High riskCrypto & Investment

Pig Butchering Scam

In this scam, someone builds a friendship or romance over weeks, often after a wrong-number text or dating app, then steers you into a fake crypto platform that shows fake gains before the money disappears.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Long-con investment scam
Main red flag
A new online friend or partner gradually introduces a 'can't-miss' crypto investment on a platform they recommend.
What to do first
Stop sending money and do not invest more. Be cautious of any investment introduced by someone you have only met online.

What to know first

In this scam, someone builds a friendship or romance over weeks, often after a wrong-number text or dating app, then steers you into a fake crypto platform that shows fake gains before the money disappears.

Crypto and investment scams promise high or guaranteed returns with little risk, usually through fake platforms that display staged gains. Small test withdrawals build trust before you are pushed to invest more, then blocked from withdrawing behind endless "fees" and "taxes".

The core pattern to watch for is clear: A new online friend or partner gradually introduces a 'can't-miss' crypto investment on a platform they recommend. Stop sending money and do not invest more. Be cautious of any investment introduced by someone you have only met online.

Related tricks worth knowing: the Crypto Investment Scam and the Romance Scam DM. For the wider picture, browse the Crypto & Investment Scams guides or run the message through our scam checker.

Scam statistics

$4.6B
reported lost to investment scams in the US in 2023, the top fraud category by losses
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
$1B+
in cryptocurrency reported lost to scams between 2021 and mid-2022
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

Tell-tale red flags

  • A new contact from a wrong-number text or dating app who quickly becomes very close
  • Conversation that gradually shifts towards crypto or trading 'tips'
  • An investment platform you were told about rather than found yourself
  • Early small withdrawals that work, encouraging you to invest much more
  • Pressure or emotional appeals when you hesitate or try to withdraw

Staying safe

  • Stop sending money and do not invest more, even if shown big 'gains'
  • Be cautious of any investment introduced by someone met online
  • Try to withdraw a larger amount and watch for new fees or excuses
  • Talk to someone you trust before making any further decisions

How it usually reads

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'I'm so glad we connected! My uncle taught me a trading method that's been very good to me. I can guide you step by step on this platform and we can grow our future together: [unfamiliar link]'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

What to notice: A new online friend or partner gradually introduces a 'can't-miss' crypto investment on a platform they recommend.

Steps if you already acted

  • Stop all further transfers immediately
  • Contact your bank or crypto exchange to report the transactions
  • Save all chats, screenshots, and platform details as evidence
  • Report it to your national fraud authority and the dating or messaging platform

Common mistakes

  • Do not pay 'taxes' or 'fees' to release your supposed profits
  • Do not send more money to recover what you have lost
  • Do not share wallet keys, logins, or verification codes

Scams like this one

High risk Crypto & Investment

Crypto Investment Scam

This scam promises high or guaranteed crypto returns through a fake platform, shows paper profits to encourage bigger deposits, then blocks withdrawals.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Social Media

Romance Scam DM

This scam builds an online romantic relationship through messages, then invents an emergency or investment to ask for money, while always avoiding meeting in person.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Text Message

Wrong Number Text Scam

This scam starts with a friendly 'wrong number' text, builds a casual conversation over time, and eventually steers you toward a fake investment.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Your questions answered

Why is it called pig butchering?
The term describes how scammers 'fatten up' trust and investment over time before taking everything at once. It often starts with friendly chat and ends with a fake platform that traps your money.
The platform shows my profits growing, so isn't it real?
Fake platforms are designed to display growing balances and may even allow small early withdrawals. These are tactics to build confidence so you invest much larger sums.
Why can't I withdraw my money now?
Being told you must pay 'taxes' or 'fees' before withdrawing is a common warning sign. Genuine platforms do not require new upfront payments to release your own funds.
What should I do if I think I am being targeted?
Stop investing, keep all messages, and report it to your bank, crypto exchange, and national fraud authority. Speaking to someone you trust can help you step back.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.