How to Spot and Avoid “Pig Butchering” Scams: A Practical Guide

If you’ve received an unexpected text from a wrong number or a friend request from a stranger who quickly turns flirtatious, you might be the target of what authorities now call a “pig butchering” scam. The New York State Attorney General recently issued a consumer alert about this growing fraud, and the tactics are worth understanding because the losses can be severe.

What the Attorney General’s Warning Says

In February 2026, New York Attorney General Letitia James published a warning about “pig butchering” scams—a type of fraud that combines social engineering with fake cryptocurrency investments. The term comes from the idea of fattening a pig before slaughter: scammers take time to build trust with victims before draining their money.

The alert notes that scammers typically initiate contact through social media, dating apps, or unsolicited text messages. They pose as romantic interests, business contacts, or even accidental wrong-number texts. Over days or weeks, they develop a relationship. Eventually, they introduce an investment opportunity—usually in cryptocurrency—and provide a link to what appears to be a legitimate trading platform. In reality, the platform is controlled by the scammers. They show falsified profits to encourage larger deposits. When victims try to withdraw, they are blocked or asked for additional fees. Ultimately, the money is gone.

“These scammers are sophisticated, patient, and skilled at manipulation,” the Attorney General’s office stated.

Why This Matters

This is not a fringe crime. According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scam losses surpassed $1.1 billion in 2023 alone, and cryptocurrency is a common payment method because it is hard to trace. The “pig butchering” variant is particularly destructive because it preys on both emotional trust and financial hopes.

The New York alert underscores that these scams are not limited to a single state—they are nationwide and often originate overseas. Because victims may feel embarrassed or blame themselves, many cases go unreported. The Attorney General’s warning aims to demystify the scam so more people can recognize it early.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

Here are concrete steps to avoid falling into a pig butchering scheme:

Recognize the Red Flags

  • Unsolicited messages: If a stranger contacts you out of nowhere—especially a “wrong number” text—be suspicious.
  • Rapid affection or intimacy: Scammers often profess strong feelings quickly to bypass your defenses.
  • Talk of exclusive investment opportunities: Any suggestion to invest in cryptocurrency, forex, or commodities through a platform they recommend is a major warning sign.
  • Pressure to act fast: Scammers create urgency to stop you from thinking critically or consulting others.
  • Strange payment methods: Cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers are preferred because they are hard to reverse.
  • Fake trading platforms: The app or website may look professional, but check the URL, domain registration date, and online reviews. Real trading platforms do not block withdrawals without explanation.

Protect Yourself in Practice

  1. Verify identities: If you meet someone online, do a reverse image search of their photos. Scammers often use stolen images.
  2. Keep conversations on the platform: If someone pressures you to move to a private messaging app (like WhatsApp or Telegram) very early, that’s a tactic to avoid detection.
  3. Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person—especially cryptocurrency.
  4. Consult a trusted friend or family member before making any investment suggested by an online contact.
  5. Beware of “pig butchering” within legitimate dating apps: Even paid apps can host scammers. Trust your instincts if something feels off.

If You Suspect You’ve Been Targeted

  • Stop all communication with the person.
  • Do not send any more money. If you’ve already sent cryptocurrency, it is extremely difficult to recover, but you should still act quickly.
  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov/complaint) and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov).
  • Notify your bank or credit card company if you used traditional payment methods.
  • File a report with your state Attorney General’s office (the New York alert provides a hotline: 1-800-771-7755).
  • Secure your online accounts—change passwords and enable two-factor authentication.

Remember: scammers often circle back, posing as recovery services offering to get your money back for a fee. That is another fraud. Do not engage.

Sources

  • New York State Attorney General. “Consumer Alert: Attorney General James Warns New Yorkers About ‘Pig Butchering’ Scams.” February 17, 2026. [Official press release]
  • Federal Trade Commission. “Reports of Romance Scams Reach Record High.” February 2024. [ftc.gov]
  • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). “2023 Internet Crime Report.” [ic3.gov]

Stay alert. Scammers count on you being too polite or too trusting to question a stranger. A healthy dose of skepticism is your best defense.