Crypto investment ('pig butchering') scam

What it looks like

Example scam message

“Hi, is this Susan? So sorry, wrong number! You seem kind though. By the way, have you heard of crypto trading? My aunt taught me and I made 20% last month. I could show you how it works.”

Details like names, amounts, and links change — the pattern stays the same.

Red flags to watch for

• ⚠A wrong-number text or online stranger who keeps the conversation going.
• ⚠Talk of guaranteed, safe, or unusually high investment returns.
• ⚠You are directed to a trading website or app you have never heard of.
• ⚠Small early withdrawals work, then you are pushed to invest much more.
• ⚠To withdraw your money later, you are told to pay 'taxes' or 'fees' first.

What to do

1. Stop all contact and do not send more money — 'fees' to unlock a withdrawal are part of the scam.
2. Remember: no real investment is guaranteed. Anyone promising sure profits is lying.
3. Report it at IC3.gov as soon as you can, even if you feel embarrassed — fast reports sometimes help trace the money.
4. If you transferred money, call your bank right away and tell them it was fraud.

Where to report it

• •IC3.gov
• •ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Related scams

• Lottery and sweepstakes prizeA call, letter, or email says you have won a big prize — but you must pay taxes, insurance, or a processing fee before you can collect it.
• Check overpaymentSomeone paying you — for something you are selling, a part-time job, or a 'mystery shopper' gig — sends a check for more than they owe and asks you to send back the difference.
• Gift card payment demandNo matter what the story is — taxes owed, a grandchild in trouble, a computer problem, a boss who needs a favor — the call ends the same way: buy gift cards and read the numbers off the back.

ShieldGuard provides informational guidance to help you spot likely scams. It is not legal or financial advice and not a guarantee — no tool catches every scam. When money is involved, slow down and talk to someone you trust before acting.