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  Geebo 8:00 am on October 14, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: cryptocurrency ( 51 ), pig butchering scam, Scams ( 1,362 ), Whatsapp ( 4 )   

  Wellness Visit Reveals Cryptocurrency Scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Cryptocurrency scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, exploiting the rise of digital investments and the trust individuals place in online platforms. In one recent case, a person was led to believe they were participating in a legitimate cryptocurrency investment opportunity. What initially appeared to be a chance to grow retirement savings turned into a financial disaster, leaving the individual in shock after losing their life savings in what is known as a ‘pig butchering’ scam.

  This type of scam works by ‘fattening up’ the victim, slowly gaining their trust through months of seemingly innocent conversations before introducing fraudulent investment opportunities. In this case, the scam began with friendly online exchanges. After connecting on social media, the conversation quickly moved to a private messaging platform like WhatsApp, a tactic commonly used in scams to make communication more difficult to trace.

  Over months of online chats, the victim built trust with the scammer, who eventually introduced the idea of investing in cryptocurrency. The scammer presented a fake cryptocurrency platform, complete with professional-looking accounts that showed significant returns. The victim, believing they were making real money, increased their investments, eventually putting in a large sum of money.

  The situation came to light when Adult Protection Services showed up at the victim’s home. The agency had been notified that large sums of money were being wired, and they were concerned about possible exploitation. It was during this visit that the victim learned they had been caught in a scam. The cryptocurrency platform was fake, the account was fabricated, and even the person they had trusted was not who they claimed to be.

  The pig butchering scam in this case involved highly sophisticated deception. The scammers used a convincing website that appeared identical to trusted cryptocurrency platforms. The victim’s growing sense of security, fostered through long conversations and fake profits, led them to invest increasingly large amounts of money. By the time the scam was uncovered, the victim had lost a substantial sum and had even taken out loans to cover fees for what they believed was a growing investment account.

  Despite attempts to reverse the wire transfers, the money could not be recovered. The victim was left with not only financial losses, but also the emotional toll of realizing how deeply they had been manipulated. This incident illustrates the dangers of pig butchering scams, where trust is built over time before the victim’s finances are wiped out.

  It’s crucial to be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, especially those introduced through online connections. The devastating consequences of falling victim to such scams are a reminder to verify the legitimacy of any investment platform and to be cautious of moving conversations off more public platforms where fraud can be harder to trace.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 6, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Human trafficking ( 97 ), job scam ( 79 ), kidnapping ( 10 ), pig butchering scam, Scams ( 1,362 )   

  Victim Kidnapped and Forced to Scam Others 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Victims of a cryptocurrency scam known as “pig butchering” are coming forward to share their experiences, aiming to protect others from falling into the same trap. While many focus on the financial losses suffered by victims, the human toll runs even deeper, with some individuals forced into scamming others.

  The term “pig butchering” describes how scammers gradually build trust with their targets, encouraging small investments that appear to yield quick returns. As confidence grows, victims are convinced to invest larger amounts—often their life savings—before the scammers vanish, leaving their victims devastated.

  One especially tragic aspect of this scheme involves individuals who are not only victims of fraud but also of human trafficking. One woman, believing she had secured a legitimate job abroad, was instead kidnapped and forced to work for the very scammers behind these cons. After arriving at what she thought was a job location, her passport was confiscated, her phone disabled, and she was imprisoned in a compound where she was coerced into scamming others.

  She described being trapped for months, made to impersonate different personas to convince others to invest in fake cryptocurrency schemes. Her captors monitored every move, ensuring she remained compliant. The conditions were harsh, and she was forced to work long hours, manipulating people into handing over their savings. Despite the physical and emotional strain, she was left with no choice but to continue under constant threat.

  While the financial losses from these scams are staggering, there are unseen victims like this woman, whose stories rarely make headlines. The scale of the operation is global, with money often funneled to foreign countries, making it difficult for law enforcement to recover the stolen funds or dismantle the operations behind them.

