Official Warning From Telegram Founder: Users Are Being Blackmailed Over Rare Usernames and Digital Gifts
In recent months, a new and extremely dangerous type of scam has started spreading across Telegram. This time, it is not the traditional phishing links or fake giveaway messages. Instead, the new wave of scams is directly connected to something that has suddenly become extremely valuable inside the platform: rare Telegram usernames, unique digital gifts, and premium account assets.
The situation became even more serious when the founder of Telegram published an official warning message to users, explaining that usernames and digital items that were once sold for only a few dollars are now being sold for more than $100,000. This massive increase in value has created a dark side of the platform, where scammers are now targeting users in completely new ways.
In this article, I will explain everything that is currently happening on Telegram in 2026, why rare usernames are becoming more valuable than ever, how scammers are using blackmail tactics to steal digital assets, and most importantly, how you can protect your Telegram account from these new threats. This is a complete and professional guide for every Telegram user.
Why Rare Telegram Usernames Are Now Worth Thousands of Dollars
Just a few years ago, a Telegram username was nothing more than a simple identifier. Most people created an account, chose any available username, and never thought about its value. But today, the situation is completely different. Rare usernames, short usernames, and premium usernames have turned into valuable digital assets.
Short usernames, especially those that contain only 3 or 4 characters, are now extremely popular among content creators, companies, influencers, and digital businesses. A short username is easier to remember, looks more professional, and helps build a strong online identity. Because of this, many people are now willing to pay large amounts of money just to own a premium username.
This situation is very similar to domain names in the early days of the internet. Back then, people were buying short domain names for a few dollars, and today those same domains are worth thousands or even millions of dollars. Telegram usernames are now following the same trend, which is why some users consider them a long-term digital investment.
The Official Warning From the Telegram Founder
The story became much more serious when the founder of Telegram published an official message warning users about a new wave of blackmail and extortion happening inside the platform. According to the message, rare usernames, numbers, and digital gifts that were once sold for only a few dollars are now being sold for more than $100,000.
This massive price increase has attracted scammers, cybercriminals, and online extortion groups. Instead of trying to hack accounts directly, these scammers are now using psychological pressure and blackmail to force users to give up their valuable usernames or digital assets.
The founder clearly stated that some scammers are threatening users, trying to force them to transfer rare usernames. Others are creating channels that publish private information and then asking for money to remove it. In some cases, scammers even post offensive content and demand payment in exchange for deleting it.
How the New Telegram Blackmail Scam Works
This new type of scam is much more advanced than traditional scams. It does not start with a suspicious link or a fake login page. Instead, it usually starts with a simple message that looks completely normal.
For example, a scammer may contact a user and say: “I want to buy your username. I can pay a good price.” At first, the message sounds legitimate. But after a few messages, the scammer starts asking for personal information, account details, or additional contact methods.
Once the scammer collects enough information, the situation quickly turns into blackmail. The victim may receive threats such as: “If you don’t transfer the username, I will publish your private photos,” or “If you don’t pay, I will post personal information about you in public channels.”
In some cases, scammers create fake channels using the victim’s name and publish misleading or offensive content. After that, they contact the victim and demand money to delete the channel. This is one of the fastest-growing scams on Telegram in 2026.
Why Digital Gifts Are Also Becoming a Target for Scammers
Telegram has introduced several new features over the past few years, including digital gifts and premium account benefits. These features were designed to improve the user experience and make the platform more interactive. However, they also created new opportunities for scammers.
Some digital gifts have become rare and highly valuable, especially limited gifts that are no longer available. Because these gifts can be transferred between accounts, scammers are now trying to trick users into sending them valuable digital items.
In many cases, the scammer pretends to be a buyer or a collector and promises to pay a large amount of money. Once the victim sends the gift, the scammer disappears completely. Since the transfer is done inside the platform, recovering the digital item can be extremely difficult.
The Dark Side of Telegram Channels Used for Extortion
Another dangerous trend mentioned in the official warning is the use of Telegram channels for extortion. Some scammers are creating channels dedicated entirely to blackmail. They publish false accusations, private information, or harmful content about specific people and then contact the victim directly.
The message is usually very simple: “Pay us, and we will delete the posts.” Unfortunately, some users panic and pay immediately, which encourages scammers to continue this behavior.
This type of extortion is not only unethical but also illegal in many countries. The Telegram founder clearly stated that the platform will not tolerate this behavior and will remove any accounts or channels involved in blackmail.
How to Protect Your Telegram Account From These Scams
The first and most important step is awareness. If you know that your username may have real financial value, you will be much more careful when talking to strangers. Never share personal information with someone who claims to want to buy your username.
The second step is enabling two-step verification. This feature adds an extra layer of security to your Telegram account and makes it much harder for anyone to access your account without permission.
You should also avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files sent by strangers. Many scammers use malicious links to steal personal data before starting the blackmail process.
Another important step is privacy settings. Make sure that only your contacts can see your phone number and profile information. This reduces the chances of scammers collecting personal data about you.
What You Should Do If Someone Tries to Blackmail You
If someone tries to blackmail you on Telegram, the most important thing is to stay calm. Do not respond emotionally, and do not send any money. Scammers rely on fear and panic to pressure victims into making quick decisions.
Instead, take screenshots of the conversation and collect as much evidence as possible. Then report the account immediately using Telegram’s reporting tools. The platform takes blackmail and extortion very seriously, especially after the official warning from the founder.
It is also recommended to block the scammer and avoid any further communication. In most cases, scammers will move on to another target once they realize that the victim is not responding.
Are Rare Telegram Usernames a Good Investment in 2026?
Many users now believe that rare Telegram usernames are a form of digital investment. Just like domain names, rare usernames may increase in value over time, especially if the platform continues to grow.
However, this type of investment also comes with risks. The increasing value of usernames attracts scammers, which means users must be extremely careful. If you own a rare username, you should treat it like a valuable digital asset and protect it properly.
Buying and selling usernames may also involve risks related to scams and fraud. That is why users should always verify the legitimacy of any deal before making a decision.
Important Security Tips Every Telegram User Should Follow
- Never share your personal information with strangers.
- Enable two-step verification immediately.
- Do not trust users who offer to buy your username.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links.
- Report any blackmail attempt immediately.
- Never send digital gifts to unknown users.
- Protect your privacy settings inside Telegram.
The Future of Telegram Security and Digital Assets
As Telegram continues to grow, digital assets inside the platform will become even more valuable. This includes usernames, digital gifts, premium features, and large public channels. Unfortunately, this also means that scammers will continue trying to exploit users.
However, the official warning from the Telegram founder shows that the platform is aware of the problem and is actively working to protect users. By improving security systems and encouraging users to report scams, Telegram is taking serious steps to make the platform safer.
Users who stay informed and follow security best practices can avoid most of these scams. Awareness is always the strongest defense against online fraud.
Conclusion
The new blackmail scams on Telegram are very different from traditional scams. Instead of fake links and phishing pages, scammers are now targeting valuable digital assets such as rare usernames and digital gifts. This makes the problem much more serious than before.
The official warning from the Telegram founder is a clear message to all users: stay alert, protect your digital assets, and report any suspicious activity immediately. If you understand how these scams work, you can protect your account and avoid becoming a victim.