This Texting Scam in Michigan is Tricking Even The Smartest People

A texting scam that's referred to as "pig butchering" is tricking unsuspecting victims throughout the United States, including Michigan.

It seems like a new kind of scam is constantly popping up. It's usually one that tricks people into potentially losing thousands of dollars.

Pig Butchering is a graphic name that may be even a little disturbing to some. When you understand what the scam is and how it works, you'll understand why it's called that.

What is a Pig Butchering Scam?

First off, the scam refers to raising little piglets, fattening them up, and butchering them. That's exactly what scammers are doing to their victims. They're fattening them up with illusions of grandeur, wealth, and love before bleeding them dry.

The scam starts with a weird text from a number that you don't recognize. They refer to you by a different name and then maybe ask a strange question.

Examples:
"Tom, can we move our appointment to 5?"

"Mike, what time is our flight?"

Sara, what time are we meeting today?"

Those are just a few ways that scammers first initiate contact. All they want you to do is reply. They're simply opening the door to a possible conversation and bloodsucking scam.

See Also: Michigan Residents Beware: Brushing Scams are on the Rise

1. Raising Little Piglets: Scammers initiate contact with potential victims, often by sending a text. They target individuals who may be easily swayed by promises of financial gain, romantic interest, or other appealing offers.
2. Fattening Them Up: Once contact is established, scammers employ various tactics to gain the trust and confidence of their victims. 
3. Butchering Them: Once the victim is "fattened up" with false promises and illusions, the scammer strikes hard. They may request money for supposed investment opportunities or demand personal information for identity theft.
4. Bleeding Them Dry: The ultimate goal of the scammer is to exploit the victim for as much money or personal information as possible before disappearing or cutting off contact. By the time the victim realizes they have been deceived, it is often too late to recover their losses or undo the damage caused by the scam.

The best thing you can do to protect yourself is not respond. Ignore and delete the message. If messages continue, block the number.

In the video below, you'll hear some disturbing Pig Butchering cases.