Is Telegram safe? Here are 6 risks to keep in mind!

While most chats on Telegram are trouble-free, malicious actors sometimes take advantage of the app - as with most instant messaging platforms. Here's what you should know about Telegram safety and how to avoid being scammed on the platform.

Is Telegram safe?

Telegram is generally a safe platform to use. Reasons include end-to-end encryption for one-to-one calls and the ability to self-destruct messages in secret chats. When you send messages to others, Telegram also uses encrypted tunnels to provide additional protection against outside threats.

Although the app collects more data than Signal, the company claims that it only retains data for as long as necessary. Furthermore, users in the EEA and UK have information stored in data centers in the Netherlands.

Other features that make Telegram safe to use include two-factor authentication and passcode/Face ID verification. This guide on how to enable 2FA on Telegram shows you the steps you need to take to enable that feature.

While end-to-end encryption works for private calls, you will need to enable secret chat on Telegram to use end-to-end encryption in your messages as this feature is not enabled by default. This is different from other messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal, which use end-to-end encryption by default.

Telegram's MTProto encryption has also received criticism (discussed in the next section).

Common ways scammers use Telegram

However, fraudulent activities, such as phishing and impersonation links, can occur on Telegram. Here are some of the most common scams on Telegram.

1. Fraudulent links

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Phishing links are one of the oldest scams on the Internet, and Telegram is not immune to these problems. Scammers will often send you a link and try to convince you to click on it. Users can disguise these phishing links in many ways, such as:

1. Links to products.
2. Link to register an account.
3. Payment link.

Messages can also look similar to phishing and phishing emails.

2. Impersonation

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When scammers on Telegram impersonate someone else, they may choose someone you know. For example, a scammer may pretend to be your friend and claim they are in trouble. Scammers on Telegram may also impersonate government, law enforcement, and other reputable agencies.

Sometimes, scammers will try to start a conversation before asking you to send them money. But in other cases, they will be more direct and ask you to pay in cash up front. While you should do everything you can to avoid being scammed, there are many things you must do if you become the victim of a scam.

3. Telegram bots

Telegram allows third parties to create bots, and the company clearly states in its privacy policy that Telegram does not maintain bots that were not created by it. Unfortunately, some criminals have created phishing programs to create fake ads, auto-message victims, etc.

While not all bots on Telegram are dangerous, malicious bots can take a lot of money from your account (sometimes with your permission and other times without). For example, Group-IB reported in 2023 that criminals used Classiscam to create bots that defrauded users of more than $60 million from the first half of 2021 to the first half of 2023.

4. Dating scams

Some dating scammers have used Telegram to trick unsuspecting users into sending them money, and they often start by trying to manipulate their targets. For example, a scammer may be overly complimentary and even claim that they love you.

Once the scammer has established a connection, they may ask you to send them gifts or money. You can spot and avoid online dating scammers on all apps through vague profiles, avoiding video calls, and many other methods.

5. Scam cryptocurrency and investment groups

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Users on Reddit and other social networks have reported that they have been invited to join Telegram groups about personal finance, especially cryptocurrency and investing. Scammers will often try to take advantage of users' emotions and create a sense of urgency to get them to invest.

Criminals can try to extort money from you in many ways through fake cryptocurrency and investment groups. For example, someone else may try to convince you to send them money so they can invest in stocks, funds or currencies. After you deposit the initial amount, the scammer may ask you to pay what they claim is an account activation fee.

6. Fake gifts

Another popular Internet scam you may encounter on Telegram involves fake gifts. You've almost certainly seen these on other apps or websites before; they often claim that you have won a certain gift or a certain amount of money.

The scammers may then ask you to pay a fee before you can receive the gift. Additionally, you may be asked to provide your banking details.

Lesley Montoya

Update 11 April 2024