New York

How to Spot and Avoid ‘Pig Butchering’ Investment Scams If you receive an unsolicited message from a stranger who seems charming, quickly turns the conversation toward investing, and pushes you to put money into a cryptocurrency platform you’ve never heard of, you might be in the crosshairs of a “pig butchering” scam. On February 17, 2026, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert specifically warning residents about this growing fraud. Here is what you need to know to recognize it, avoid it, and act if you or someone you know has been targeted. ...

Pig Butchering Scams: Warning from New York Attorney General and How to Protect Yourself If you have received an unsolicited message from a stranger who later suggests you invest in cryptocurrency, you may be the target of a “pig butchering” scam. The term comes from the practice of fattening a pig before slaughter—here, scammers spend weeks or months building a relationship with you, gain your trust, and then convince you to pour money into a fake investment platform. Once you deposit enough, they disappear with everything. ...