Pig Butchering Scam: What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted

If you’ve just realized you’re a victim of a pig butchering scam, you’re likely experiencing a devastating mix of emotions: betrayal, shame, financial panic, and confusion about what to do next.

This comprehensive guide explains exactly what to do after a pig butchering scam, including immediate actions, realistic recovery options, and steps to protect yourself from further harm.

You are not alone. You are not stupid. And there are concrete steps you can take right now.

Request Your Free Case Evaluation

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Understanding Pig Butchering Scams: What You’re Dealing With

Before we cover what to do after a pig butchering scam, it’s important to understand what happened to you.

Pig butchering (known as “Sha Zhu Pan” in Chinese) is a sophisticated, long-term confidence scam that combines romance fraud with cryptocurrency investment fraud.

The name comes from the farming practice of fattening a pig before slaughter—scammers build trust and emotional connection over weeks or months, then convince victims to invest increasingly large amounts in fake cryptocurrency platforms before disappearing with everything.

How These Scams Typically Unfold

Phase 1: The Setup (Making Contact)

• Scammers contact victims through dating apps, social media, or “wrong number” texts
• They use attractive stolen photos and create elaborate fake identities
• Initial conversations seem genuine, personal, and romantic

Phase 2: Building Trust (Fattening the Pig)

• Daily communication develops over weeks or months
• Emotional intimacy grows through constant messaging
• Scammer shares details about their “successful” life
• Romance develops, sometimes including video calls with hired actors

Phase 3: The Investment Hook

• Casually mentions their cryptocurrency investments
• Shows fabricated screenshots of profits
• Offers to “help” you earn money too
• Introduces you to a fake trading platform

Phase 4: Initial Success

• You make a small investment and see “profits”
• You can withdraw small amounts successfully
• This builds confidence in the platform
• Scammer encourages larger investments

Phase 5: The Harvest

• You invest increasingly larger amounts
• Platform shows substantial “gains”
• When you try to withdraw, problems arise:
  • “Tax payments” required first
  • “Verification fees” needed
  • “Account frozen” – more money needed to unlock
• Eventually, platform disappears or blocks access

Total losses often range from $50,000 to over $1 million.

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Pig butchering scam what to do Immediately

If you’ve just realized you’re a victim, knowing what to do after a pig butchering scam can make a crucial difference. Take these steps RIGHT NOW:

Step 1: Cut All Contact with the Scammer

STOP communicating immediately.

This is the most critical first step for what to do after realizing you’ve been targeted:

• Block all phone numbers, social media accounts, and messaging apps
• Do NOT respond to messages, even if they claim to help you recover funds
• They WILL try to contact you again with “recovery” schemes

Important: Many pig butchering scam victims are contacted by the same scammers posing as “recovery agents” or “law enforcement” to steal more money. This is called a recovery room scam.

Step 2: Secure Your Accounts and Devices

Immediate security actions are essential for what to do after a pig butchering scam:

✅ Change passwords on all financial accounts
✅ Enable two-factor authentication everywhere possible
✅ Check bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges
✅ Monitor credit reports for identity theft
✅ Run malware scans on devices used to communicate with scammer
✅ Consider the scammer may have remote access if you downloaded anything they sent

If you gave them:

• Passport/ID copies → Monitor for identity theft
• Banking details → Alert your bank immediately
• Social Security Number → Place fraud alert with credit bureaus

Step 3: Document Everything

Gathering evidence is a crucial part of what to do after a pig butchering scam. Save all evidence:

Messages and Communications:

• Screenshots of all conversations (dating apps, WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat)
• Phone numbers and usernames used
• Photos they sent you
• Any voice messages or call recordings

Financial Records:

• All cryptocurrency transaction IDs (TXIDs)
• Wallet addresses where you sent funds
• Bank transfer receipts
• Screenshots of the fake trading platform
• Records of “profits” shown
• Any withdrawal attempts and responses

Platform Information:

• URLs of the fake trading/investment platform
• Screenshots of the interface
• App names if you downloaded anything
• Email addresses associated with accounts

Save everything to multiple locations: cloud storage, external drive, and printed copies.

