What is pig butchering scam?
Definition
A pig butchering scam is a long con in which a scammer builds trust over weeks, then steers the victim into a fake crypto investment platform and takes the deposits.
The pattern usually starts with a wrong-number text, a dating app match or a friendly message in a trading group. The scammer shows early "profits" on a fake platform, encourages larger deposits, then blocks withdrawals with invented fees or taxes.
Victims are often thoughtful, capable adults. The defense is verification: be wary of unsolicited contact about investments, never deposit on a platform someone else chose for you, and treat withdrawal fees as a red flag.
Crypto Renegades never messages people first with investment offers and never asks anyone to deposit funds with us. See our verification page.
Related terms
General education only. Not financial advice.