Romance investment fraud
A scam that combines a fabricated romantic relationship with encouragement to invest in a fraudulent platform — a broad category that includes pig-butchering.
Also known as: sha zhu pan, crypto romance scam
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Romance investment fraud blends two powerful psychological manipulations: the emotional bond of a romantic relationship and the financial appeal of apparently growing investments. The scammer builds genuine affection and trust over weeks or months before introducing an investment opportunity.
The fake trading or crypto platform typically shows impressive returns, allows small initial withdrawals to build confidence, and then presents escalating reasons why more money must be deposited — including 'tax' requirements when the victim tries to withdraw their 'profits'.
Pig-butchering (sha zhu pan) is the industrialised, highly organised form of this fraud. Losses are typically larger than in pure romance scams because victims are progressively encouraged to invest their savings, borrow money, and liquidate assets.