Telegram scammers: how to check if a contact is one
Quick answer
There's no reliable way to tell from a profile alone. Judge what they ask. A stranger on Telegram who offers easy work, a guaranteed investment return or wants payment in crypto is almost certainly a scammer. Stop replying, don't send money, and report it.
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How it works
Scammers use messaging apps like Telegram because anyone can message you cold. The FTC describes two common routes.
In a task scam, a stranger offers easy online work such as boosting products or liking content. They may pay you a small amount, $5 to $20, to gain your trust. Then you're told to deposit money, often in crypto, to unlock bigger earnings that never arrive.
In an investment scam, someone you don't know sends an unexpected message about an investment. The platform looks convincing, but withdrawals are blocked or need extra fees, and the FTC says there are no guaranteed returns.
The FTC says the same advice applies to any contact: unsolicited job offers are a sign of a scam, you should never pay to get a job or to get paid, and anyone who demands crypto in advance is a scammer.
Red flags
- A stranger messages you out of the blue about a job or an investment
- Easy money for simple tasks
- A deposit needed before you can withdraw earnings
- A promise of guaranteed returns
- Payment demanded in crypto
- A push to move to another app or an unknown platform
- Pressure to act quickly
Example message
Hi, we have a remote job for you. Boost product ratings and earn up to a few hundred a day. Message our manager on [username] to get started, a small deposit unlocks your account.
What to do
- 1
Stop replying and don't pay
Cut off contact. The FTC says to never pay a fee to get a job or to get paid.
- 2
Search more than the name
If you're considering an investment platform, search its web address and app along with words like review, scam and complaint.
- 3
Check who is selling the investment
The FTC points to the free search tool on Investor.gov to check whether someone is licensed or registered.
- 4
If you sent money
Contact the company you used, such as your bank or crypto exchange, straight away and ask whether the payment can be stopped.
- 5
If you shared personal details
Change your passwords and see IdentityTheft.gov. Our guide on what to do after a data breach has more.
- 6
Report it
Report the account to Telegram, and report the scam to the FTC (US) or Action Fraud (UK).
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
Cold messages go to phone numbers and usernames that scammers have collected. Your number or email may be on a list through a data breach or a people-search site. Serus finds the data brokers and people-search sites that list your name, address and phone number and sends the removal requests, and it alerts you when your details show up in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you.
Frequently asked
Is there a tool that checks if a Telegram account is a scammer?
A profile can look normal. What gives scammers away is what they ask: money up front, crypto, guaranteed returns or easy work for a deposit.
Is Telegram a scam?
No. Scammers use it, as they use other messaging apps.
Why did they pay me at first?
The FTC says task scammers may pay a small amount, $5 to $20, to build trust before they ask you to deposit money.
How do I check an investment adviser?
The FTC points to the free search tool on Investor.gov.
Sources
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
