Beware of the newest cyber scam: Pig Butchering

The usual method of reaching out to a prospective victim is to pretend that it was an accidental contact done by mistake.

- By W.A. Wijewardena

Once confronted, the crafty scammer will apologise profusely for the inconvenience caused to the victim. That is a very powerful entry point because by winning the trust of the victim, the scammer can now manipulate him step by step according to his wishes. These by mistake contacts may take place via emails or through propaganda done on social media platforms.

Accordingly, a potential victim may get an email which is not intended for him. But it provides an opportunity for the scammer to have his communication line open with the victim who now falls for his pretensions. In the initial stage, like in the case of romance scams, the true face of the scammer is not revealed. Over time, when the two parties have become thick pals online, the opportunity for investment, usually in a crypto currency or another similar platform, is offered to the victim. There can be suggestions for gold trading or forex trading too.