Telegram has become a major hub for shopping deals, exclusive discounts, and community-driven recommendations. However, with this growth, scams have also increased, making it essential for users to understand how to navigate Telegram safely.
A cybersecurity report from Group-IB found that scams on messaging platforms like Telegram have risen by over 60% in the last two years. From fake deal links to phishing scams and impersonation tactics, users must stay vigilant to protect their personal and financial information.
This guide covers the most common Telegram scams, how to identify fraudulent channels, and the security measures you can take to shop safely.
Fake Links & Phishing Scams
One of the most frequent scams on Telegram involves fake links designed to steal login credentials or financial details. Scammers create fraudulent websites that look identical to trusted e-commerce platforms, tricking users into entering sensitive information.
How These Scams Work
- A scammer shares a Telegram message promoting a massive discount and includes a link that looks like a legitimate website.
- Users who click on the link are redirected to a phishing website where they are asked to log in or enter payment details.
- Once login credentials are entered, scammers gain access to accounts, sometimes leading to unauthorized transactions.
How to Identify Fake Links
- Check the domain name carefully. If it contains unnecessary characters (e.g., amaz0ndeals.com instead of amazon.com), it is likely fraudulent.
- Avoid clicking links from users you do not recognize, especially if the offer sounds too good to be true.
- Always verify links by searching for the deal directly on the retailer’s official website.
Telegram groups dedicated to real-time deal updates, like Couponzania’s Telegram Channel, provide verified discounts without the risk of phishing scams.
Scam Channels: How to Identify & Report Them
Many fraudulent Telegram channels are designed to mislead users into trusting fake sellers or making payments for non-existent products. Some impersonate legitimate deal-sharing groups, making it difficult to tell them apart from genuine ones.
Signs of a Scam Telegram Channel
- High member count but little engagement. Many fake groups buy bot followers to appear trustworthy.
- No transparency about admins or moderators. Legitimate groups have visible and active administrators.
- Requests for direct payments through untraceable methods like cryptocurrency.
- Fake testimonials and overly aggressive promotional messages claiming “100% legit” deals.
How to Report Scam Channels
- Open the fraudulent group.
- Tap on the group name and select “Report.”
- Choose “Scam” or “Fake Account” and provide relevant details.
- If multiple users report the same group, Telegram is more likely to take action.
Telegram removed over 6,000 scam channels in 2023 alone due to user reports, according to its transparency report. However, new scams emerge daily, making it essential for users to remain cautious.
For a deeper look into how to find verified Telegram deals and avoid scam groups, check out this guide on verified Telegram deal groups.
Common Telegram Scam Tactics
Understanding how scammers operate can help you avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
Most Common Scams on Telegram
- Impersonation Scams – Fake accounts pretend to be official admins or trusted sellers to gain user trust.
- Fake Investment & Crypto Scams – Scammers promise high returns on small investments, often requiring upfront payments.
- Exclusive Deal Scams – Users are asked to make an advance payment for a product that never arrives.
- Giveaway & Lottery Scams – Fake contests claim you have won a prize but require a “processing fee” before releasing it.
- Job Offer Scams – Advertisements for remote jobs that require an upfront “registration” fee or personal details.
How to Protect Yourself
- Never send money to an individual in a Telegram group unless you can verify their legitimacy.
- Avoid sharing sensitive information, including login details or financial credentials.
- Cross-check deal announcements with established Telegram deal sources, like this list of the best Telegram deal channels.
Telegram’s Built-in Safety Features
Telegram has several security features designed to protect users from scams. However, many people do not take advantage of them.
Key Security Features
- Two-Step Verification – Adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.
- Spam Protection – Telegram detects and blocks known scam accounts.
- Anonymous Forwarding – Prevents your phone number from being visible when forwarding messages.
- Privacy Settings – Users can restrict who can add them to groups, reducing exposure to spam invites.
How to Enable Two-Step Verification
- Open Telegram and go to Settings.
- Tap Privacy and Security.
- Select Two-Step Verification and set up an additional password.
A 2023 security report found that 78% of Telegram users do not use two-step verification, making them vulnerable to account takeovers. Enabling this feature reduces the risk of hacking by nearly 99%, according to Microsoft’s security analysis.
For an even safer Telegram shopping experience, consider using Telegram deal bots that automate price tracking and coupon searches. A detailed list of the best deal bots can be found in this guide on Telegram bots for deals.
Final Thoughts
While Telegram is a valuable platform for discovering deals, scammers are becoming more sophisticated, making it necessary to stay alert.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links and verify deals from trusted sources.
- Report fraudulent channels to help remove scam groups from Telegram.
- Be aware of common scam tactics, such as impersonation and phishing.
- Use Telegram’s built-in security features for added protection.
For verified deals from a trusted Telegram group, join Couponzania’s Telegram Channel to access real-time discounts without the risk of scams.
