This isn’t the Nigerian prince who needs help cashing in his inheritance. This is far more devastating and has likely targeted someone you know.

A pig butchering scam consists of three stages: finding victims online, talking with them to build trust, and then getting them to invest large amounts of money in fraudulent schemes.

Victims of pig butchering scams often experience long-term emotional stress, leading to isolation and physical symptoms.

“They were relentless.” Scammers steal more than $4 million from an elderly victim.

A young man enrolls in an online school he found on social media, only to have scammers steal his money and self-confidence.

“It feels like a nightmare I can’t wake out of. When this thing comes up, he just starts growling and turns into a different person.”

In pig butchering, scammers follow a specific process that uses social engineering, psychological manipulation, and investment fraud.

“I have to keep telling myself that I’m a victim, and I didn’t do anything wrong.” Once he had charmed her, he stole nearly $1 million.