Online Scams

A Trusting Relationship, Then a Financial Slaughter: Understanding the “Pig Butchering” Scam A new official warning puts a name to one of the most devastating online frauds circulating today. New York State Attorney General Letitia James has issued a consumer alert about “pig butchering” scams, urging residents to be vigilant. This isn’t a niche cybercrime; it’s a sophisticated, long-con that targets everyday people on the platforms they use for socializing, dating, and investing. Understanding how it works is your first and best defense. ...

How to Spot a Pig Butchering Scam Before You Lose Money You receive a friendly message from a stranger on social media or a dating app. The conversation is pleasant, and over days or weeks, a connection grows. Eventually, your new friend mentions a fantastic, low-risk investment opportunity. This is the opening act of a “pig butchering” scam, a calculated long-term fraud that has prompted warnings from authorities like the New York State Attorney General. Understanding how these scams work is your best defense. ...