Telegram is a cloud-based messenger for sending texts, images, videos, and files. The platform works similarly to email and also allows users to create groups and channels. Telegram users commonly use the platform for business and personal needs. There are over a billion active users on Telegram. However, many of those users have malicious intentions. The platform has taken action against millions of accounts for violating its Terms of Service, and Q6 Cyber was able to find over thirty channels dedicated to teaching others how to commit scams on Telegram. One of the most dangerous cybercrimes on the platform is the romance scam. Continue reading to learn how to identify, avoid, and recover from romance scams on Telegram.
Why Do Scammers Use Telegram?
Telegram is regularly used for romance scams, and it’s not difficult to see why. To put it simply, the app is available worldwide and connects users from all walks of life. Most romance scammers operate from countries overseas, such as the Philippines, Nigeria, or Ghana.
Telegram is also an effective tool that allows bad actors to scam their victims without a lot of oversight. Cybercriminals may trick potential victims into sharing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links.
Furthermore, the platform emphasizes privacy and being free-speech friendly. This results in less oversight, which scammers take advantage of. Telegram also offers anonymity when engaging in conversations. A user’s identity isn’t held to the same scrutiny as it would be on a social media platform. Impersonation is easier for a scammer without the need to build out a history of posts.
What Do Romance Scams on Telegram Look Like?
Romance scams on Telegram typically begin on other platforms. Criminals will create fake profiles on dating platforms, social media networks, or forum sites and will direct their targets to continue the conversation onto Telegram. The bad actor then uses deceptive techniques to convince their target that they’re someone else. Romance scammers commonly impersonate highly desirable individuals based on wealth, looks, or status.
In some cases, they may be able to take over a Telegram account that already has established relationships with other users. These account takeovers allow cybercriminals to exploit preexisting relationships and trust. Scammers will then build romantic relationships with victims, using constant engagement and love bombing to create a bond.
Once enough trust is developed, they will exploit the intimate connection created and will make up convincing stories where financial assistance is necessary. Here is a list of typical excuses used to trick victims into sending money:
- Medical emergency.
- Travel expenses to see the victim.
- A rent payment.
- Fees related to arrests or legal charges.
Understanding the Target Audience for Romance Scams
One of the most important factors contributing to romance scam effectiveness is the emotional state of the potential victim. Not everyone will fall for romance scams all the time. However, we all have moments where we are more susceptible to romance scams on Telegram than others.
Romance scammers tend to exploit those with a deep desire to connect with others or who may suffer from loneliness. This could include those grieving after a heavy loss or those isolated after a break-up. Scammers also target users unaware of their tactics. These victims are more naïve, such as younger victims with little life experience or older victims that aren’t technologically savvy.
Signs of Romance Scams on Telegram
Romance scammers rely on the same scripts and tactics to target thousands of potential victims simultaneously. This method extends each criminal’s reach. However, it also provides many red flags that users can use to identify romance scams on Telegram. Take note of the following:
1. Too Much Affection in an Inauthentic Way
Love bombing is a manipulative technique in which someone uses excessive affection, attention, and compliments to gain trust. Cybercriminals tend to use love bombing in romance scams to progress relationships quickly. They make over-the-top statements like “I love you” or “I want to marry you” in a short amount of time. If you feel that an online relationship is moving absurdly fast, don’t be afraid to slow things down and assess your romantic interest’s behavior more closely.
2. Avoids Meeting Face-to-Face Communication
Of course, most romance scammers are catfishers and impersonate other people. A telltale sign that you are talking with a scammer is if they make constant excuses to avoid meeting face-to-face. The suggestion of a simple video call will spur up excuses like “My internet connection is unstable” or “It’s not safe for me to show my face”.
They will also postpone meeting in person despite confessions of love and affection. However, AI and deepfake technology are continuing to develop. Cybercriminals can now create convincing images and videos with AI programs, which could be used against victims in romance scams.
3. Requests for Money and Gifts
You should never send money or gifts to anyone you’ve just met online. Requests for these things are glaring warning signs of romance scams. Scammers will also typically request money through crypto or gift cards because they are difficult to trace.
