Telegram scams: fake investment groups, 'scammer lists' and how to report
Quick answer
Telegram is a messaging app, and scammers use it, mostly for crypto and investment pitches in group chats. Regulators advise not to reply, to delete the messages or group, block the sender and tighten your privacy settings. Never send money to someone who messaged you first.
- Comes by
- Social media, App
- Last updated
How it works
Telegram itself isn't the scam. Scammers use it, like other messaging apps, because anyone who has your phone number can add you to a group or message you.
The CFTC's advisory on messaging apps describes the typical pitch: borrowed-money crypto futures trading, 'cooperative trading projects' (pump-and-dump schemes), claimed profits of 100 to 1,000 percent and invented testimonials. The FTC says unexpected messages on social media about investing are almost always scams.
A common pattern:
- You're added to a group full of 'members' sharing winning trades.
- A 'coach' or 'advisor' offers tips, a trading platform or a guaranteed return.
- Early small gains may be shown to you, then you're pushed to put in more.
- When you try to withdraw, there are new 'fees' or 'taxes' to pay first.
The SEC charged several entities in September 2026 over investment scams that used WhatsApp groups, impersonated investment professionals and issued supposed AI-generated trading 'signals'. The playbook is the same on any messaging app.
Red flags
- You were added to a group, or messaged, by someone you don't know
- Promises of guaranteed or huge returns, or a 'sure thing' trade
- Group members posting screenshots of profits and testimonials
- A 'broker' or 'coach' who only talks to you on the messaging app
- A demand for fees or taxes before you can withdraw
- Payment requested in Bitcoin or other digital assets
Example message
Welcome to our private trading group! Our analysts' signals returned [percent] last week. Message [username] to join the next round and get started with a deposit.
What to do
- 1
Don't reply, and leave the group
The CFTC advises not replying, deleting the messages or group and blocking the sender.
- 2
Tighten who can add you
In Telegram's privacy settings, limit who can add you to groups and who can see your phone number.
- 3
Check before you invest
Don't put money in with anyone who contacted you first. The SEC points people to Investor.gov to check anyone offering an investment.
- 4
If you sent money, tell your bank
Call your bank or card issuer now and say it was fraud. For crypto, save the wallet addresses and transaction IDs.
- 5
Report it
File reports with the FTC and IC3, and keep screenshots of the chats, usernames and payments.
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
You can be added to a Telegram group with just a phone number, and scammers collect numbers from people-search sites, leaked databases and breaches. Targeted pitches often use your name or city to look like they know you.
Serus finds where your phone number and address are listed on people-search sites and other data brokers and removes them. It also alerts you when your details show up in a breach. That won't stop every message, but it leaves scammers with less to work from. If you clicked or shared anything, our guide on what to do after a data breach covers the next steps.
Frequently asked
Is Telegram a scam?
No, it's a real messaging app. But scammers use it, as they do other messaging apps, to run investment and crypto pitches.
Is there a list of Telegram scammers I can check?
No official one exists that we know of. Scammers change usernames and groups often, so judge the offer instead: anyone who messages you first about investing and promises big returns is a red flag.
Someone added me to a Telegram investment group. What should I do?
Don't reply. The CFTC advises deleting the messages or group, blocking the sender and reviewing your privacy settings.
I already sent money. Can I get it back?
Contact your bank or card issuer right away and report it to the FTC and IC3. Be wary of anyone who then offers to recover the money for a fee.
Sources
- cftc.gov/LearnAndProtect/AdvisoriesAndArticles/MessagingApps.html
- consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/unexpected-messages-social-media-about-investing-are-almost-always-scams
- sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026-95-sec-charges-multiple-entities-fraud-schemes-totaling-least-15-million-used-whatsapp-other-platforms
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
