Fake Telegram Support Account Phishing
Scammers create fake Telegram support accounts with official-looking names and badges to solicit account information, phone numbers, and verification codes from users seeking help.
Part of: Fake Customer Support Scams
Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
Telegram does not have an in-app support chat in the same way as some other platforms. Official Telegram communication channels are limited and well-defined — but many users are unaware of this, making them susceptible to scammers who set up accounts pretending to be Telegram customer support.
When users search for help with their Telegram account — to recover access, understand a restriction, or resolve a group moderation issue — they may find or be directed to a fake 'Telegram Support' account. Because the account looks official and appears within the familiar Telegram interface, users may trust it without scrutiny.
The information requested by fake support accounts can enable full account takeovers or be used in further fraud, including SIM-swap requests and identity verification schemes.
How this scam works on the Telegram brand
Telegram's real system notifications and official accounts include the 'Telegram' account with a verified badge that appears in your chat list for security notifications. There is also @SpamBot for spam reporting. Telegram's human support operates through telegram.org/support as a web form — not through a Telegram chat account that reaches out to users proactively.
Fake support accounts often have names like 'Telegram Support', 'Telegram Official Help', or 'Telegram Security Team'. Some use the official Telegram logo as a profile picture. They message users proactively — particularly after the user has posted about an account problem in a public group — offering to resolve the issue.
The fake agent asks for the user's phone number, then instructs them to forward the login code that Telegram sends, or asks them to share a 'session token' from their settings. In other variants, the support agent asks users to 'verify their account' by tapping a link that opens a fake Telegram web login.
Common red flags
- An account claiming to be Telegram Support messages you proactively — Telegram does not DM users to offer help
- The support account does not have an official verified badge or has a badge that looks slightly different
- You are asked for your phone number and told to forward a login code
- The 'agent' asks you to go to Telegram Settings and share session data or a QR code
- The account directs you to a non-telegram.org link for 'account verification'
- You found the account by searching Telegram rather than through an official communication
How to protect yourself
- Use Telegram's official support web form at telegram.org/support for account assistance
- Enable two-step verification in Telegram Settings > Privacy and Security > Two-Step Verification
- Never share login codes, session QR codes, or phone numbers with any account claiming to be Telegram support
- Use Telegram's @SpamBot to report spam and @notoscam to report scams within the app
- Review active sessions in Settings > Privacy and Security > Active Sessions and terminate unknown ones
How to report it
- Report the fake support account within Telegram: open the profile, tap the three-dot menu, select 'Report'
- Forward the scam message to @notoscam within Telegram
- Report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk (UK) or the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov (US)
- If your account was compromised, contact Telegram at telegram.org/support
Frequently asked questions
Does Telegram have a customer support chat within the app?
Telegram does not have a human support chat that reaches out to users proactively. Official support is provided through a web form at telegram.org/support. The official 'Telegram' account in your chat list only sends automated security notifications — it does not conduct support conversations.
How do I tell the difference between the official Telegram account and a fake one?
The official Telegram system account appears in your chat list as 'Telegram' with a blue verified checkmark and a username that is not customisable. Accounts with names like 'Telegram Support' or 'Telegram Help' that message you directly are not official. Always verify through telegram.org.
What should I do if I already shared my phone number with a fake support account?
Do not share any login codes if you receive one. Change your Telegram password (two-step verification PIN). Check active sessions and terminate any unrecognised ones. If you shared a login code, act immediately to reclaim your account — contact Telegram support at telegram.org/support.