Alerts: This exposes your kid’s day-to-day phone activity history. You can also access that of the previous day, if the need arises.
- Screen Time: It lets you know the amount of time your kids spend on their Telegram app. With this information, you can set a screen limit, ensuring your kid is not spending the entire day on the app.
Conclusion
Screenshot alerts, end-to-end encryption, two-step verification to prevent unauthorized access, and many other privacy and security features have made Telegram a secure messaging app. But it’s not totally safe, as these Telegram scams continue to persist. Scammers have always figured out new ways to trick unsuspecting users into revealing sensitive information, losing their money, or compromising account details.
By staying informed about how this scam activities work, and using tools like FlashGet Kids to monitor children’s online activities, it reduces the risk of you and your family falling victim to their tactics.
FAQs
How to identify a fake Telegram account?
Check for generic photos, mismatching username and display name, unusual usernames, and incomplete profile information. Also, read through the profile information. Fake Telegram accounts often have limited information.
How to tell if a Telegram user is a bot?
Bots often reply instantly and use an automated messaging system. Also, Telegram bots have the suffix, “bot,” added to it.
Is it safe to chat in Telegram?
The messaging app is relatively safe as it has been equipped with security and privacy features. But as a Telegram user, you need to avoid sharing sensitive information and be extra vigilant when you receive messages from unknown contacts.
How to deal with a Telegram scammer?
When you identify a Telegram scam or a scammer, it’s not advisable to stay in communication. We recommend blocking the scammer, reporting the account to Telegram and avoiding further interaction. Also, immediately exit suspicious Telegram groups offering unrealistic deals.
