Yes, pig butchering is a serious crime and you will be arrested if caught engaging in it. Most of us are not aware that this is actually a term used for a particular form of cyber scam.
The modus operandi of this scam is to approach the target as a potential romantic partner, get the target emotionally involved, and then fleece them off their money. The scammer befriends the target, wins over their trust, and then hoodwinks them into investing their money in fraud investments, jobs, etc. Once the money is in the hands of the scammer and gang, they disappear, leaving the victim emotionally and financially weaker.
Greater Chennai Police has posted a warning on social media platform X, about this cyber form of ‘pig butchering’ to warn people to be on the lookout and be alert at all times for such scammers on the prowl. Read their post to equip yourself better:
🐖🙅🏻🔴 Pig butchering is a serious crime that can cause financial 💰 and emotional 😟harm to the victims.
— GREATER CHENNAI POLICE -GCP (@chennaipolice_) December 11, 2023
🐖🙅🏻🔴 It is important to be aware of the signs 🚨and risks of this scam, and to avoid sending money 💰 or personal information ℹ️ to strangers online.#PigButcheringScam… pic.twitter.com/o0veTEg0o4
