Pig butchering describes a fraud scheme in which perpetrators build a personal relationship with the victim over weeks — usually via dating apps, social networks or messengers — before introducing a supposed investment opportunity, almost always in cryptocurrency. The name comes from the terminology used by the perpetrators themselves: the victim is “fattened” before the loss is taken.
The platform is controlled entirely by the fraudsters, so the displayed profits are fabricated. Small early withdrawals are frequently honoured to establish credibility; later ones are blocked behind demands for taxes or fees.
Why it matters to you
Recognising the pattern removes the sense of personal failure that keeps many victims from acting — these are organised operations working from scripts. The detailed guide sets out the phases, and our crypto fraud page explains where legal claims can attach.
Investment fraud
Deceiving investors about a capital investment in order to obtain payments — punishable as fraud under § 263 StGB.
Ponzi scheme
An arrangement funding payouts from the deposits of new investors, which collapses inevitably — features and legal position.
Recovery scam
A follow-up fraud in which supposed recovery services promise defrauded victims their money back against advance payment.