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THE FRAUD MATRIX

Romance Scams & Pig Butchering

Fraudsters build a relationship online, then funnel the victim into a fake investment platform — often crypto — showing giant 'gains' before engineering an urgent reason to keep depositing.

  1. Meet online

    A 'wrong number' or dating-profile match opens a fast emotional bond.

  2. Build trust

    The connection deepens; video calls stay scarce and talk turns to investments.

  3. Fake returns

    A trading app shows steady gains and the victim adds real money.

  4. Urgency

    To withdraw, the victim must pay 'fees', 'taxes', or keep depositing.

  5. Call enforcement

    The platform freezes, the person vanishes, and reporting is the only path.

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Romance Scams & Pig Butchering

Did you meet someone online who quickly became romantic, avoided video calls, and made excuses about not meeting in person?