Step 4: Report to Authorities IMMEDIATELY

Reporting is one of the most important things to do after a pig butchering scam, even if individual recovery seems unlikely.

Report to these agencies:

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3):

• Website: ic3.gov
• File a detailed complaint with all documentation
• Include “Pig Butchering Scam” in your report
• Mention cryptocurrency fraud

Federal Trade Commission (FTC):

• Website: reportfraud.ftc.gov
• File under romance scam and investment fraud
• This creates an official record

Local Police Department:

• File a police report in person
• Get a report number (needed for insurance, taxes, recovery efforts)
• They likely can’t help directly but documentation matters

Your State Attorney General:

• Consumer protection division
• They track scam patterns and may investigate

Cryptocurrency Exchange (if applicable):

• If you bought crypto through Coinbase, Kraken, Binance, etc.
• Report the scam and provide recipient wallet addresses
• They may flag or freeze scammer accounts

The platform where you met:

• Dating apps: report the profile
• Social media: report the account
• This helps protect others

Step 5: Attempt Transaction Tracing

Understanding where your money went is an important part of what to do after a pig butchering scam.

Use blockchain explorers:

• Bitcoin: blockchain.com or blockchair.com
• Ethereum: etherscan.io
• Other cryptocurrencies: search “[cryptocurrency name] explorer”

What to look for:

• Where your funds were sent initially
• If they were moved to exchanges (potential intervention point)
• If they were mixed/tumbled (makes recovery nearly impossible)
• Current location of funds

Take screenshots of the transaction path.

This documentation is valuable for:

• Law enforcement investigations
• Professional recovery attempts
• Tax loss documentation

Request Your Free Case Evaluation

 

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Pig butchering scam What to Do and What’s Realistic

One of the most common questions victims ask is what to do about recovering money after a pig butchering scam. The honest answer: recovery is extremely difficult, but not always impossible.

When Recovery Might Be Possible

1. Funds Still on Centralized Exchange

If you can trace your cryptocurrency to a major exchange, here’s what to do:

• Exchange may freeze the account if presented with evidence
• Requires law enforcement involvement
• Only possible if scammer hasn’t withdrawn yet
• Success rate: 15-35% in best-case scenarios

2. Bank Transfer Intervention

If you sent money via wire transfer or bank transfer (not crypto):

• Contact your bank immediately
• File fraud dispute
• Request transfer reversal
• Only possible within 24-72 hours typically
• Success rate: 10-30% if caught early

3. Law Enforcement Asset Seizure

In large-scale operations involving many victims:

• FBI and international agencies sometimes seize scammer assets
• Recent cases have resulted in partial victim restitution
• Only happens with losses exceeding hundreds of thousands or millions collectively
• Individual recovery: unlikely unless part of larger case

When Recovery Is Unlikely

Understanding what NOT to do after a pig butchering scam is equally important:

❌ Cryptocurrency sent to private wallets → Nearly impossible to reverse
❌ Funds moved through mixers/tumblers → Untraceable
❌ Scammer used privacy coins (Monero, etc.) → Cannot trace
❌ Small individual losses (under $5,000) → Not economically viable for most recovery efforts

The Harsh Reality

Most pig butchering scam victims do not recover their funds.

According to FBI data:

• Only 15-30% of cryptocurrency scam victims recover any money
• Average recovery (when it happens) is 10-30% of total loss
• Recovery attempts can take 3-18 months

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try—but have realistic expectations.

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What NOT to Do After a Pig Butchering Scam: Avoiding Recovery Scams

After pig butchering scams, victims are often targeted by “recovery scammers.” Knowing what NOT to do is critical.

