“This is immoral”: Durov responds to rising extortion schemes over Telegram gifts and usernames

Tengrinews.kz – Telegram founder Pavel Durov has issued a strong statement amid a surge in extortion attempts targeting users’ collectible gifts, phone numbers, and usernames on the messaging platform.
Telegram allows users to buy and trade unique usernames, virtual phone numbers, and digital gifts. Some gifts can be upgraded to a collectible status, giving them a distinct appearance and enabling resale on NFT marketplaces.
According to Durov, scammers have begun abusing this system.

“Rare Telegram gifts, numbers, and usernames — once bought for just a few dollars — can now sell for over $100,000. But this surge in value has a dark side.We’re seeing scammers blackmail users, trying to force them into handing over these valuable collectibles,” Durov wrote on his Telegram channel.

He added that the platform has received reports of channels threatening to leak users’ private or sensitive information unless they pay money.

“ There are also reports of channels extorting money by threatening to leak personal information or sensitive data. Some have even turned this into a business model — publishing damaging posts and charging for their removal. This is both illegal and immoral, and it won’t fly with us,” he stressed.

Durov encouraged anyone who has faced threats or blackmail to message him directly with as much evidence as possible.

“We’ll remove these bad actors from our platform and keep Telegram a safe place for everyone,” he promised.