Is Pig Butchering Scam Legit or a Scam?

Long-con romance-style scam that slowly builds trust before steering victims to fake crypto platforms. Here's what you need to know.

Last Updated: February 3, 2026

Our Assessment

Likely Scam

Messages matching this pattern are almost always fraudulent.

Check Your Message - Free & Private

Received a suspicious pig butchering scam message? Paste it into our AI-powered checker for instant analysis. No data is stored - your privacy is protected.

Check Now

Common Examples of Pig Butchering Scam Scams

Hi, I think I have the wrong number — I'm so sorry! My name is Mei. What do you do?

I've been using this crypto platform my uncle recommended. My portfolio is up 400% this month.

I can show you how to use the platform. Just deposit a small amount to start — I'll guide you.

Why Am I Receiving This?

The FBI IC3 reported that 'pig butchering' (sha zhu pan) investment scams accounted for billions in losses in 2023 alone. Victims are groomed over weeks or months through romantic conversation before being introduced to a fraudulent investment platform. Withdrawals are blocked, and victims are pressured to deposit more.

What To Do Next

Be suspicious of strangers who contact you 'by accident' and quickly become friendly
Any romantic contact that leads to investment advice is almost certainly a pig butchering scam
Never invest on a platform recommended by someone you met online
Report to the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

How to Spot a Pig Butchering Scam Scam

Look for these common red flags:

Urgent language demanding immediate action
Requests for personal information, passwords, or payment
Suspicious links or misspelled domain names
Threats of account suspension or legal action
Unexpected messages claiming problems with accounts you may not have

When in doubt, never click links in unexpected messages. Instead, go directly to the official website by typing the address yourself, or contact the company through their verified customer service channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the Pig Butchering Scam scam detector?

Our AI analyzes multiple indicators and provides a confidence level with each verdict. While highly accurate for common scam patterns, always verify suspicious messages through official channels.

Is my message stored or shared?

No. Your message is processed transiently by AI and immediately discarded. We never store, log, or share any content you submit.

What should I do if I've already clicked a suspicious link?

Change your passwords immediately, enable two-factor authentication, monitor your accounts for unusual activity, and run antivirus scans on your devices.

How do I report this scam?

Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM), report phishing emails to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and notify the company being impersonated through their official security channels.