Is the Telegram Crypto Scam real or a scam?

This is a confirmed scam. Do not click any links, do not provide personal information, and do not send money. This is a investment scam.

What should I do if I received the Telegram Crypto Scam?

Do not respond or click any links. Block the sender, report the message as spam, and delete it. If it came via text message, forward it to 7726 (SPAM).

What if I already fell for the Telegram Crypto Scam?

Change your passwords immediately, contact your bank if you shared financial information, place a fraud alert on your credit, and file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

How do I report the Telegram Crypto Scam?

Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov, and your local law enforcement. If it impersonated a specific company, report it to that company as well.

Telegram Crypto Scam: Is It a Scam?

High Prevalence Type: Investment

Yes, this is a scam. Do not click any links or provide personal information.

Scammers use Telegram groups and channels to promote fake cryptocurrency investments, impersonate crypto project admins, and run pump-and-dump schemes. Victims are lured with promises of guaranteed returns and insider trading tips.

How This Scam Works

Scammers create Telegram groups that appear to be official channels for crypto projects, or they run 'signals' groups promising insider tips. They build credibility by posting fake profit screenshots and testimonials from bot accounts. Once enough people join, they promote a specific token or direct members to a fake exchange platform. Victims deposit crypto and see fabricated gains on the fake platform dashboard. When they try to withdraw, they are asked to pay 'fees' or 'taxes' first. The money is never returned. Some scams also involve fake admin accounts DMing group members about exclusive investment opportunities.

Red Flags to Watch For

Guaranteed returns or 'risk-free' crypto investments
Fake admin accounts DMing you with exclusive offers
Requirements to deposit crypto to an unknown wallet or exchange
Withdrawal requires paying additional fees or taxes upfront
Pressure to invest quickly before an opportunity closes
Group filled with bot accounts posting positive testimonials

Example Scam Messages

Group message: 'ALERT: Our analysts have identified a token that will 50x in the next 48 hours. Minimum investment $500. DM @CryptoAdmin_Official for the private wallet address.' --- DM: 'Hi, I'm the lead analyst for [Crypto Group]. We have a private investment pool with 300% guaranteed returns in 30 days. Only 5 spots left. Deposit minimum 0.5 ETH to this address to join.' --- DM: 'Hey I noticed you're in the crypto group. I just made $15,000 this week following their signals. You should try it!'

What to Do If You Received This

No legitimate investment guarantees specific returns
Never send crypto to wallet addresses shared in DMs
Verify any Telegram group against the project's official website
Be suspicious of DMs from 'admins' who reach out first
Leave groups that pressure you to invest urgently

What to Do If You Fell For It

Stop sending money immediately
Document all wallet addresses, transaction hashes, and messages
Report to the exchange platform if funds were sent through one
File a report with the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
Consider contacting a cryptocurrency tracing firm for large losses
Be wary of 'recovery' services that find you after being scammed; most are also scams

How to Report This Scam

Report the Telegram channel or user through Telegram's reporting feature
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
File a complaint with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
Report to the SEC at sec.gov/tcr if it involves securities

Last updated: February 10, 2026