Telegram is a popular messaging app that allows users to text, call, and video chat globally for free. The application has become a go-to for texters who want to avoid fees and wish to communicate with family and friends who are miles apart. However, Telegram is also used as a dating app through features like ‘Find People Nearby’, which enable users to connect with others in their vicinity. Like most things, any situation has pros and cons. The app has seen a high volume of financial scams. If you want to know more about Telegram dating scams and how to deal with them if you become a victim, keep reading.
Understanding Telegram and Online Dating
Telegram is a popular messaging app that has evolved to meet diverse user needs, including online dating. While it was not designed specifically for dating, its features such as “People Nearby 2.0” and group chats have made it a platform for users to connect with others nearby. Online dating has become increasingly common, and scammers have taken advantage of this trend to target unsuspecting victims. It’s essential to understand the risks involved in online dating and how to protect yourself from scammers.
Common Types of Telegram Dating Scams?
Telegram has become a hub for various scams, including crypto scams and investment scams. Scammers sell various fraudulent schemes on Telegram, such as fake channels and phishing chatbots. Here are some common dating scams you should know when using Telegram.
Romance scams involve blackmailers manipulating their victims into believing they are in a romantic relationship to gain trust and coerce them out of thousands of dollars. They will claim they frequently need money for bills, food, gas, etc., and being that their victims think they are in a relationship, they willingly send money to help.
Sugar daddy scams consist of a consenting exchange of sexual content that involves a person who pays (sugar daddy) another individual (sugar baby) for a sexual relationship. Scammers take full advantage of this when they pretend to be a sugar baby and provide their partner with sexual content that is not theirs. They then gather as much evidence against their victim and threaten to expose this relationship if their ransom is unpaid.
Online sextortion happens when a cybercriminal disguises their identity through social media platforms and builds trust with online users. They reach out to dozens of random users to build a sexual or romantic relationship and gain trust. Once trust is built, they bring up the idea of exchanging sexual content and secretly recording or screenshotting victims’ content without their knowledge. That is when the perpetrators bombard their victims with threats of online exposure if they don’t comply with their demands, typically money or more sexual content.
Important Signs of Telegram Romance Scams?
Telegram dating scams can be hard to pinpoint when victims genuinely believe they are in a real relationship. You’re receiving charming and loving texts and calls every day. You have someone who shares the same interests as you. So, what can go wrong? Here are some signs you are dealing with a Telegram dating scam that you might not consider a red flag.
- Frequent requests for money. If your online partner asks for money consistently with a new excuse every time, you should be very alarmed.
- Refusing to meet you in person is a giant red flag. Scammers will use every excuse they can think of to avoid meeting their victim in person for obvious reasons.
- Asks for personal bank info or asks for access to online accounts. Many scammers will flirt and persuade their partners to share financial information.
- Refuse calls or video chats. It’s common for male scammers to impersonate a woman online. If your partner comes up with many excuses that they can’t call or video chat with you, you’re in trouble.
- Limited personal information about themselves on their social media.
- Suspicious photos. It’s hard for scammers to come up with pictures of the same person they are impersonating, so they will use other fake images to send to their victims. Look closely for differences in skin color, hair, eyes, etc.
- Fake Telegram accounts. Scammers often use fake Telegram accounts to impersonate others and engage in phishing tactics, exploiting the platform’s anonymity.
- Telegram romance scams. Scammers exploit Telegram to create fictitious romantic relationships, often requesting money or soliciting compromising content for blackmail.
Identifying and Reporting Scammers
Identifying scammers on Telegram can be challenging, but there are ways to detect suspicious activity. Be cautious of accounts with low-quality or generic profile pictures and usernames. Be wary of accounts that ask for your contact details or personal information. Look for official verification badges and check the account’s profile information against the official website or social media of the company/person it claims to represent. If you suspect someone is a scammer, report them to Telegram’s support team immediately. Reporting suspicious behavior helps keep the platform safer for everyone.
Protecting Yourself from Telegram Dating Scams
To protect yourself from Telegram dating scams, be cautious when meeting someone online and never send money to someone you’ve never met in person. Research the person’s profile and check for red flags, such as inconsistencies in their story or lack of photos. Never give out personal or financial information to someone you’ve met online. Use a reputable online dating site or app and report any suspicious activity. Trust your instincts and end the conversation if you feel uncomfortable or sense something is off. Keep your online dating conversations public and avoid private messaging or phone calls.
How to Deal with Telegram App Dating Scams?
Many victims take the news that they are being scammed hard because of the trust and even love they have accumulated while dating online. Other Telegram users can be a source of support and advice when dealing with scams. But it’s critical that you seek help as soon as you begin to receive threats, no matter the connection you formed with this person. Here are some tips on how to deal with Telegram dating scams
- Document the harassment and threats. This will help the police with their investigation.
- Report the threats to Telegram. The platform will do an investigation of its own and can potentially ban the account.
- Do not give in to the demands of your scammer. Paying or giving these criminals what they want will only persuade them to return and ask for more.
- Confide in family and friends. Dealing with dating scams can be hard to handle on your own. Get the emotional support you need to help overcome this terrible situation.
- Report the crime to the police. If you are being harassed and scammed out of money, sexual content, etc., it is a crime, and you should report it to the authorities.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you’ve been scammed on Telegram, stop all communication with the scammer immediately. Reset any compromised passwords or credentials, and report the scam account(s) to Telegram. Contact your bank and report the incident to the proper authorities. Be cautious of phishing scams and suspicious links, and never give out financial information to someone you’ve met online. Report any suspicious activity to the online dating platform immediately, and block the scammer to avoid any further contact.
Knowing the risks associated with online dating, particularly when using Telegram and other dating apps, is crucial. While this platform has the potential for real connections, Telegram users should always be cautious when speaking with strangers. It is important to avoid sending money or sensitive information to other users and report any suspicious activity or personal attacks on the platform.
Lastly, victims of online dating scams should not hesitate to report the crime to Telegram and their local police department. This simple action can prevent further abuse to you and others. Stay safe, and remember to report telegram dating scams if you have been affected.
