FBI Seizes $6M in Crypto: ‘Pig Butchering’ Scam Targets US Daters

• The FBI recently announced a significant crypto scam bust, resulting in the seizure of over $6 million.
• The scheme, primarily targeting US citizens, involved fraudsters convincing victims they were making legitimate investments.
• Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough emphasized the devastating effects these scams have, with many victims losing millions in hopes of securing notable returns.

Learn about the FBI’s latest efforts to combat burgeoning crypto scams, including the notorious ‘pig butchering’ schemes causing Americans significant financial losses.

The FBI Takes Down a Major Crypto Scam Worth Over $6 Million

In a significant move, the FBI seized more than $6 million from a Southeast Asia-based crypto scam that managed to defraud numerous American victims. The fraudulent operation deceived individuals into believing they were investing in genuine crypto projects, causing substantial financial damage. This recent action underscores the growing complexity and global reach of cryptocurrency fraud.

Assistant Director Yarbrough’s Insights on Crypto Scams

Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division highlighted the severe impacts of such frauds. He described these scams as ‘devastating’ to citizens, with many losing large sums, even resorting to extreme measures like taking second or third mortgages. Yarbrough noted that the recent seizure is among the largest conducted by the FBI this year, demonstrating the scale of the threat.

The Rise of ‘Pig Butchering’ Scams and Their Impact on the US

The term ‘pig butchering’ refers to a scam where criminals coax victims into investing increasing amounts of money into fake crypto platforms. Victims initially think they are making sound investments, but eventually find their funds unrecoverable. According to the FBI, scammers trick individuals into transferring money through bank accounts to crypto wallets before finally moving it to offshore fraudulent platforms. Despite allowing small withdrawals initially to build trust, these victims are ultimately cut off from their money.

‘Pig Butchering’ and Online Dating Apps: A Dangerous Intersection

This fraudulent practice, also known as Sha Zhu Pan, has seen a troubling rise, particularly through online dating platforms. Initially emerging in China in 2016 and spreading through Southeast Asia, the scheme intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent report from October 2023 highlighted a sharp increase in victims among American dating app users, with 12% reporting they were targeted by such scams, compared to 5% in 2018.

Conclusion

This latest FBI seizure sheds light on the alarming rise of sophisticated crypto scams, such as ‘pig butchering’, and their devastating effects on unsuspecting victims. With the global reach of these fraud schemes and their increasing prevalence, it is essential for individuals to remain vigilant and informed about potential crypto investment risks. Continued efforts by law enforcement agencies play a crucial role in combating these fraudulent activities and protecting investors from substantial financial harm.