Telegram messaging app was fastest growing source of fraud in 2025, Revolut says

"The rapid rise of scams stemming from Telegram shows how quickly criminal tactics adapt. Revolut is processing billions of data points to stay ahead, but the digital ecosystem is only as strong as its weakest link. We need social media companies to step up. Protecting users must be a shared priority across the entire industry, including the platforms where these scams are born."

"While consumers may believe platforms like Telegram are secure, as they are encrypted, the encryption is used as a tool by fraudsters to operate out of sight. Fraud originating from Telegram accounted for a fifth of all reported scams globally, with fraud cases in Ireland from Telegram rising by 135pc in 2025."

"Meta platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, accounted for more than half of all scams reported to Revolut in Ireland. Most of the reported cases were for purchase scams, where a buyer is tricked into paying for a good or service that is fake, non-existent or never intended to be sent."

Revolut's security report reveals Telegram as the fastest-growing source of authorised push payment fraud, with cases in Ireland rising 135% in 2025 and representing one-fifth of global scams. APP scams trick users into voluntarily sending money to fraudulent accounts. Telegram's encryption enables criminals to operate undetected. Meta platforms account for over half of Ireland's reported scams. Purchase scams dominate at 76% of fraud cases, while job scams tripled globally and comprise 22% of incidents. TikTok fraud cases increased sixfold year-over-year, though remaining relatively lower than other platforms. Industry experts emphasize social media companies must strengthen security measures as shared responsibility across the digital ecosystem.

Read at Irish Independent