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Seems harmless, right? Maybe it’s just a wrong number. You’re polite, so you reply to let them know. That’s exactly what scammers are counting on.
This is the opening move in a sophisticated scam called Pig Butchering—where victims are emotionally “fattened up” over time and
then financially “slaughtered.” These con artists don’t rush. They build trust, sometimes even romantic connections, over weeks or months before introducing the real trap: a fake investment opportunity.
At first, the scammer just chats. They might send pictures or use fake social media accounts to appear real. Eventually, they’ll bring up how successful they’ve been investing—usually in cryptocurrency. They’ll never ask for money right away. Instead, they’ll casually talk about their “gains” until you feel comfortable and curious.
Once you’re hooked, they introduce you to a fake investment platform. Everything looks legit—graphs, profits, even small withdrawals to “prove” it works. But once you put in real money and try to cash out? Suddenly, there are mysterious fees, taxes, or penalties. Then—silence. The scammer disappears, their social profiles vanish, and your money is gone.
According to the 2023 Internet Crime Report, investment scams like this caused over $4.5 billion in losses—up 39% from the previous year. And that’s just from reported cases.
So how do you avoid getting played?
· Don’t respond to unexpected messages from strangers. Just delete them.
· Ignore urgency tactics like “limited-time” offers or “don’t miss out” pressure.
· Never share personal or financial info over text or with someone you’ve never met.
· Be skeptical of investment advice from new online “friends.”
· Talk to someone you trust before making any financial move.
· Ask your banker—they’re trained to spot scams and can help protect you.
Scammers prey on emotion, not ignorance. They exploit kindness, curiosity, and the hope of making fast money. Stay alert. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