  This darker side of the crypto scam world highlights how far-reaching and damaging these schemes have become. Beyond the financial devastation experienced by victims, human trafficking and forced participation in scams add another layer of exploitation to an already harmful crime.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 23, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bank collapse ( 2 ), bank fraud ( 23 ), banks ( 6 ), embezzlement ( 2 ), pig butchering scam, Scams ( 1,362 )   

  Banker Who Fell Victim to Scam Gets Prison Time 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Last year, we brought you the story of a rural Kansas bank that collapsed after the Bank’s CEO fell victim to the pig butchering scam. The pig butchering scam involves a scammer persuading a victim to invest in cryptocurrency using a fake exchange. The victim is then shown that their initial investment has grown significantly. However, when they attempt to withdraw their funds, they are informed that an additional fee, often as large as the original investment, must be paid first.

  A federal judge recently sentenced the 53-year-old bank CEO to 24 years in prison after it was determined the CEO embezzled bank funds while still believing he could get the returns on his investments.

  As was mentioned in the previous post, the CEO even asked a friend and client for a $12 million loan, so the CEO could get his personal money out of the cryptocurrency investment. The friend was even assured by the CEO that the initial investment wasn’t made with the bank’s money. Since then, details have been made public where the friend warned the CEO that the investments were a scam and that he should walk away from it.

  The CEO did not take his friend’s advice, and in his pursuit of profit, continued to send money to his scammers. However, before long, he was wiring bank funds to the scammers. When the friend heard from bank employees that the CEO was wiring money overseas, the friend went to the bank’s board to try to put a stop to it. Before it was all over, the CEO had embezzled $47.1 million.

  Anyone can fall victim to a scam, regardless of their education, experience, or financial savvy. Scammers are highly skilled at exploiting vulnerabilities, preying on trust, greed, or desperation. They use sophisticated tactics to create a sense of urgency, promising quick and substantial returns on investments that seem too good to pass up. Once a victim is hooked, they are gradually drawn deeper into the scam, often believing that just one more payment will unlock the profits they were promised. The allure of easy money can cloud judgment, leading even those in trusted positions to make increasingly irrational decisions.

  These scams can easily turn a victim into a criminal. When personal funds run dry, desperation sets in, and victims may resort to unethical or illegal actions to recover their losses. They might embezzle money, falsify documents, or deceive others to gather more funds, all in the hope of finally reaping the rewards they were promised. What began as a mistake can spiral into a series of criminal acts, driven by the delusion that success is just around the corner. This transformation from victim to perpetrator highlights how dangerous and insidious these scams can be, not just financially but morally as well.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on April 9, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: cryptocurrency ( 51 ), pig butchering scam, romance scam ( 70 ), Scams ( 1,362 )   

  Unveiling the shadowy depths of the “Pig Butchering” scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the interconnected landscape of the internet, where opportunities abound, so too do the darker facets of human nature manifest. One such shadowy phenomenon, known as “pig butchering,” has recently come under scrutiny as the Brooklyn district attorney’s office launched a concerted effort to dismantle its operations. This scheme, characterized by its deceptive tactics and devastating financial impact, highlights the urgent need for vigilance and collective action against online fraud.

  At its core, pig butchering is a scheme built on deception and manipulation. Scammers initiate online conversations with unsuspecting individuals, gradually gaining their trust before enticing them into fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. The promise of substantial returns serves as bait, luring victims into a web of deceit from which escape proves difficult.

  In pig butchering schemes, victims are derogatorily labeled as ‘pigs’ by the scammers. This dehumanizing term reflects the scammers’ intent to manipulate victims through intricate narratives, designed to emotionally ‘fatten up’ their targets, convincing them of a deep, often romantic connection.

  The scale of this scam is staggering, with victims scattered across multiple states, their collective losses totaling millions of dollars. What sets pig butchering apart is its insidious reliance on human trafficking victims to facilitate the scams, further underscoring the depths of exploitation involved.

  In the New York borough of Brooklyn, victims have been defrauded out of $5 million. Their dreams of financial prosperity shattered by the ruthless machinations of cybercriminals. The Brooklyn district attorney’s office has taken decisive action in response, seizing nearly two dozen web domains associated with the scheme and shutting down its online infrastructure. This aggressive approach aims to disrupt the operations of the perpetrators and stem the flow of illicit gains.

  The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, in a statement echoing the sentiments of many, emphasizes the critical importance of awareness and education in combating such schemes. By empowering the public with knowledge, individuals can better safeguard themselves against falling victim to fraudulent schemes that promise the impossible.

