Who doesn't desire a better life? This is the driving force behind the scammers in the realm of "Pig Butchering" on social media, eagerly seeking their next victim to lure in by becoming the partner they've always dreamed of or the sibling they never had, only to swiftly shift the narrative towards investments.
In another unfortunate turn in the world of blockchain in #China individuals attempting to seek legal assistance after initially being defrauded fall once again into the clutches of fake lawyers.
In a recent situation, an individual suffered a loss of $70,000 by trusting a fake lawyer, after previously being scammed with $100,000 in a fraud related to pig butchering.
What's pig butchering? Let's check it!
It all begins with an innocent message via WhatsApp or some social media platform, with lines like "Hey, I have you in my contact list, seems like we've met somewhere" or a supposed mistake "Oops, sorry, wrong number" or through dating apps like Tinder where they lure targets in with attractive photos.
They make it seem normal, and once they engage in conversation, they start talking about life, interests, etc. The conversations become commonplace, always through instant messaging. They never speak on the phone.
Victims are patiently groomed over weeks. They present themselves, for example, as that person who gives you the support you've been seeking. "This is how they earn your trust to ultimately manipulate it against you. It all involves a great deal of emotional manipulation," explains Grace Yuen from the international organization fighting against these scams, Gaso.
Once a strong bond of trust is established, the scammers don't directly ask for money. Instead, they introduce victims to a fake investment website or app where victims feel secure depositing funds.
