TLDR
Scammer contacts target on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Tinder or via a 'wrong number' SMS, builds emotional rapport over 2 6 weeks ('fattening the pig'), then introduces a fraudulent crypto trading platform showing fake gains. FBI Operation Level...
How it works
Scammer contacts target on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Tinder or via a 'wrong number' SMS, builds emotional rapport over 2 6 weeks ('fattening the pig'), then introduces a fraudulent crypto trading platform showing fake gains. FBI Operation Level...
Red flags
- Urgent pressure to click, pay, or share codes immediately.
- A link or sender that does not match the official organization.
- Requests for card data, passwords, OTPs, wallet signatures, or bank transfers.
What to do
- 1WHAT TO DO: never invest based on online relationships, verify platforms on SEC EDGAR, refuse to move chat off platform.
Source
FBI-IC3
Source reviewed by Mythos Forensic Team
https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2024_IC3Report.pdfFAQ
Is Pig butchering (Sha Zhu Pan) — crypto romance investment fraud a real scam pattern?
Yes. Treat the message, call, or payment request as suspicious until you verify it through an official channel.
What are the first warning signs?
Urgent pressure to click, pay, or share codes immediately.; A link or sender that does not match the official organization.; Requests for card data, passwords, OTPs, wallet signatures, or bank transfers.
What should I do first?
WHAT TO DO: never invest based on online relationships, verify platforms on SEC EDGAR, refuse to move chat off platform.
Can LegalAudit check my case?
Yes. Start a free chat and paste the message, link, sender, or payment details for triage.