4. Creates Urgent and Emergency Situations
In romance scams on Telegram, criminals likely won’t blatantly demand money from you. Instead, they will create emergency situations in which money is needed, and you just so happen to be the only person in their life with the funds. No matter how close you are with an online user, it is never your responsibility to cover their unexpected fees. Any expectation for you to do so is a major red flag.
5. Inconsistent Stories or Personal Details
Romance scammers typically have multiple identities that they impersonate, and they create different backstories for each one. However, they may get details confused or mix personal details from their real life in messages as well. Try to take note of the information shared when messaging other online users.
6. Strange Writing Patterns or Use of English
It’s common for romance scammers to be from non-English speaking countries. They will use English to lure certain victims into an online relationship. However, their grasp of the language is often limited. They may make strange word choices or use awkward sentence structure. Strange writing patterns or use of English is absolutely something to watch out for on Telegram.
Beware of Sextortion Scams on Telegram
Romance scams on Telegram often lead to sextortion, a form of blackmail in which a victim’s explicit content is used against them. These cybercriminals exploit their romantic connection with victims to lure them into sending intimate content. Once victims send explicit content, the criminals drop their façade and use it for Telegram blackmail. They will threaten to publicly expose the explicit content unless they are paid a certain amount of money. Sextortion scams on Telegram are extremely common, and perpetrators use very similar techniques to those of romance scammers.
What to Do If You Fall Victim to Romance Scams on Telegram
If you have fallen victim to a romance scam on Telegram, you need to be proactive in how you respond. It’s common for victims of Telegram app scams to avoid reporting the crime out of embarrassment or shame. However, victims need to take steps to protect themselves and others after falling victim. Here’s what to do if you fall victim to a romance scam on Telegram.
- Don’t comply with the perpetrator. If they have no leverage for blackmail, you should cease communicating with the romance scammer immediately. Continuing the conversation will only encourage them to continue attempting to siphon money from you, and they may turn to desperate measures. You can also use delay tactics to keep the line open without giving in to their demands.
- Report the scammer to the platform administrators. Telegram relies on its built-in reporting system to find misconduct on their platform. To file a report, follow these steps: On Android, tap the message; on iOS, long-press the message; and on desktop, right-click the message. Then, click on ‘Report’. Next, simply select the reason for your report.
- Notify the authorities. If you sent money or sensitive information to the scammer, you should report the crime to the local authorities. They can advise you on the proper steps to take and help you file an official report. Also, consider reporting the crime to the FBI through the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
- Protect your financial information. You need to contact your bank or credit card company if you shared vital payment information. Keep an eye on your bank accounts for any unauthorized transactions. It may also be best to update your passwords for good measure.
- Seek emotional support. It’s common for victims to develop strong connections with these fake profiles, and to feel betrayed when they realize it’s a scammer. You should never blame yourself for falling for a romance scam. These criminals are highly skilled in social engineering and understand how to exploit others. As scary as it may be, it’s best to confide in someone you trust about what you’re going through for emotional support.
- Work with cybersecurity experts. Certain private cybersecurity firms offer their services to romance scam victims. They will help them recover after getting scammed and can even uncover digital evidence that identifies the perpetrator. Firms like Digital Forensic Corp. have a helpline that victims can contact 24/7 requesting assistance.
The Fight Against Scams on Telegram
Telegram has claimed to have been actively fighting misconduct on their platform since 2015. That year was when they combined machine learning and user reports to improve moderation. They updated their methods in 2024 by adopting the latest AI tools. In 2025 alone, the platform has taken action against over 28 million accounts.
However, Telegram also boasts its lax moderation policies, and the platform faces a lot of criticism for being a hotspot for criminal activity. In 2024, Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov was arrested and charged with enabling child sexual abuse material on the platform. This legal action caused Durov to change his tune on Telegram moderation. Now, removing abusive behavior is a focus for the platform.
“We are committed to turn moderation on Telegram from an area of criticism into one of praise,” Durov said in a post-arrest statement.
The platform has already implemented features to fight against scams. On January 1, 2025, Telegram announced a third-party verification tool that allows users to confirm their identity. They also publicly share the numbers of accounts and communities that have been banned or blocked since 2016. While some progress has been made, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.
