Fake Telegram Premium Subscription Trap Scam
Fraudulent websites and app store listings mimic Telegram's own subscription offering to enroll victims in costly recurring charges that do not provide real Telegram Premium access.
Part of: App Store Subscription Trap Scams
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026
Telegram offers a genuine optional subscription called Telegram Premium, purchasable directly within the Telegram app or at premium.telegram.org. Premium adds features such as larger upload sizes, exclusive sticker packs, and animated profile photos. The subscription is managed entirely within Telegram's own systems.
Scammers capitalise on Telegram Premium's growing profile by creating third-party sites and apps that claim to offer the premium tier at a discount or through an alternative purchase method. Users who buy from these sources receive either fake activation codes or enroll in recurring charges with no relation to the real Telegram service.
The scam is also used as a credential phishing vector: after 'purchasing,' the victim is asked to sign in to Telegram to 'activate' the plan, and their phone number and confirmation code are captured.
How this scam works on the Telegram brand
A Telegram user sees a social media ad offering 'Telegram Premium for only $1.99/month' — significantly below the real price. Clicking the ad leads to a site that closely mimics premium.telegram.org, where a checkout flow captures the card number.
After payment, the site asks the user to enter their Telegram phone number and the verification code Telegram sends to confirm the 'activation.' The code is in fact a login code, and entering it grants the operator access to the victim's Telegram account.
In the app store variant, a non-official Telegram app named 'Telegram Gold' or 'Telegram Premium Plus' charges a weekly fee for features that largely replicate those already available free in the official Telegram app.
Common red flags
- Telegram Premium is only purchased within the official Telegram app or at premium.telegram.org — not via third-party websites.
- Discounts significantly below Telegram's published Premium pricing indicate a fraudulent offering.
- Entering a Telegram verification code on any website is equivalent to handing over your account — Telegram never requires this for subscription activation.
- Third-party 'Telegram Gold' or 'Telegram Premium Plus' apps in app stores are not affiliated with Telegram.
- After 'purchasing,' you are asked to log in to Telegram via a website to activate the plan.
- The site's payment page is not fragment.com (Telegram's official paid product channel for some markets) or Telegram's own in-app purchase flow.
How to protect yourself
- Purchase Telegram Premium only within the official Telegram app via Settings > Telegram Premium, or at premium.telegram.org.
- Enable Two-Step Verification (Settings > Privacy and Security > Two-Step Verification) so your account cannot be taken over with only an SMS code.
- Never enter your Telegram phone number or verification code on a third-party website for any reason.
- If you shared your account code, immediately change your Two-Step Verification password in Telegram and check Settings > Devices to terminate unrecognised sessions.
How to report it
- Report the fraudulent website to Telegram at [email protected].
- Report the fake app to Apple App Store or Google Play using their in-store report functions.
- Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- UK users: report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.
Frequently asked questions
What does Telegram Premium actually cost?
Telegram Premium pricing varies by country and platform. The official price is shown inside the Telegram app under Settings > Telegram Premium. Any price significantly lower than what the app shows is a red flag.
Can I use Telegram on multiple devices without subscribing?
Yes — Telegram's multi-device support is available to all users free of charge. Telegram Premium adds extra features but is not required to use Telegram on multiple devices.
What is fragment.com in relation to Telegram?
Fragment is Telegram's blockchain-based marketplace for premium usernames and phone numbers. It is a legitimate Telegram-affiliated platform, but purchasing it there does not grant Telegram Premium features. Be cautious of any site claiming to be fragment.com but with a different domain.