High Threat Level

What is the Pig Butchering Scam?

Also known as Sha Zhu Pan, this scam involves building a long-term relationship with a victim before convincing them to invest in a fake cryptocurrency platform. The name comes from the practice of "fattening up" a pig before slaughter.

Warning Signs

  • Strangers contacting you via "wrong number" texts.
  • Quickly moving the conversation to WhatsApp or Telegram.
  • Mentions of high returns from cryptocurrency investments.
  • Refusal to video chat or meet in person.

How It Works

The scam typically plays out over weeks or even months. It is psychologically manipulative and designed to lower your defenses.

  1. The Contact: You receive a text message from a stranger, often appearing to be a mistake (e.g., "Hi Jenny, are we still on for lunch?"). When you reply that they have the wrong number, they strike up a polite conversation.
  2. The Grooming: They continue to message you, sharing photos of their (fake) lavish lifestyle, food, or pets. They build a friendship or romantic connection.
  3. The Pivot: Eventually, they mention they've been making a lot of money trading cryptocurrency. They offer to show you how to do it.
  4. The Trap: They direct you to a website or app that looks like a legitimate trading platform. It is entirely controlled by the scammers. You may start with a small amount, and the platform will show you making a profit. They might even let you withdraw a small amount to build trust.
  5. The Slaughter: Convinced it's real, you invest larger sums—retirement savings, loans, etc. When you try to withdraw your money, the platform claims you need to pay "taxes" or "fees." No matter what you pay, the money is gone.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Ignore wrong numbers: If you get a text from a stranger, don't reply. Just delete it.
  • Be skeptical of investment advice: Never take financial advice from someone you met online and haven't met in person.
  • Verify the platform: Check if the crypto exchange is registered with regulators. Check the domain age using "Whois" tools—if the site was created last month, it's a scam.
  • Don't leave the app: Scammers want to move you to encrypted apps like WhatsApp or Telegram to avoid detection.

If You've Been Scammed

If you believe you are a victim of this scam, act immediately:

  • Stop all contact: Do not pay any more money. "Taxes" or "fees" are just ways to steal more.
  • Report it: File a report with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
  • Contact your bank: If you sent money via bank transfer, alert them immediately.
  • Beware of Recovery Scammers: You may be targeted by people claiming they can "hack" the scammers to get your money back for a fee. These are also scams.