Telegram scams: how to spot fake investment groups, jobs and recovery offers
Quick answer
Telegram itself isn't the scam: scammers use it because strangers can message you or add you to groups. Be wary of anyone who moves you to Telegram to invest, take a job or recover lost money. Don't send money, and report it at ic3.gov.
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How it works
Scammers use Telegram as a place to run schemes out of sight. The messaging-app advisory from the CFTC says anyone with your phone number can call you or add you to a group, and that groups promising outsized crypto returns are "lies designed to steal your money".
The versions federal agencies have warned about:
- Investment groups. The FBI says crypto investment schemes often start as a romance or confidence scam, then the scammer asks you to move to another app such as WhatsApp or Telegram. It has also warned about invite-only "investment club" groups, some posing as brokerages or known analysts.
- Fake jobs. The FTC warns about job offers that arrive through Telegram. An honest employer will never send you a check and tell you to send part of the money back.
- Fake recovery help. The FBI has warned that scammers pretending to be IC3 staff used Telegram to offer to recover lost funds, a way to take more money from people already scammed. The IC3 says it never contacts individuals by phone, email or messaging apps.
What they want: your money or crypto, and sometimes a click on a link that installs something harmful.
Red flags
- A stranger who messages first, or adds you to a group you didn't ask for
- Promises of big or guaranteed investment returns
- A new friend or recruiter who wants to move the chat to Telegram
- A job that pays you through a check and asks you to send some back
- Anyone offering to recover lost money by message, for a fee
- Pressure to move fast, or to keep the deal secret
Example message
Hi, I saw your profile. I help people earn steady daily returns with our private investment group. Join us on Telegram at [link] and I'll walk you through the first deposit. Spots close today.
What to do
- 1
If you only got the message or group invite
Don't reply or click links, and leave the group. Use Telegram's report option on the account or group.
- 2
Don't move a conversation to a private app
If someone you met online wants to switch to Telegram to talk money, stop there. The FBI notes that it never asks people to move to private messaging apps.
- 3
If you sent money or crypto
Contact your bank or the crypto exchange right away, save the wallet address, transaction IDs and chat screenshots, then report to IC3.
- 4
If someone offered to get your money back
Don't pay. Real agencies don't run recovery services over messaging apps.
- 5
If you clicked a link or shared details
Change passwords from a different device and turn on two-step verification. Then keep an eye on your accounts for new activity.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers can add any phone number to a Telegram group, and they often start with a phone number or email taken from a data broker or a breach. Serus finds the data brokers and people-search sites that list your name, phone number and email where you live and removes you from them, and alerts you when your details show up in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you.
Frequently asked
Is Telegram a scam?
No. Telegram is a messaging app. Scammers use it, like other apps, to reach strangers and run schemes out of public view.
Why was I added to a Telegram group I never joined?
The CFTC says anyone who has your phone number can add you to a group. Leave it and don't reply to messages inside.
Can I get my money back through Telegram?
Be very careful. The FBI has warned about scammers posing as IC3 staff on Telegram offering to recover lost funds. Report through ic3.gov instead.
Is a Telegram job offer real?
The FTC warns that an honest employer will never send you a check and tell you to send part of the money back.
Sources
- fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/national-crimes-and-victim-resources/cryptocurrency-investment-fraud
- ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250703
- fbi.gov/investigate/cyber/alerts/2025/fbi-warns-of-scammers-impersonating-the-ic3
- consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/07/job-offer-through-telegram-messenger-not-so-fast
- cftc.gov/LearnAndProtect/AdvisoriesAndArticles/MessagingApps.html
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