Online and offline dating scams have surged in recent years, targeting individuals looking for companionship. These scams often involve emotional manipulation, false identities, and financial exploitation. Below is a list of the top 20 dating fraud scams to watch out for:
In the context of cyber crime, “pig butchering” is a term used to describe a form of elaborate online scam where victims are “fattened up” with fake relationships, trust-building, and promises of financial success before being financially exploited. The term is derived from the analogy of “fattening the pig before slaughter” and is associated with investment and cryptocurrency scams.
The scam often begins with an unsolicited message through social media, dating apps, or even
a misdirected text that appears to be sent in error. Scammers may pretend to be friendly strangers or potential romantic partners.
Over weeks or months, the scammer cultivates a relationship with the victim, using tactics such as shared interests, empathy, and frequent communication. They may send photos, create a convincing persona, and appear genuinely invested in the victim’s life.
Once trust is established, the scammer introduces the victim to a supposedly lucrative investment opportunity, often related to cryptocurrency or foreign exchange trading. They may show fake screenshots of profits or testimonials to build credibility.
Victims are persuaded to deposit money into fraudulent investment platforms controlled by the scammer. Initially, they may see fake returns, which encourage further investments.
When the victim tries to withdraw their funds or stops investing, the scammer either
disappears or demands additional fees for “unlocking” the funds. By this point, the victim’s savings may be entirely depleted.
Be wary of random messages from strangers, especially if they quickly steer the conversation toward finances or investments.
Promises of high returns with little or no risk are a hallmark of investment fraud.
Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prevent victims from seeking advice or doing research.