How Recovery Scammers Operate

The same criminals or affiliated groups will contact you claiming to be:

• Recovery specialists who can get your money back
• Law enforcement investigating your case
• Lawyers who’ve handled similar cases
• Cybersecurity experts who can “hack” the blockchain
• Government officials who’ve seized the funds

They will ask for:

• Upfront fees (often thousands of dollars)
• More cryptocurrency payments
• Personal information
• Remote access to your devices
• “Tax” or “legal fees” to release funds

Red Flags to Watch For

When considering what to do after a pig butchering scam, avoid anyone who:

🚩 Contacted you first (you didn’t find them)
🚩 Guarantee recovery (no legitimate service can guarantee this)
🚩 Request upfront payment in cryptocurrency
🚩 Urgent pressure (“Act now or lose the funds forever”)
🚩 Poor grammar or suspicious email addresses
🚩 Can’t verify credentials or registration
🚩 Sound too good to be true (“We recovered 100% for all clients”)

DO NOT fall for this. Many victims lose tens of thousands more to recovery scams.

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Finding Legitimate Help: What to Do When Seeking Professional Assistance

If you decide professional assistance is part of what to do after your pig butchering scam, here’s how to vet services (pig butchering scam what to do):

Questions to Ask Any Recovery Service

1. What is your company registration and licensing?
   • Should provide verifiable business registration
   • Should have physical address
2. What is your actual success rate?
   • Honest firms will say 10-20%, not “100% success”
3. What are your fees?
   • Legitimate firms often work on contingency (only paid if recovery successful)
   • OR charge reasonable flat consultation fees
   • NEVER require cryptocurrency payment
4. Can you provide references or case examples?
   • Verifiable testimonials (not just screenshots)
   • Case studies with realistic outcomes
5. What is the realistic timeline?
   • Honest answer: 3-18 months if recovery is possible
   • Red flag: “We’ll have your money in 2 weeks”
6. What happens if recovery fails?
   • Clear explanation of fees if unsuccessful

What Legitimate Recovery Services Do

Professional cryptocurrency investigation firms:

• Conduct blockchain analysis to trace funds
• Work with law enforcement agencies
• Coordinate with exchanges for account freezes
• Compile evidence packages
• Provide realistic assessment of recovery chances

What they DON’T do:

• Guarantee recovery
• Request cryptocurrency payments
• Contact victims first via social media
• Use high-pressure tactics
• Make unrealistic promises

Request Your Free Case Evaluation

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Why Pig Butchering Scams Are So Devastating

Understanding the full impact helps you know what to do for emotional recovery after a pig butchering scam.

The Emotional Trauma

Dual Betrayal: Victims lose both money AND someone they believed loved them

Shame and Isolation: Many victims don’t report because they’re embarrassed about the romance aspect

Self-Blame: Victims question their judgment and feel foolish

Financial Ruin: Life savings, retirement funds, even borrowed money—all gone

Identity Crisis: “How could I fall for this?”

The Financial Reality

Most pig butchering scam victims:

• Lost their entire investment (no withdrawal possible)
• May have taken loans or maxed credit cards
• Sent money in cryptocurrency (extremely difficult to recover)
• Face immediate financial crisis

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What to Do for Emotional Recovery After a Pig Butchering Scam

Financial loss is devastating, but the emotional impact requires its own recovery process.

What Victims Commonly Experience

Shame and Embarrassment: “How could I be so stupid?”

Important: You are not stupid. These are professional criminals using psychological manipulation perfected over thousands of victims.

Isolation: Many victims don’t tell family or friends because they’re ashamed.

Important: Isolation makes recovery harder. Consider telling at least one trusted person.

Depression and Anxiety: Financial ruin combined with betrayal can trigger serious mental health issues.

Important: Professional counseling can help. This is trauma, not weakness.

Self-Blame: Constantly replaying what you “should have seen.”

Important: Scammers are experts at manipulation. Their job is fooling people. You are a victim of crime, not foolishness.

Getting Support

Part of what to do after a pig butchering scam includes seeking emotional support:

Consider:

• Therapy or counseling (specialized in financial trauma)
• Support groups for scam victims (online communities exist)
• Confiding in a trusted friend or family member
• Financial counseling for rebuilding

Resources:

• AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (if you’re in crisis)
• Victim support organizations in your area

You will recover from this. Not just financially, but emotionally. It takes time.

