Pig butchering: كيف يعمل وعلامات التحذير وماذا تفعل
Investment scams · alto
It often begins with a "wrong number" text on WhatsApp or SMS, or a match on a dating app or social network. The scammer, using photos of an attractive, successful person, chats daily, builds intimacy and only later casually mentions making money in crypto, gold or forex.
The victim is invited to open an account on a professional-looking "exchange" or app. Early deposits show high returns and a small withdrawal may even be allowed, which builds trust. The "partner" pushes for ever-larger deposits.
When the victim tries to withdraw everything, "taxes", "release fees" or "anti-money-laundering fines" must be paid first. Eventually the account is frozen and the contact vanishes. Many of these operations are run from scam compounds in Southeast Asia, which the FATF listed among its current presidency's priorities.
In the US, crypto investment fraud accounted for US$ 7.2 billion in losses reported to the FBI IC3 in 2025, within US$ 8.65 billion in total investment fraud.
Sinais / Signs
- A stranger who keeps chatting after a "wrong number" text and quickly moves you to WhatsApp or Telegram
- They never take a live video call or always have an excuse not to meet
- Romantic chat that drifts into high, "guaranteed" investment tips
- A platform they recommend that is outside official app stores or not registered with a regulator (SEC, CVM)
- Being told to pay a tax or fee before you can withdraw
- Pressure not to tell family or your bank
Prevenção / Prevention
- Never invest on the advice of someone you only know online
- Check whether the platform is registered with the SEC/FINRA (US) or authorized by CVM and the Central Bank (Brazil)
- Download financial apps only from official stores and type website addresses yourself
- Run a reverse image search on profile photos
- Talk to someone you trust before any significant deposit
- Be skeptical of any high, steady, risk-free returns
O que fazer / What to do
- Stop sending money right away, including for "withdrawal fees"
- Save chat screenshots, wallet addresses, transaction hashes and the site/app
- Notify your bank or the exchange the funds left from
- In the US, report to IC3 and the FTC; in Brazil, file a police report and notify your bank
- Beware of "recovery services" charging upfront: it is usually a second scam
FAQ
Why is it called "pig butchering"?
The name comes from a Chinese expression: the scammer "fattens" the victim with attention and fake profits for weeks before the "slaughter", when all the money is taken.
If I managed to withdraw a little, is the platform real?
Not necessarily. Allowing a small withdrawal is a common tactic to build trust and encourage bigger deposits.
Can the money be recovered?
It is hard, but reporting quickly improves the chance of funds being frozen at exchanges. Never pay anyone promising guaranteed recovery.
FBI IC3 - Internet Crime Complaint Center · FTC - ReportFraud · FBI IC3 2025 Internet Crime Report (PDF) · FATF - Outcomes June 2026 plenary · Consumidor.gov.br