Pig-Butchering Scams in Senegal
Pig-butchering scams reach Senegalese victims via Facebook and WhatsApp with romantic overtures that lead to fraudulent crypto investment platforms.
Part of: Pig-Butchering Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Pig-butchering fraud combines romance and investment fraud into a single, highly effective scheme. Victims are contacted by a charming stranger on Facebook or WhatsApp — often posing as a Senegalese diaspora member based in France or the UAE — who builds an emotional relationship over weeks before introducing a supposedly exclusive crypto trading platform.
The scheme is common in Francophone West Africa and uses messages fluent in French or Wolof to appear credible to Senegalese victims.
How this scam works on Senegal
Initial contact is warm and culturally attuned. The scammer may mention knowing Dakar or Thiès, reference local cuisine or events, and show interest in Senegalese football or music to build rapport. After establishing emotional investment, they mention their success in crypto trading and offer to help the victim participate.
The victim is guided to a specific platform — a polished, fake app or website — and makes a small deposit that appears to generate rapid profits. Encouraged by the 'returns' visible on screen, they deposit more. A withdrawal attempt triggers a tax or compliance fee proportional to the balance. After that payment, another obstacle appears. Eventually platform and partner both vanish.
Orange Money and Wave are sometimes used as on-ramps to purchase crypto for deposit, adding local payment familiarity to the scheme.
Common red flags
- New online contact who demonstrates specific knowledge of Senegal to establish rapport
- They quickly mention cryptocurrency profits or exclusive trading access
- Platform not findable in major app stores or has no independent regulator acknowledgement
- Withdrawal blocked by a 'validation fee' or 'fiscal clearance' requirement
- Pressure to deposit more to 'protect' existing balance from penalties
- Partner resists or finds excuses to avoid live spontaneous video calls
How to protect yourself
- Verify investment platforms with CREPMF before committing any funds
- Be sceptical of romantic contacts who quickly pivot to investment advice
- Make a small test withdrawal before depositing large sums
- Discuss any online investment with a trusted financial adviser
- Never borrow or use savings from family support networks (dahiras) to fund online investments
How to report it
- Report to the Division Spéciale de la Cybersécurité (DSC)
- File a complaint with CREPMF if the platform is soliciting investment
- Report the social media account to the relevant platform
Frequently asked questions
The platform shows I have earned a lot. Can I trust those numbers?
No. The figures on fraudulent platforms are fabricated by software. There are no real profits. Stop depositing and report immediately.