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Protecting Yourself Going Forward: What to Do to Prevent Future Scams

Learning what to do to protect yourself after experiencing a pig butchering scam is crucial.

Red Flags to Watch For

🚩 Romance + Investment = SCAM
If someone you met online wants to talk about cryptocurrency investing, it’s a scam. Period.

🚩 Can’t video call “spontaneously”
Scammers use pre-recorded videos or hired actors for scheduled calls only

🚩 Private trading platforms
Legitimate cryptocurrency exchanges are well-known (Coinbase, Kraken, Binance, etc.)

🚩 Guaranteed returns
No legitimate investment guarantees profits

🚩 Pressure to invest
Real partners don’t push financial decisions

🚩 Can see profits but can’t withdraw
Classic sign of a fake platform

🚩 Fees to withdraw your own money
Legitimate platforms don’t work this way

Questions That Could Have Helped

Questions to ask yourself as part of what to do when approached with investment opportunities:

• “Why is this successful person interested in me romantically online?”
• “Why can’t I find this trading platform on Google?”
• “Why do they want ME to invest in THEIR opportunity?”
• “Would I invest this much money based on screenshots from a stranger?”

No self-blame here—these scams are sophisticated. But these questions can protect you (and others) in the future.

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What to Do for Financial Recovery After a Pig Butchering Scam

Financial Recovery Steps

1. Assess Your Current Financial Situation

• List all remaining assets and debts
• Create survival budget
• Prioritize essential expenses

2. Address Immediate Financial Crisis

• Contact creditors if you can’t make payments
• Explore hardship programs
• Avoid additional borrowing

3. Explore Tax Implications

• Theft losses may be tax deductible (consult tax professional)
• Document everything for IRS
• Understand cryptocurrency transaction reporting

4. Create Rebuilding Plan

• Set realistic financial goals
• Consider additional income sources
• Work with financial counselor if needed

Protecting Others

Pig butchering scam what to do includes:

Share your experience:

• Report the scam details to scam warning websites
• Leave reviews on the dating platform used
• Consider sharing anonymously on scam awareness forums
• Help others recognize warning signs

Your experience, as painful as it is, can prevent others from falling victim.

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Free Case Evaluation from Drubox

If you’re unsure what to do after a pig butchering scam and want professional guidance, Drubox offers free, no-obligation case evaluations.

We’ll review:

• Your specific situation and timeline
• Whether your cryptocurrency can be traced
• If intervention points exist (exchanges, law enforcement)
• Realistic assessment of recovery possibilities
• Your best next steps

What we DON’T do:

• Guarantee recovery
• Require upfront cryptocurrency payments
• Use high-pressure sales tactics
• Make unrealistic promises

What we DO offer:

• Honest assessment based on blockchain analysis
• Professional cryptocurrency tracing
• Evidence compilation for law enforcement
• Coordination with exchanges and authorities
• Transparent pricing and process

We understand you’ve been betrayed once. We won’t add to that pain with false hope.

Request Your Free Case Evaluation

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Final Thoughts: What to Do Next After a Pig Butchering Scam

Pig butchering scams are among the most psychologically and financially devastating frauds today. Knowing what to do after a pig butchering scam can feel overwhelming, but you have more options than you might think.

If this happened to you:

You are not alone. Thousands of victims lose millions to these scams annually.

You are not stupid. These are sophisticated, organized crime operations.

You are not hopeless. While recovery is difficult, steps exist to attempt recovery and rebuild.

You will survive this. Many victims have rebuilt their lives and finances.

The path forward involves:

• Taking immediate action to document and report
• Having realistic expectations about recovery
• Protecting yourself from secondary scams
• Getting emotional support
• Learning from the experience
• Moving forward step by step

You didn’t deserve this. But you can recover from it.

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Related Articles (pig butchering scam what to do):

• Can You Recover Stolen Cryptocurrency? A Realistic Guide
• Fake Cryptocurrency Recovery Scams: How to Spot Them
• What Is Blockchain Tracing?

External Resources:

• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
• FTC Romance Scam Information
• AARP Fraud Watch Network