How to Report a Channel, Scam or Impersonator on Telegram

You can report almost anything on Telegram from inside the app: a single message, a user, a bot, a group or a channel. Open the item, find the Report option in its menu, choose the reason that fits best and add a short explanation. Then block the account, warn people you know, and keep your own account secure.

This guide shows where to find reporting for each case, how to report impersonators and scams effectively, and what happens next.

Before you report: stay safe

If someone is scamming or threatening you, a few quick steps come first.

1. Stop replying. Do not argue, negotiate or send anything else.
2. Do not pay or share codes. No report is worth losing money or your account.
3. Take screenshots. Capture the username, messages and any payment details. These help if you need to report to your bank or the police.
4. Then report and block.

How to report a message

Reporting a specific message is useful when a group or channel is mostly fine but one post breaks the rules. Exact labels vary between apps and versions.

1. Press and hold the message on mobile, or right-click it on desktop.
2. Choose Report from the menu.
3. Pick the reason that fits best.
4. Add a short comment if the app asks for one.
5. Submit.

In some apps you can select several messages before reporting, which gives more context.

How to report a user or bot

1. Open the chat with the user or bot.
2. Open their profile or the chat's menu.
3. Choose Report, then select a reason.
4. Add a short explanation.
5. Block the account afterwards so they cannot contact you again.

When a stranger messages you for the first time, Telegram often shows options at the top of the chat to report spam or block. Use them if the message is unwanted.

How to report a channel or group

1. Open the channel or group.
2. Tap its name to open the info page, or open its menu.
3. Choose Report.
4. Select the reason, such as spam, violence, illegal content, personal details or another category.
5. Add a short description of the problem.

If the problem is a specific post, report that message instead or as well. It tells moderators exactly what to look at.

How to report an impersonator

Impersonators copy the name and photo of a real person, brand, admin or channel. They are a common route into scams.

1. Confirm it is a fake. Compare the @username with the real one, character by character. Check the real account or channel's official links.
2. Open the fake account or channel and choose Report.
3. Pick the closest reason. If there is a fake account or impersonation option, use it. Otherwise choose "Other" and explain.
4. Say who is being impersonated. Give the real @username so moderators can compare.
5. Warn your community. If you run the real channel, post a short notice with your correct username and remind people that you never message first asking for money or codes.

Telegram sometimes adds a "Scam" or "Fake" label to accounts it has identified. That label helps, but its absence does not mean an account is genuine.

How to report a scam effectively

Moderators review a lot of reports. A clear one is easier to act on.

• Choose the most specific reason available.
• Report the actual scam messages, not just the account.
• Explain briefly what happened: "Posed as channel admin, asked for login code" is better than "scammer".
• Include the real account if it is an impersonation.
• Report each account involved. Scammers often work in teams.

For more on recognising scams before they reach this stage, see how to spot Telegram scams.

What happens after you report

Telegram reviews reports, but it does not usually tell you the outcome. The account or channel may be restricted, labelled, removed or left as it is.

While you wait:

• Keep the account blocked.
• Leave groups that are clearly scams.
• Make sure your own account is protected with two-step verification.

Telegram's website lists further ways to report serious abuse. Check its help pages if the in-app option does not cover your situation.

If you lost money or data

Reporting on Telegram does not get money back. Also:

1. Contact your bank or payment provider quickly if you paid by card or transfer.
2. Report to local authorities and keep your screenshots and transaction details.
3. Secure your account if you shared a code or password. Our guide on recovering a hacked Telegram account walks through it.
4. Ignore "recovery" offers. People offering to get your money back for a fee are usually scammers too.

Reporting a listing on TGDirectory

If you found a channel, group or bot through TGDirectory and it turns out to be a scam, impersonator or breaks the rules, you can report the listing to our moderators from its page. Every listing is reviewed by a person before it appears, and illegal, pornographic and scam channels are not accepted, but channels can change after they are listed. Reports help us catch that.

Reporting on TGDirectory only affects our directory. To act on the channel inside Telegram, report it in the app as well.

If someone has copied your channel, you can also claim your genuine listing. Owners prove control by adding our bot as a channel admin, and a successful claim shows an "Owner verified" badge. That badge is not Telegram's verification and not an endorsement of content, but it helps readers tell your listing apart. See how to claim your channel on TGDirectory.

Common mistakes

• Engaging before reporting. Arguing tells the scammer you are active and can lead to more pressure.
• Reporting only the account, not the messages. The messages are the evidence.
• Choosing a vague reason. Pick the closest specific category.
• Forgetting to block. Reporting alone does not stop them messaging you.
• Mass-reporting someone you simply disagree with. Reports are for rule-breaking, not arguments.
• Expecting a reply. Telegram usually does not report back on outcomes.

FAQ

Does the person know I reported them?

Telegram does not tell people who reported them.

How long does Telegram take to act on a report?

It varies, and Telegram usually does not confirm the outcome. Block the account and protect yourself in the meantime.

Can I report a channel I am not subscribed to?

You usually need to open it to find the Report option. Opening a public channel to report it is enough; you do not have to stay subscribed.

What if the scam happened in a private chat?

Report the user from the chat menu, report the specific messages, and block them.

Should I report a channel that copies my content?

Yes. Report the channel and the copied posts, explain that the content is yours, and include your own channel's username.

Summary

Use the Report option on the message, user, bot, group or channel, pick the most specific reason and add a short explanation. For impersonators, name the real account. Block afterwards, keep screenshots, and contact your bank and local authorities if money was lost. If the channel is listed on TGDirectory, report the listing there too.