  The stories of victims paint a harrowing picture of the devastation wrought by pig butchering scams. Take, for instance, the case of a 51-year-old woman who lost $23,000 after being ensnared in online chat groups discussing crypto investments. Despite believing her investment had grown substantially, she found herself blocked from the chat group when attempting to withdraw her funds, left with nothing but shattered hopes and financial ruin.

  The investigation into pig butchering has unearthed victims not only in Brooklyn but also across state lines, with communities such as the Chinese and Russian populations particularly targeted. This widespread reach underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts to combat online fraud and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.

  The cryptocurrency market’s inherent volatility already poses significant risks without the added threat of scammers. Before considering any investment in cryptocurrency, ensure you’ve thoroughly researched and understood the subject matter. Be cautious if someone you haven’t met in person advises you to invest in cryptocurrency, as there’s a high probability they’re not genuine.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on February 6, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: cryptocurrency ( 51 ), pig butchering scam, romance scam ( 70 ), Scams ( 1,362 )   

  Inside the world of romance and crypto scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the digital age, where connections are made with a swipe or a click, the promise of love and wealth can often be just a facade. Behind the screen lurks a growing threat – the pig butchering scam. One man’s story is a chilling reminder of how easily trust can be exploited, leaving lives shattered and savings decimated.

  The man’s journey began innocently enough through a virtual encounter with a woman on social media. What started as casual chatting soon spiraled into a whirlwind of emotions, with promises of romance and financial prosperity. The woman’s tale of a vast fortune held captive by familial ties tugged at the man’s heartstrings. Little did he know, he was being reeled into a meticulously crafted scheme.

  As the relationship deepened, so did the demands. Driven by love and the allure of significant returns, the man emptied his savings, liquidated assets, and even considered taking out loans to fulfill the woman’s requests. The facade began to crack when an unexpected call from the FBI shattered the illusion. The man was just one victim among thousands, ensnared by the promise of love and wealth, only to find himself on the brink of financial ruin.

  The pig butchering scam, aptly named for its ruthless exploitation of victims, is a sophisticated operation orchestrated by organized criminal groups primarily based in Southeast Asia. These criminals meticulously research their targets, exploiting vulnerabilities and manipulating emotions to gain trust. Victims, from all walks of life, find themselves entrapped in a web of deceit, their dreams turned into nightmares at the hands of heartless fraudsters.

  The scale of this deception is staggering, with losses surpassing billions of dollars and leaving behind a trail of shattered lives. Victims are left grappling with the harsh reality of their circumstances, their hopes dashed, and their futures uncertain. The toll extends beyond financial hardship, with emotional distress and physical ailments plaguing those who fall prey to these schemes.

  However, amidst the darkness, there is a glimmer of hope. Law enforcement agencies, armed with advanced cyber techniques, are waging a battle against these fraudulent operations. Through proactive intervention and collaboration with financial institutions, some victims have been spared from further devastation, and stolen funds have been recovered.

  This cautionary tale serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the digital realm. The words of warning echo loud and clear – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Behind the veil of promises lies a harsh reality, one where trust is exploited, and lives are shattered. As we navigate the virtual landscape, let us remain vigilant and wary of the wolves in sheep’s clothing, lest we too fall victim to the costly deception of romance and crypto scams.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on January 5, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: cryptocurrency ( 51 ), investment scams ( 10 ), pig butchering scam, Scams ( 1,362 ), stock market   

  Victim loses $90K in new version of infamous crypto scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  One of the more egregious scams that has proliferated in the past year or so is the so-called pig butchering scam. It’s known as the pig butchering scheme due to the way scammers ‘fatten up’ their targets through emotional manipulation before ultimately guiding them to the financial slaughterhouse.

  Typically, pig butchering scams are a form of the romance scam. Once trust is established, scammers persuade their victims to invest in cryptocurrency. They steer the victims towards a fraudulent cryptocurrency exchange under their control, creating the illusion of rapid investment growth. However, when the victims attempt to withdraw their alleged profits, they are informed that additional payments are required before they can access their earnings. Regardless of the amount paid, the victims never receive any returns.

  However, more recently, a man from Missouri recently lost $90,000 to a similar scam except no romance was involved. The man had been successful investing in the stock market and wanted to get a jump on the next wave of investing. It was his belief that AI would be the next hot ticket in the investment market. So, he took an online class he thought was using Elon Musk’s Quantum AI technology to predict the stock market.

