Home › What is Pig Butchering? Identifying and Protecting Yourself from Fake Relationship Investment Scams

What is Pig Butchering? Fake Relationship Investment Scams

Last updated: 2026-07-08
Bottom line: Pig butchering = first 'fatten' the relationship, then 'slaughter' the wallet. If someone you meet online becomes close quickly and then starts talking about 'investing together / I have a stable channel,' that’s the most dangerous sign.

How Pig Butchering Works

  1. Building trust Meet on dating apps or social media DMs, long-term care and attention, creating an image of a successful person.
  2. Luring into investment Casually mentioning they have a stable profit through a platform/inside information, willing to 'take you along.'
  3. Slaughter (harvesting) Let you make small profits initially to build confidence, then after you add more money, you can’t withdraw, or they ask for a deposit/tax.

Early Red Flags

How to Protect Yourself

Anyone you meet online that you haven’t met in person who talks about investing should be considered high risk. Don’t let emotions drive you to put money into platforms they recommend. If you really want to invest, do it through legitimate channels and verify the platform and company. When in doubt, talk to trusted family or friends – scammers hate it when you consult others.

Check if the company they mention really exists:Use AI DD Map to Check Companies and Owners →

❓ FAQ

We’ve video chatted. Could it still be pig butchering?

Yes. With deepfake and real 'actors,' video calls are no longer a guarantee. The key signs remain: met online, they push you to invest on a specific platform, and withdrawal is blocked.

I’ve already invested. How do I cut my losses?

Stop investing or paying any fees immediately. Save all conversations and transfer records, call 165 and file a police report. The sooner you act, the better your chances.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This site provides anti-fraud educational public interest information, does not constitute investment advice, and does not guarantee completeness or timeliness of any information. Public data is for cross-reference only and cannot independently determine the quality of targets. Please refer to official sources (165 Taiwan's anti-fraud hotline, Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission, Ministry of Economic Affairs, National Police Agency). Investment and trading decisions should be carefully evaluated by yourself and borne at your own risk.