Pig Butchering Scam

The name, from a Chinese phrase, refers to fattening a pig before slaughter. The contact usually begins with a wrong-number message or a social media match, and builds into daily chat over weeks. The scammer then mentions success with crypto or foreign exchange trading and invites the victim to try a small amount on a polished website or app. Early gains appear on screen and small withdrawals are allowed, which builds confidence. Larger deposits follow. When the victim tries to withdraw, fees and taxes are demanded, and then the contact vanishes. The operators are frequently organised groups working from scam compounds, some using trafficked labour. Funds move quickly through crypto and mule accounts. A bank that phones the customer before the next large transfer can sometimes break the spell, since the scammer's script discourages outside advice.

A woman receives a friendly message from a stranger, and they chat daily for six weeks. He shows her profits from an app and she deposits 500, then 5,000, then 40,000 of her savings. The app displays large gains. When she asks to withdraw, it demands a 20% tax payment first. Her bank, noticing the sudden transfers to a crypto exchange, contacts her before the final payment.