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Hey there, friend!

If you have ever got a random “Hey, sorry wrong number!” text from someone who then starts chatting like an old friend, or matched with a charming stranger on a dating app who quickly wants to talk investments, you might have brushed shoulders with a pig butchering scam.

We talk to a lot of people every week who are worried about online safety.

This particular scam is one of the sneakiest and fastest-growing threats right now, so we decided to put together this simple, no-jargon guide just for you.

Let us walk through everything step by step, like we are chatting over chai.

What Exactly Is A Pig Butchering Scam?

Imagine a farmer who carefully feeds and cares for a pig to make it nice and fat, only to slaughter it later for profit.

That is where the name comes from (it is called “sha zhu pan” in Chinese).

Scammers “fatten you up” with weeks or months of friendly, romantic, or caring conversation.

Once you trust them completely, they “butcher” you by convincing you to send money into a fake investment scheme, usually involving cryptocurrency.

It is not a quick hit-and-run.

It is a long, patient con that plays with your emotions and hope for easy money.

How These Scams Usually Unfold (The Classic Playbook)

Here is the typical journey, super easy to spot once you know the steps:

The random hello – You get a text, Instagram DM, or Tinder match that feels accidental or friendly.
Building the bond – They chat every day, share “personal” stories, flirt, laugh at your jokes, and make you feel special.
Moving off the app – They ask to switch to WhatsApp or Telegram “because it is more private.”
The money hook – They casually mention how they made great returns trading crypto or stocks and offer to “help” you do the same.
Small wins first – You send a tiny test amount. The fake app shows profit and even lets you withdraw a little.
The big push – They encourage bigger investments. When you are all-in, the app “glitches,” shows losses, or blocks withdrawals. They disappear.

Many victims describe it as “talking to my best friend every day for three months, then losing my life savings.”

The Numbers Are Eye-Opening (2025–2026 Update)

Global crypto fraud schemes received around $35 billion in 2025 alone.
In the US, investment-related losses jumped sharply, with pig butchering accounting for a major share.
One major operation (the Prince Group in Cambodia) was linked to tens of billions of dollars moved through scam networks.
Closer to home in India, the Karnataka Cyber Command recently dismantled a mule account network tied to these scams, worth ₹85 crore (Dec 2025–Feb 2026).

These are no longer small-time crooks; they operate like professional companies, often using forced labour in scam compounds in Southeast Asia.

Moreover, yes, AI is making them sound even more real.

Red Flags You Should Never Ignore

If even one of these rings a bell, stop all contact immediately.

Red Flag	Why It’s Suspicious	What You Should Do Instead
Random “wrong number” text that turns flirty or financial fast	Normal people don’t invest with strangers	Politely say “wrong number” and block
Quickly wants to move to WhatsApp/Telegram	Easier for them to avoid platform detection	Stay on the original app and report
Shows “proof” of profits with screenshots	Easy to fake	Never invest based on someone’s word
Pushes urgency (“This deal ends tomorrow!”)	Creates panic, so you skip thinking	Take 24 hours and talk to a trusted friend
Avoids video calls or has excuses	Hiding identity	Insist on a live video call
A fake trading website that only they control	You can’t check it independently	Google the exact site name + “scam”

Real Stories (Names Changed For Privacy)

A 62-year-old retired teacher in Mumbai chatted with “Rahul from Dubai” for 2 months, who seemed perfect. She ended up sending ₹28 lakh before realising it was all fake.
A software engineer in Bengaluru lost ₹42 lakh after a “wrong number” text led to a fake crypto platform. His family only found out when the bank called.

These are not “greedy” people; they are kind, trusting humans who got played by experts.

Simple Steps To Protect Yourself Today

Never send money or crypto to anyone you have only met online.
Use only official apps and exchanges, never links sent by strangers.
Talk to a real friend or family member before any big financial move.
Enable two-factor authentication everywhere.
If it sounds too good to be true (guaranteed high returns with zero risk), it almost always is.

Pro tip from our team: Save the Indian Cyber Crime Helpline number 1930 in your phone right now. One call can freeze accounts and sometimes recover funds if you act fast.

Interesting Trivia

Did you know the scam got its name in China around 2019? Scammers literally call their victim lists “pig pens”, and the moment they start asking for money is “butchering day.” Moreover, in 2025, authorities seized over $15 billion in crypto from just one major network – showing how massive these operations have become.

Final Thoughts From The THOUSIF Team

Look, we all want connection and a little extra financial security in life. That is completely normal.

However, the internet is full of people who want to take advantage of that hope.

The good news? Once you know the pattern, these scams lose almost all their power.

Stay kind, stay curious, but stay sharp.

If this article helped you (or someone you love), please share it.

Moreover, swing by our other posts at THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA, we have got simple guides on everything from spotting fake apps to protecting your UPI and family photos online.

You have got this. Stay safe out there, and here is to a scam-free 2026!

Warm hugs from Bengaluru, The Team at THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA

(We are a small bunch of tech folks who genuinely care about making the digital world safer for regular people like us.)