  The instructor of the class told his students the stock market was about to crash, and suggested they should sell their investments and invest the money into a cryptocurrency exchange. This is where the usual pig butchering takes place, and this story is no exception.

  After the Missouri man invested his $90,000 into the crypto exchange, he was told his investment garnered him a $2.5 million windfall. When the man tried to get his money out of the exchange, they told him he would need to upgrade to VIP status to withdraw his profits, and that would cost another $50,000. That $50,000 application fee couldn’t be taken out of his profits either, he would have to wire an additional $50,000. That’s when the man realized he had been scammed.

  While online investment classes can provide valuable education and insights into financial markets, there are potential dangers associated with them. Some online investment classes could be fronts for scams or fraudulent schemes. Participants may be persuaded to invest in fake or non-existent opportunities, resulting in financial loss.

  Unlike traditional financial institutions and educational programs, online investment classes might not be subject to the same level of regulatory oversight. This makes it easier for unscrupulous individuals to take advantage of unsuspecting participants.

  Some classes may create a sense of urgency to invest quickly or capitalize on time-limited opportunities. This pressure can lead participants to make impulsive decisions without proper research or consideration.

  To mitigate these risks, individuals interested in online investment classes should thoroughly research the course provider, check for reviews and testimonials, and approach any promises of guaranteed returns with skepticism. Additionally, seeking education from reputable financial institutions, universities, or well-known industry experts may offer a more secure learning experience.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 28, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bank collapse ( 2 ), banks ( 6 ), cryptocurrency ( 51 ), pig butchering scam, Scams ( 1,362 )   

  Bank closes after falling to crypto scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A small but successful bank in Southwestern Kansas recently closed its doors after losing $12 million to a cryptocurrency scam. It was one of only two banks in its rural Kansas town, and its loss could be devastating to the local community’s economy. The bank was known for working with farmers in the community who may no longer have that resource available to them. Thankfully, the bank’s customers are protected mostly by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), bank shareholders are left holding the bag. So, what scam caused the bank to collapse? It’s believed to have been the pig butchering scam.

  The pig butchering scam is when a scammer convinces their victim to invest in cryptocurrency through a phony exchange. The victim will be led to believe their initial investment has exponentially grown. However, when the victim tries to withdraw their money from the exchange, they’ll be told they need to pay an additional fee, which can be as much as the initial investment.

  Typically, we discuss the pig butchering scam as a version of the romance scam, but it doesn’t have to always be so salacious. It can be as simple as someone you’ve recently met suggesting you should invest in cryptocurrency.

  It’s unclear if that’s what happened in the Kansas town, since the bank’s collapse is still under investigation. However, what is known is that the bank’s CEO allegedly asked a client for a $12 million loan, so he could get his money out of a cryptocurrency investment. The client was said to be assured that the investment wasn’t made with the bank’s money. The CEO is said to have told his client he ‘knew someone’ who was helping him invest in crypto, but there was an issue with the payment, and he needed to put more money back in. Again, we can’t say for sure, but this sounds like the typical script for the pig butchering scam.

  The bank CEO was no shady dealer either. He was a known pillar of the community who was trusted by clients and customers alike. If we had to hazard a guess, it sounds like someone got into his ear and tricked him into the scam. Unfortunately, it was to the tune of $12 million.

  The point to this blog post is twofold. The first is, no matter who you are and how experienced you are in your respective field, anyone can fall for a scam. The second is that scams can not only have a devastating personal effect, but can devastate a community if someone isn’t careful.

  The crypto world is crazy enough without scammers trying to take your money. Only dive into crypto if you’ve done your homework. If someone you’ve never met face-to-face starts pushing you to invest with their so-called “expert” advice, chances are they’re not legit.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 27, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: cryptocurrency ( 51 ), pig butchering scam, romance scam ( 70 ), Scams ( 1,362 )   

  Widow strung along for years in ‘pig butchering’ romance scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  You might think it was Valentine’s Day with all the recent news about romance scams lately. However, the recent spate of romance victims coming forward not only shows that romance scams can happen at any time, but also how nefarious they really are. Yet, there is a romance scam that stands above all the others, as it has claimed tens of thousands to upwards of a million dollars from its individual victims.

