TL;DR: A pig butchering scam is a long-con investment fraud where a scammer builds a fake relationship over weeks or months before convincing the victim to invest in a fraudulent platform, usually crypto. Never invest based on a relationship built entirely online, verify any platform is a registered broker before depositing money, and be suspicious of consistently high returns with no risk.
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A pig butchering scam is a long-con investment fraud where a scammer builds a fake relationship over weeks or months before convincing the victim to invest in a fraudulent platform, usually crypto.
How Pig Butchering Scams Works
Scammers make initial contact (often a "wrong number" text or dating app match), build trust and rapport over time, then introduce a lucrative-seeming investment opportunity on a platform they control. Early small withdrawals build confidence before the victim is convinced to invest much larger sums, which are then unrecoverable.
Warning Signs to Watch For
An unsolicited contact that turns into a fast-building relationship, talk of trading or investment "expertise," a platform you've never heard of showing suspiciously consistent gains, and resistance to video calls or meeting in person.
How to Protect Yourself
Never invest based on a relationship built entirely online, verify any platform is a registered broker before depositing money, and be suspicious of consistently high returns with no risk.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading What Is Pretexting? How It Works and How to Protect Yourself.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see What Is Puppy Scams? How It Works and How to Protect Yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pig Butchering Scams?
A pig butchering scam is a long-con investment fraud where a scammer builds a fake relationship over weeks or months before convincing the victim to invest in a fraudulent platform, usually crypto.
How does Pig Butchering Scams typically work?
Scammers make initial contact (often a "wrong number" text or dating app match), build trust and rapport over time, then introduce a lucrative-seeming investment opportunity on a platform they control. Early small withdrawals build confidence before the victim is convinced to invest much larger sums, which are then unrecoverable.
What are the warning signs of Pig Butchering Scams?
An unsolicited contact that turns into a fast-building relationship, talk of trading or investment "expertise," a platform you've never heard of showing suspiciously consistent gains, and resistance to video calls or meeting in person.
How can I protect myself from Pig Butchering Scams?
Never invest based on a relationship built entirely online, verify any platform is a registered broker before depositing money, and be suspicious of consistently high returns with no risk.
What should I do if I think I’ve encountered Pig Butchering Scams?
Stop responding immediately, do not click any links or share information, and report it to the appropriate authority. If money or personal information was already shared, act quickly to secure your accounts and report the incident.