Pig Butchering Scams and Older Adults

How Today’s Most Dangerous Fraud Targets Trust, Savings, and Independence

Pig butchering scams are one of the fastest-growing forms of financial exploitation impacting older adults in Texas and across the country. These scams combine relationship-building, fake investments, and sophisticated technology to drain retirement savings and leave lasting emotional damage.

In this one-hour webinar, Erin West explains how pig butchering scams work, why older adults are increasingly targeted, and the warning signs that families, advocates, and service providers need to recognize early. Drawing on real cases, this session will also cover what to do when someone is at risk, how to respond after a loss, and where current systems fail older victims—so advocates can better protect dignity, independence, and financial security. Erin will touch on the role of organized scam operations, including scam compounds, while keeping the focus on how this impacts older adults and what families and advocates can do.

Presenter: Erin West is a globally recognized speaker and educator leading the fight against transnational organized crime, with a relentless focus on disrupting scam networks and protecting victims. As the founder of Operation Shamrock, Erin has built a powerful coalition uniting law enforcement, private industry, and global stakeholders to combat scams linked to transnational organized crime.