Telegram Scam Channels Surge in 2025: Pavel Durov’s Response

In 2025, Telegram crypto scam surge 2025 has become a major concern for both users and regulators worldwide. 

The platform, once praised for its focus on privacy and free expression, is now under fire as coordinated fraud groups exploit its massive reach to conduct scams, extortion, and blackmail. 

With new reports surfacing almost daily, Telegram’s founder Pavel Durov has pledged mass channel bans to curb malicious actors. But can Telegram’s efforts match the scale of the problem, or is it too late?

Telegram Scam Channels Surge

The rise of coordinated fraud on Telegram 2025 is unprecedented. From fake job offers to fraudulent investment schemes, scam groups are luring victims into elaborate traps. 

Recent investigations uncovered recruitment scams masquerading as legitimate companies, offering easy money for simple “tasks” like liking social media posts or reviewing movies. 

Victims were enticed with small initial payouts before being pressured into paying hidden fees, funds they would never recover.

Consumer watchdogs like Which report that scam activity on Telegram has doubled in the past two years. Fraudulent groups are increasingly sophisticated, using psychological tactics to build trust before deploying extortion methods. 

Some even engage in Telegram blackmail, threatening to expose private information unless victims comply with financial demands.

Read Also: Telegram Scandal: Reviewing the List of Scandals Involving Telegram

Pavel Durov’s Pledge: Mass Channel Bans

Amid the uproar, Pavel Durov mass channel bans have become the new focus. In an official Telegram post, Durov acknowledged that his team had received “hundreds of reports about scams and blackmail.” 

In response, Telegram is banning channels engaged in doxing, extortion, or demanding payments in exchange for deleting defamatory content.

Durov’s message was clear: Telegram will not tolerate blackmail or organized fraud. He further warned scam operators not to create clones of banned channels, as the platform is increasing its detection mechanisms. 

While this shows a stronger stance from Telegram’s leadership, many critics argue that the response comes years too late.

Telegram and Safety Challenges

Despite Telegram’s global popularity, its moderation policies have long been criticized as too lax. Authorities in Russia, France, and other jurisdictions have accused the platform of enabling criminal networks. 

In Russia, Telegram’s encrypted messaging infrastructure has been labeled a security threat, leading to restrictions on its voice call services. Since August 11, 2025, calls have been disrupted as part of Moscow’s broader push for “digital sovereignty.”

The issue came to a head in 2024 when Durov was arrested in France, facing accusations that Telegram had failed to cooperate with law enforcement in investigations of fraud and other illicit activity. 

Critics say Telegram’s “soft moderation” and refusal to share data have emboldened cybercriminals to thrive on the platform.

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Read Also: Pavel Durov's Disappointment: How the French Government is Hindering the Growth of Media Privacy

The Broader Problem of Coordinated Fraud

The surge in scams highlights a larger problem: the decentralized nature of fraud networks on Telegram. Channels and groups can be set up quickly, often disappearing or rebranding after bans. 

Some offer “protection blocks,” forcing victims to pay recurring fees to avoid harassment. This shadow economy of extortion underscores the scale of Telegram’s challenge.

While Telegram insists it removes “millions of pieces of harmful content every day,” coordinated fraud operations continue to flourish. 

Without stronger collaboration with regulators and law enforcement, many experts fear the problem will grow worse before it improves.

Read Also: Who is Nikolai Durov? The Mathematical Mind Behind Telegram

Conclusion

The Telegram crypto scam surge 2025 has forced Telegram’s founder Pavel Durov to take a harder line against fraudulent groups, promising mass channel bans and tougher enforcement. 

Yet, questions remain over whether these measures will be enough to stop the tide of scams, blackmail, and fraud. With regulatory scrutiny intensifying and trust in the platform at risk, Telegram faces one of its most critical moments since launch.

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FAQ

What is causing the Telegram crypto scam surge in 2025?

The surge is linked to rising crypto adoption, economic uncertainty, and Telegram’s open infrastructure, which scammers exploit to target global victims.

What has Pavel Durov announced to fight scams?

Durov has pledged mass channel bans targeting doxing, extortion, blackmail, and fraudulent recruitment schemes.

Why is Telegram facing criticism over safety?

Critics argue Telegram’s moderation is too weak, allowing scams and fraud networks to thrive. Some governments have imposed restrictions as a result.

What is Telegram blackmail?

It refers to fraudulent groups threatening to release private information or defamatory posts unless victims pay money.

Can Telegram stop coordinated fraud on its platform?

While bans and removals help, fraud groups often reappear under new names. Long-term solutions may require closer cooperation with regulators and law enforcement.