--- title: "Telegram scams: how to spot them and stay safe | TapSafely" url: https://tapsafely.com/scams/telegram-scams source: TapSafely description: "Is that Telegram message real? The warning signs, Telegram's real websites, how to check safely and where to report a fake." --- [Home](https://tapsafely.com/)/[Scam guides](https://tapsafely.com/scams/)/[Brand scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/brands)/ Telegram # Telegram scams: how to spot them and stay safe Scammers copy Telegram because millions of people use it. Here's how to tell a fake Telegram message from a real one, and what to do if you already clicked. By the TapSafely editorial team · Updated 16 September 2026 ## In short Telegram sends login codes only to the verified service notifications chat named Telegram in your chat list, and it says those codes should never be shared with anyone. It recommends turning on 2-Step Verification so a password is needed as well as a code, and it lets you flag scams with the Report button in any chat. **Most common fake:** Telegram support asking you to send the login code you just received. **Safest check:** Only trust login codes in the verified Telegram service notifications chat, and never pass them on. Example · fake Telegram message · Illustrative, links disabled Telegram Security: We detected a login attempt from a new device. To keep your account active, reply with the 5-digit code we just sent you or verify here: telegram-secure-login[.]org/verify An example fake Telegram message with the warning signs highlighted. ## What Telegram says Telegram sends login codes only to the verified service notifications chat named Telegram in your chat list, and it says those codes should never be shared with anyone. It recommends turning on 2-Step Verification so a password is needed as well as a code, and it lets you flag scams with the Report button in any chat. Source: [Telegram](https://telegram.org/faq) ## Common fake Telegram messages - Telegram support asking you to send the login code you just received - Remote job paying you to like, rate or boost products, if you deposit crypto first - Crypto trading group promising guaranteed daily profits - Recruiter who insists on talking only through Telegram - Free Telegram Premium or gift offer that asks you to log in on another site ## Telegram's real web addresses Genuine Telegram links and emails use these domains. Look at the part just before the first single slash: **telegram.org** is real, but **telegram-support-center.com** or **telegram.org.account-check.top** are not. - **telegram.org** - **t.me** Scammers can also hide a fake link behind real-looking text. [Learn how to read a web address](https://tapsafely.com/scams/phishing-links). ## How to check a Telegram message safely 1. Only trust login codes in the verified Telegram service notifications chat, and never pass them on 2. Turn on 2-Step Verification in Settings, Privacy and Security 3. Check job offers on the company's official website, not a link from the chat 4. Walk away from any job or investment that needs you to pay or send crypto first ## How to report a fake Telegram message - Use the Report button in the Telegram app to flag the scam message or account; if someone is impersonating you, contact @NoToScam. [Official details on telegram.org](https://telegram.org/faq) - In the US, report job, task and investment scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. [Official details on consumer.ftc.gov](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/08/how-spot-avoid-task-scams) Also report it to the official fraud service in your country. [See the worldwide list](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed#where-to-report). ## If you clicked, paid or shared details ### Act quickly. It makes a difference. 1. If you entered card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card, and ask them to block the card. 2. If you entered a password, change it on the real Telegram website or app and turn on two-step verification. 3. Expect follow-up calls or messages pretending to help. Never share one-time codes or move money to a "safe account". 4. Report the scam, then delete the message. More help: [Verification-code and account-takeover scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/verification-code-scams) and [what to do after a scam](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed). ## Questions people ask Does Telegram send messages asking for payment or personal details? Telegram sends login codes only to the verified service notifications chat named Telegram in your chat list, and it says those codes should never be shared with anyone. It recommends turning on 2-Step Verification so a password is needed as well as a code, and it lets you flag scams with the Report button in any chat. How can I check if a Telegram message is real? Only trust login codes in the verified Telegram service notifications chat, and never pass them on. Turn on 2-Step Verification in Settings, Privacy and Security. Check job offers on the company's official website, not a link from the chat. Walk away from any job or investment that needs you to pay or send crypto first. How do I report a fake Telegram message? Use the Report button in the Telegram app to flag the scam message or account; if someone is impersonating you, contact @NoToScam. In the US, report job, task and investment scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. I clicked a link in a fake Telegram message. What should I do? Don't enter anything else. If you typed card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card. If you entered a password, change it on the real website and turn on two-step verification. Then report the message and delete it. ## Official sources and further reading We check our pages against official advice from the organisations themselves and from government agencies. - [Telegram FAQ](https://telegram.org/faq) (Telegram) - [Spam FAQ](https://telegram.org/faq_spam) (Telegram) - [How to spot and avoid task scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/08/how-spot-avoid-task-scams) (Federal Trade Commission) - [Job offer through Telegram Messenger? Not so fast](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/07/job-offer-through-telegram-messenger-not-so-fast) (Federal Trade Commission) ### Got a message like this? Paste the message or link Check it free ### Still unsure? Describe what happened and our AI assistant will help, in any language. Ask TapSafely ### Seen this scam? Your report helps warn people in your area. [Report it](https://tapsafely.com/report) ### Free check tools - [Link checker](https://tapsafely.com/link-checker) - [QR code checker](https://tapsafely.com/qr-code-checker) - [Screenshot checker](https://tapsafely.com/screenshot-scam-checker) - [Scam glossary](https://tapsafely.com/scam-glossary) ## Related [Guide ### Verification-code and account-takeover scams “I sent you a code by mistake, can you send it back?” How scammers steal WhatsApp, email and bank accounts with one-time… Read guide](https://tapsafely.com/scams/verification-code-scams)[Brand alert ### Wells Fargo scam texts: how to spot a fake Wells Fargo says it will never ask for your password, PIN or one-time access code by email or text, and it wil… How to spot it](https://tapsafely.com/scams/wells-fargo-scam-texts)[Brand alert ### Google and Gmail scams: how to spot them and stay safe Google says it will never call you about your account security, and it will not ask for your password, ask you… How to spot it](https://tapsafely.com/scams/google-gmail-scams)[Brand alert ### USPS scam texts: how to spot a fake USPS says it will not send you texts or emails unless you first asked for updates using a tracking number, and… How to spot it](https://tapsafely.com/scams/usps-scam-texts)