Pig-Butchering Crypto Wallet

Pig-butchering scams involve a fraudster building a romantic or friendship relationship with a victim over weeks or months, eventually introducing them to a 'highly profitable' crypto trading platform controlled by the scam operation. The platform is the 'wallet' in this context: it displays convincing fake balance increases and allows small early withdrawals to build trust.

The platform is designed to look like a legitimate exchange, complete with convincing charts, support chat, and referral programs. Victims are encouraged to deposit increasingly large sums. When they attempt a final large withdrawal, they are told fees, taxes, or verification deposits are required; these additional payments also disappear.

Because the platform is entirely fraudulent, no amount of fees will unlock the fake balance. Any platform introduced by a romantic partner or new online friend that cannot be independently verified as a regulated exchange should be treated as a scam. Reporting to financial regulators and law enforcement as early as possible gives the best chance of tracing funds.