Telegram has become one of the world’s most popular messaging apps, prized for its speed, encryption, and group features. However, its popularity also attracts scammers who exploit its anonymity.
In 2025, these tricks have grown more and more sophisticated and harder to detect. Here’s a guide to the latest scams and practical tips on how to stay safe..webp "Telegram Scams in 2025 - The Tricks You Haven’t Seen Yet")
Scams to Watch Out For
The following are some of the most common scams on Telegram this year. Knowing these scams can make you more aware and avoid falling victim to them:
1. AI-Driven Impersonation Scams
The advent of generative AI has dramatically changed the way people communicate, and scammers are exploiting it. In 2025, they use AI to mimic friends, relatives, and even colleagues on Telegram.By simulating writing styles and voice messages, they manage to trick victims into sending money or opening malicious links, typically by impersonating known admins in groups.
How to protect yourself: Always verify via multiple channels before transferring money or confidential data. If a friend or acquaintance makes a bizarre request out of the blue, check with them offline.
2- Deepfake Verification Cons
Telegram groups can ask for ID verification to be part of limited groups, particularly investment or private sale-related groups.In 2025, fraudsters take advantage of this by creating deepfake video calls that appear like genuine admins performing “ID verification”. Victims believe they are communicating with a person they can trust, but are in fact providing sensitive personal information to someone with shady intentions.
Once a scammer obtains your ID or other personal data, it can be used for identity theft, financial fraud, or to open fake accounts that damage your reputation.
How to protect yourself: Be cautious of verification requests. Genuine communities rarely ask for sensitive personal documents via Telegram. If they do, carefully check their authenticity.
3- Subscription Trap Bots
Another prevalent new scam is “free trial” subscription bots. You're given a trial for premium content, such as stock trading notification, dating apps, or NFT drops. They get you to “verify” by adding a payment method. The nominal verification cost is a subscription trap that bills you monthly.Scammers often make these payments anonymous with misleading descriptions so you won't notice it until much later.
How to protect yourself: Don't link credit cards with unknown Telegram bots. If you must do that, you can use prepaid cards or throwaway virtual credit cards – and keep a regular eye on your finances.
4- Crypto Dusting Schemes
Crypto scams on Telegram are nothing new, but in 2025, they've gotten far more advanced. One of them is referred to as “crypto dusting”, where fraudsters send tiny amounts of cryptocurrency to wallets, then message the wallet owner pretending to be a support team. The message typically threatens “security risks” and asks the victim to connect their wallet to an attackers' malicious website.This social engineering technique exploits curiosity and fear. After you have linked your wallet, the scammer drains it at once.
How to protect yourself: Never click on any unsolicited wallet messages, and always be highly suspicious of unexpected crypto transfers, offers, or requests, as they are often used by scammers to trick you.
5- Job Opportunity Scams
With remote work continuing to be popular, scammers have shifted to Telegram-based false employment opportunities.In 2025, scammers who impersonate numerous fake “HR recruiters” reach users either via groups or direct message with high-paying remote job promises. Victims are asked to pay a “training fee” or buy specialized software, only to discover the job was never legitimate.
How to protect yourself: Legitimate employers never ask for payments. Verify jobs through trusted sources and check websites like Glassdoor and Reddit. Using a VPN to hide your location and encrypt your data also helps to protect your privacy.
6- Romance and Crypto Mash-Ups
Romance scams have long been successful online, but in 2025, they are being combined with crypto scams. After establishing trust over months or weeks, the scammer gets the victim to invest in a “private crypto group” that is running on Telegram. Victims not only lose finances but also become subject to profound emotional manipulation.These scams are more difficult to spot since the emotional component brings down the victim's guard.
How to protect yourself: If someone you’ve met online quickly combines romance with financial advice or requests, it’s a major red flag and a sign to proceed with caution.
7- Phishing with QR Codes
In 2025, QR codes are everywhere, found on restaurant menus or used to make digital payments. Thieves capitalize on the trend now by posting QR codes in Telegram channels with promises of discounts, free tokens, or exclusive content.Scanning it leads the victim to phishing sites that steal login credentials or deliver spyware.
How to protect yourself: Don’t scan random QR codes displayed in a chat or in public. If you find yourself scanning one, inspect the URL prior to entering personal information.
8- Fake Security Alerts by “Telegram Support”
One of the most credible hoaxes this year has been fake security alerts. Users receive messages from “Telegram Support” warning of suspicious login activity.The messages are professionally styled with official logos, making them hard to distinguish from legitimate ones. Victims are prompted to click a link to “secure their account,” which leads to credential theft.
How to protect yourself: Telegram never contacts users through personal messages. Always manage your account security directly from the official app or website.
9- Dark Market Recruitment Scams
Certain scammers target vulnerable individuals who are looking for extra income by engaging them in “delivery work” or “reselling schemes” on Telegram.The victim is made a mule for criminal use, transporting stolen items or dirty money, without their knowledge. In 2025, this type of deception is even harder to spot, as they will usually disguise themselves as gig-economy work.
How to protect yourself: Investigate any “side hustles” extensively before signing up. If it smells fishy or promises unrealistically high returns – it’s a scam.
10- Bogus Voting and Polling Links
Telegram groups do have polls, but scammers have now exploited this feature and send fake voting links. The links look like regular Telegram polls, but are external phishing websites intended to steal login details. In periods of politicization, these scams also influence opinions.How to protect yourself: Always participate in polls only within Telegram itself, and avoid clicking or responding to any external links.
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