Pig Butchering and Dating Scams

Pig butchering, also known as “Sha Zhu Pan” in Chinese, is a sophisticated scam where fraudsters groom their victims over time, much like “fattening a pig for slaughter.” The scam begins with building trust and a personal connection, often through dating apps, social media, or messaging platforms. Once trust is established, the scammer manipulates the victim into making significant financial investments in fraudulent schemes.

• Establishing Contact:Scammers initiate communication via dating apps, social media, or messaging platforms.
• Building Trust: Over weeks or months, the fraudster develops a personal and emotional connection with the victim
• Introducing Investments: The scammer introduces a “once-in-a-lifetime” investment opportunity, often involving cryptocurrency, stock trading, or other financial schemes.
• Encouraging Investment: Victims are manipulated into investing significant amounts of money, often through fake trading platforms.
• The Exit:Once the victim has invested all they can, the scammer disappears, leaving the victim with significant financial losses.

Dating scams often overlap with pig butchering but are generally less focused on investment schemes. These scams involve creating fake romantic relationships to manipulate victims into giving money or personal information.

• Fake Profiles:Scammers use stolen photos and fabricated personas to appear attractive and trustworthy.
• Emotional Manipulation:They play on the victim’s emotions, claiming to face emergencies, such as medical crises or travel issues.
• Requests for Money:After establishing a relationship, the scammer asks for financial help, often in the form of wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
• Isolation:Scammers may discourage victims from sharing details about the relationship with friends or family, creating a sense of secrecy.

• Rapid Emotional Intensity:Scammers often express love or deep affection unusually quickly.
• Reluctance to Meet:The scammer avoids video calls or in-person meetings.
• Financial Requests:Any request for money, especially early in the relationship, is a major warning sign.
• Unverifiable Stories: Claims that seem inconsistent or overly dramatic, such as being stranded overseas or having urgent medical expenses