What’s a “Pig Butchering” Crypto Scam?
Yep, the name is weird. But pig butchering scams are becoming super common, especially in the world of crypto. And no, it has nothing to do with actual pigs.
So, what is it?
Pig butchering scams usually start with a friendly, random message—something like:
“Hey! I think we met at that event last month?” or “Oops, wrong number!”
They seem nice, right? They’ll casually keep the conversation going, slowly building trust over days or even weeks. Then, once they’ve “fattened you up” (hence the name), they introduce you to a “can’t-miss” investment opportunity—usually in crypto.
They’ll show you fake profits, encourage you to deposit more money, and make it look like you’re earning big. But when you try to cash out? Suddenly, your funds are frozen, and they disappear.
How to protect yourself:
- Be super cautious of random messages from strangers, especially if they quickly start talking about money or investing.
- Never send money or share financial info with someone you’ve only met online.
- If it sounds too good to be true… you know the rest.
- Stick to reputable platforms and do your own research before making any investments.
The bottom line:
These scams work because they don’t feel like scams at first. They feel like making a new friend, or even a potential relationship. But if someone you barely know is hyping up crypto profits or pressuring you to invest—it’s time to walk away.
Stay smart. Stay skeptical. And keep your crypto safe.