Beware of Pig Butchering Scams!!

Last Week Tonight recently did a segment Pig Butchering Scams. They mentioned that one thing everyone could do to help is to simply talk about it and let people know about the dangers - so I thought I would make a quick video.

It’s called a Pig Butchering Scam because it refers to raising little piglets, fattening them up, and butchering them. They're fattening up their victim with illusions of grandeur of wealth or love before bleeding them dry.

Basically, Pig Butchering Scams generally start with something innocent like a text that is a wrong number, and then they gradually try to build a relationship until they can eventually take advantage of you. 

Much of the time, the people behind the scheme are organized crime in China.

They generally will do it without asking you directly to give them money. A lot of the time it involves using what appears a legitimate app found on an app store with good reviews, where you think you're investing your own money.

Americans have lost billions.

The scam could start with a text, or by making contact on dating apps, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and other places designed to help you meet people you don’t know.

I won’t go into too much detail, instead I will put the link to the Last Week Tonight Video in the comments. It’s very informative and entertaining as well.

Instead, I have a habit of taking screens shots of some of the strange, anonymous texts I receive, that I just delete without opening. If you get the same, you can be on guard.

Texts I’ve gotten:

Have you forgotten me? I’m Hannah

Your facebook account is scheduled for permanent deletion

Hello

Are you at home?

UPS package has arrived at the warehouse but could not be delivered due to incomplete information

Frm: Apple ID; Subj: Your account has been locked

No message - just a picture of a camera emoji

IRS Government

Link to Last Week Tonight: https://youtu.be/pLPpl2ISKTg?si=KYJv6pfGYC0F5I8d