Ashley Rowan

October 3rd, 2023

Share:

The term "pig butchering scam" (also known as "slaughter pig scam") originates from China and refers to a type of online romance scam. The name is metaphorical and denotes the process of fattening a pig (the victim) before slaughtering it.

How the Pig Butchering Scam Works

Here's how the scam typically works:

1. Initial Contact: Scammers create fake profiles on social media platforms or dating apps. These profiles are often complete with stolen photos of attractive individuals. The scammer then initiates contact with potential victims.
2. Building Trust: Over a period of weeks or even months, the scammer builds a romantic relationship with the victim. They might share fabricated personal stories, send gifts, or make empty promises to lure the victim into a false sense of security.
3. Emergencies and Money Requests: Once the scammer feels the victim is emotionally invested in the relationship, they begin to fabricate emergencies or financial hardships. They might claim they need money for a medical emergency, to pay debts, or to travel to meet the victim. Trusting the scammer, the victim often sends money.
4. Increasing Demands: The requests for money often start small but then increase in frequency and amount. The scammer might also encourage the victim to make investments or engage in other financial activities that benefit the scammer.
5. Financial Viability: Once the scammer feels they've extracted as much money as possible from the victim, they disappear. In some cases, they might even threaten the victim with exposure or harm if they don't send more money.