Pig Butchering Scams on the Rise

At Conflict International, we specialise in helping individuals and organisations navigate complex and often devastating situations. The return of "pig butchering" scams, particularly across Asia, is a stark reminder of the evolving and insidious nature of financial fraud. We want our clients and community members to understand this threat and know that we are here to support victims.

What Are Pig Butchering Scams?

The name itself, "pig butchering", comes from the grim metaphor of a scammer "fattening" up their victim—the "pig"—before the final "slaughter" of their finances. This is a long-con fraud, often taking weeks or even months to execute. Unlike a quick phishing email, these scammers invest significant time into building a relationship with their targets.

The process typically unfolds in a few key stages:

1. Establishing Trust: Scammers first make contact, often through a dating app, social media platform, or even a random text message. They engage in casual, friendly conversation, slowly building a rapport. They may share details about their "successful" life and the "lucrative" investment opportunities they've found.
2. The Hook: Once the victim's trust is gained, the scammer introduces the idea of a financial opportunity, typically in cryptocurrency trading. They share fake testimonials and fabricated screenshots of their own "profits" to entice the victim.
3. The First Investment: The scammer persuades the victim to make a small, initial investment on a fake trading platform. The victim often sees a quick, verifiable return on this first investment. This small success is a powerful psychological tool, reinforcing the scammer's trustworthiness and making the victim eager to invest more.
4. The Slaughter: With the victim's confidence high, the scammer encourages larger and larger investments. The victim might even take out loans or use their life savings to fund these "trades." When the victim tries to withdraw their funds or becomes suspicious, the scammers disappear, taking all the money with them.

How We Can Help Victims

Falling victim to a scam of this nature is a deeply traumatic experience, often leaving individuals not only in financial ruin but also emotionally and psychologically scarred. At Conflict International, we understand the unique complexities of these cases.

Our team offers comprehensive support to victims of financial fraud, including pig butchering scams. We work to provide clarity and a path forward by:

• Evidence Collection and Analysis: We meticulously document every interaction, transaction, and piece of information related to the scam. This evidence is crucial for any potential legal or investigative action.
• Fund Tracing and Recovery: We utilise our expertise in blockchain analysis and cryptocurrency forensics to trace the flow of stolen funds. While recovery is never guaranteed, we work tirelessly to identify potential pathways for restitution and engage with authorities.
• Strategic Advisory: We provide expert guidance on how to report the crime to the appropriate authorities, including law enforcement and cybersecurity agencies.
• Confidential Support: We offer a secure and confidential environment for victims to share their stories without judgment. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate this crisis.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a pig butchering scam, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you get the support you need and work toward a resolution.