While most conversations on Telegram are trouble-free, people with bad intentions sometimes use the app—as is the case with most instant messaging platforms. Here's what you should know about the safety of Telegram and how to avoid scams 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're sending messages to others, Telegram also uses encrypted tunnels to offer additional protection against external threats.
Although the app collects more data than Signal, the company does state that it only keeps data for as long as necessary. Moreover, EEA and UK users have their 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 about how to enable 2FA on Telegram shows you the steps you need to follow to enable that feature.
While end-to-end encryption works for one-to-one calls, you'll need to enable secret chats on Telegram to use end-to-end encryption in your messaging as the feature isn't switched on 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, as we'll discuss in the next section.
Are There Any Telegram Feature Risks to Consider?
a person using the telegram app on their smartphonewichayada suwanachun/Shutterstock
Despite Telegram's safety features, its MTProto encryption protocol has received criticism. For example, Royal Holloway University in the UK performed research in 2021. The university said that "an attacker on the network can reorder messages coming from a client to the server".
Royal Holloway researchers also said that it showed "how an attacker can mount an 'attacker-in-the-middle' attack on the initial key negotiation between the client and the server", though it did note that Telegram "confirmed the behavior and implemented some server-side mitigations" and that such an attack would be hard to carry out.
You should also consider the risks associated with Telegram's P2PL program. For example, the company mentions that OTP recipients can potentially see your phone number when they receive your messages, which could result in people you'd prefer not to have your number obtaining it.
Furthermore, Telegram states that it's not responsible for "harassment", "inconvenience", or other bad scenarios that could happen if someone gets your number from this initiative. Luckily, you aren't automatically added to this program unless you opt in.
Another safety concern you should be aware of is Telegram's People Nearby feature. While this can be useful for people in your local area, it does mean that others who you don't want to discover your location could become aware of it. Fortunately, you can turn off People Nearby on Telegram.
What Data Does Telegram Collect?
While Telegram has several privacy and security features, you should still remember that the app does collect data about you. Moreover, it collects more information than Signal. For example, Telegram states in its privacy policy that it collects your phone number and messages, photos, videos, and documents from cloud chats. The company also mentions that cloud chat content is heavily encrypted.
Telegram can share your IP address with law enforcement if you're a terror suspect, but as of April 2024, the company says that this hasn't happened so far.
Bots will also receive messages that you send and can potentially get your IP address if you click on a link, but Telegram says that it doesn't maintain bots or bot developers apart from its own.
Despite the data it collects, Telegram doesn't use your information for ads. But if you don't want Telegram to use your data at all, you can delete your account. This guide outlining how to delete or deactivate your Telegram account will help you out. You can also set your Telegram account to auto-delete if you don't use the app for extended periods.
Common Ways That Scammers Use Telegram
Nonetheless, scams, such as phishing links and impersonation scams, can occur on Telegram. Below, you’ll discover some of the most common scams on Telegram.
- Phishing Links
Screenshot of a malicious telegram bot developed for example purposes
Phishing links are one of the oldest internet scams, and Telegram is not immune from these problems. Scammers will usually send you a link and try and convince you to click on it. Users might disguise these phishing links in several ways, such as:
Links to products.
Account sign-up links.
Payment links.
Messages might also look similar to fraud and phishing emails. You can view examples of phishing emails to avoid in a separate guide.
- Impersonation Scams
Example of someone trying to impersonate another person on Telegram
When Telegram scammers impersonate others, they might choose someone you know. For example, a scammer might pretend to be your friend and claim that they’re in trouble. Telegram scammers can also impersonate governments, law enforcement, and other reputable bodies.
Sometimes, scammers will try to start a conversation before asking you to send them money. But in other cases, they’ll be more direct and ask you upfront for cash. While you should do everything you can to avoid being scammed, there are plenty of things you must do if you fall victim to a scam.
- Telegram Bots
Telegram lets third parties create bots, and the company outlines in its privacy policy that Telegram doesn't maintain bots that aren't its own. Unfortunately, some criminals have created scam bots to create fake ads, automate messaging with victims, and more.
While not all bots on Telegram are dangerous, the malicious ones can extract 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 scammed users out of over $60 million between H1 2021 and H1 2023.
If you want to increase your chances of staying safe, it's worth reading this guide outlining how to avoid scam bots on Telegram.
- Dating Scams
Some dating scammers have taken to Telegram to trick unsuspecting users into sending them money, and they usually begin by trying to manipulate their target. For example, the scammer might go overboard with their compliments and even claim that they love you.
Once the scammer has built a connection, they may then ask you to send them gifts or money. You can spot and avoid online dating scammers on all apps via vague profiles, avoiding video calls, and many other methods.
- Fake Cryptocurrency and Investing Groups
Example image of an investing scam taking place on Telegram
Users on Reddit and other social networks have reported that they’ve been invited to Telegram groups about personal finance, especially crypto and investing. Scammers will often try to play on the user’s emotions and create a sense of urgency that makes them invest.
Criminals might try and extort money from you in several ways via fake crypto and investing groups. For example, the other person might try and convince you to send them money that they can then invest into a stock, fund, or currency. After you’ve sent an initial sum of money, the scammer may ask you to pay what they claim is an account activation fee.
- Fake Giveaways
Another common internet scam that you may encounter on Telegram involves fake giveaways. You’ve almost certainly seen these on other apps or websites in the past; they typically claim that you’ve won a gift of some kind or a certain amount of money.
Scammers may then ask for you to pay a fee before you can receive the gift they claim to have. Alternatively, you might get asked for your banking details.
How to Protect Yourself From Telegram Scams
Generally speaking, you can protect yourself from scams on Telegram with a few simple steps. For example, you can leave groups and block scammers. Below, you’ll find three of the best ways to protect yourself from scams on Telegram.
- Think Twice When You Read Suspicious Messages on Telegram
You can avoid falling victim to many scams by taking a step back before responding to someone, especially if you don’t know them. Messages from people you don't know on Telegram are sometimes pig butchering scams or job scams. Strangers may also get in touch with you to try and convince you to join a get-rich-quick scheme.
Treat every message with at least some skepticism, and keep in mind that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers are often people you don't know, but this rule also applies to messages from friends, acquaintances, and family members.
- Check for Signs That a Telegram Group Is Fake
It’s also a good idea to check for signs whether a group you’ve been added to is legitimate. Red flags include:
Hundreds, if not thousands, of members.
Grammatical errors.
Admins asking you for sensitive information.
Fake logos.
If you suspect that a group is fake, you should leave as soon as possible.
- Block Potential Scammers on Telegram
Even if you leave a group, scammers can still always add you back. So, the best thing to do is block any numbers you suspect are trying to extract money from you. Blocking a user on Telegram is very simple:
Choose the user that you want to block in the Telegram app.
Tap their name.
Select the more tab with three dots.
Click on Block User.
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