How to Identify a Fake Telegram Account

22 August, 2023 — James Brandon

Telegram has risen over the years to become a popular messaging app across the globe. Telegram continues to provide its users with great features that improve accessibility and usability. However, as more people continue to join Telegram, the increase of fake accounts has become a menace.

Fake Telegram accounts are accounts that malicious people have opened to conduct malicious activities within the app, including breaching privacy. Identifying fake Telegram accounts is essential for ensuring your safety and security while using the platform. In a previous related article, we discussed how you would recognize a fake Instagram account. This piece highlights some of the ways that you can identify a fake Telegram account.

Profile Picture and Username:

One of the first things to consider when assessing the authenticity of a Telegram account is its profile picture and username. Fake accounts often use generic or stolen profile pictures or images that appear too polished or professional. Similarly, usernames that seem overly complex, include excessive numbers, or contain strange combinations of characters could be a red flag. Legitimate users typically have profile pictures that are personal, clear, and not overly edited, and usernames that reflect their actual names or interests.

Lack of Personal Information:

Real Telegram users often fill out their profiles with relevant information, such as a brief bio, location, and interests. Fake accounts tend to leave these sections blank or provide very generic information. If a profile lacks personal details or appears incomplete, it’s wise to be cautious.

Activity and Interaction:

Pay attention to the activity of the account in question. Legitimate users engage in conversations, join groups, and share content relevant to their interests. Fake accounts, on the other hand, might have limited or no interaction with other users. Also, if an account has an unusually high number of followers or group memberships but shows little interaction, it could be a sign of suspicious activity.

Unusual Behavior:

Be wary of accounts that display strange behavior. This might include sending unsolicited messages with dubious links or requests for personal information. Additionally, if an account sends multiple friend requests or follows you immediately after you join a group, it could be attempting to gather information or engage in phishing.

Verification Checkmarks:

Telegram offers verification checkmarks for public figures, celebrities, and businesses. If an account claims to belong to such entities but lacks the verification badge, it clearly indicates a potential fake account. Always look for the verification badge next to the account’s name to ensure authenticity.

Shared Content and Links:

Another method to identify a fake account is by analyzing the type of content it shares and the links it provides. Be cautious of accounts that consistently share suspicious links or spammy content. Fake accounts often use these tactics to spread malware or gather personal information.