Pig-Butchering Scams
Long-con investment fraud that blends romance or friendship with a fake crypto trading platform.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
What this scam is
'Pig butchering' (sha zhu pan) is a long-running scam that combines relationship grooming with investment fraud. The scammer builds trust over weeks — as a romantic partner, friend, or mentor — then introduces a 'can't-lose' crypto or trading opportunity.
The name refers to 'fattening up' the victim with attention and small wins before taking everything.
How it works
Contact often starts with a 'wrong number' text or a dating match. The scammer is warm, consistent and patient. Eventually they mention trading success and offer to help. You deposit into a fake platform, see profits, withdraw a little, then invest more — until withdrawals stop and the fees begin.
Common red flags
- A new online contact who quickly becomes very close
- Conversation steered toward their trading success
- An exclusive platform 'only friends' can access
- Early small withdrawals that work, then escalating fees
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
Hi David, are we still on for lunch? — Oh sorry, wrong number! You seem nice though, where are you from?
My uncle works at an exchange and shares signals. I've made [amount] this month. I can help you start.
Payment methods used
- Cryptocurrency
- Bank transfer
- Stablecoins
Who is usually targeted
- Lonely or recently single people
- Professionals with savings
- Crypto-curious investors
What to do immediately
- Stop depositing and cut contact with the 'partner'
- Do not pay any tax or unlock fee
- Record everything before accounts are deleted
- Contact your bank and national fraud service
- Seek support — these scams cause deep emotional harm and shame
Evidence to preserve
- Full chat history and the contact's profile
- Platform URL/app and screenshots
- All transfers and wallet addresses
Where to report it
- Action Fraud (UK) — UK national fraud & cybercrime reporting centre
- FTC ReportFraud (US) — US Federal Trade Commission fraud reports
- FBI IC3 (US) — US Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Scamwatch (Australia) — Australian competition & consumer reporting
- Your bank's fraud line — Use the number on the back of your card or in your banking app — never a number the caller gives you
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called pig butchering?
It is a translation of the Chinese term sha zhu pan. Scammers describe 'fattening' a victim with attention and small wins before the 'slaughter' — taking as much money as possible.
Are these run by individuals?
Often not. Many are run by organised criminal operations, sometimes using trafficked and coerced workers. This is one reason the scripts are so polished and persistent.