  It’s called the pig butchering scam because the scammer ‘fattens up’ their victims using emotional manipulation before leading their victim to the financial slaughterhouse. While it may sound violent, it’s not, but can be just as devastating and traumatic.

  After gaining the victim’s trust, scammers convince them to invest in cryptocurrency. They guide the victim to a fake cryptocurrency exchange they control, making it seem like the investment is growing quickly. But when the victim tries to take out their supposed profits, they’re told they need to pay more money before they can get their earnings. No matter how much they pay, the victim never gets any returns.

  A widow from Baltimore recently came forward with her story about falling for this scam. She was just playing the online game Words with Friends when she was approached by her scammer. This is a good example of the innocuous places where scammers can lie in wait for their victims. Who expects to run into a scammer in such an innocent game?

  The scammer claimed to be a man named Micheal who was working overseas in Turkey. He claimed to be a widower with children around the same age as the victim’s children. Romance scammers will often assume the identity of someone who closely resembles their victims.

  After striking up a relationship with the victim, the scammer moved the conversation away from the game and on to the WhatsApp messaging app. This is another red flag, as scammers will try to get their victims away from the platform where they first met so no one will see their messages to their victim.

  While some scammers can wait months before asking their victims for money, this scammer waited an entire year before asking his victim for money. In that year, he was showering the victim with affection, talking about how they were going to get married and buy a home together. This is known as ‘love bombing’.

  Then the scammer convinced the woman to invest $35,000 into cryptocurrency. He directed her to a phony cryptocurrency exchange that was supposedly based in the UK. After sending in her $35,000, the phony exchange made it appears as if she made close to a million dollars. Except, she couldn’t take the money out of the exchange without paying a $17,000 ‘processing fee’. All the while, the scammer kept convincing her the money was real. The victim even paid money to ‘Michael’ to help pay the bills for a car accident Michael’s son was in. Once scammers know they have hooked their victim, they’ll keep asking for money until there’s no money left, and will still keep asking. Other victims of romance scams have taken out loans and even embezzled to send money to who they think is their romantic partner. The victim in today’s story kept giving money to the victim even after a friend warned her this could be a scam.

  While you may recognize a romance scam, someone you know may not. If you think someone you know is being scammed, don’t be judgmental, but show them this blog post or other news articles about the scam. Recognize that it may take time for your friend to come to terms with the possibility that they’re dealing with a scam. Be patient and continue to provide support. Ultimately, your role is to provide guidance and support while respecting your friend’s autonomy. It’s essential to strike a balance between offering assistance and allowing them to make their own decisions.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 30, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: cryptocurrency ( 51 ), pig butchering scam, romance scam ( 70 ), Scams ( 1,362 )   

  Why this crypto-romance scam is more successful than others 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Romance scams predate the internet. But back in those days, the scammer had to at least be there in person to scam their victim. Since then, online and long-distance relationships have become more socially acceptable. That has made the romance scammer’s job easier. Now, the scammers don’t even have to leave their homes to scam someone who could literally be living somewhere on the other side of Earth.

  However, more and more people have become more educated on the typical romance scam. That’s when the scammer will target a victim, cultivate an online romantic relationship with their victim, before asking the victim for large amounts of money. Unfortunately, that hasn’t deterred scammers in the least. When one scam stops being profitable, scammers will move on to another scam. And as far as the romance scam goes, the scammers have really stepped it up with their latest version.

  We’ve discussed it before. It’s known as the ‘pig butchering’ scam. It’s called that because the scammers make the victim think they’re being ‘fattened up’ financially, before the scammers lead them to the proverbial slaughter. After successfully establishing trust with their target, scammers proceed to encourage the victim to invest in cryptocurrency. They direct the victim towards a fraudulent cryptocurrency exchange operated by the scammer group. This deceptive exchange creates the illusion that the victim’s investment is experiencing rapid and significant growth. Unfortunately, when the victim attempts to withdraw their alleged profits, they are informed that an additional payment must be made before they can access their windfall. It doesn’t matter how much the victim pays, they’ll never see any return.

  This recently happened to a man in the Boston area. The man was even fully aware of the typical romance scam. When the man’s online partner started bringing up cryptocurrency, the man even said, “I’m not giving you any money.” But as scammers always do, they had an answer for the man. They told him, “No, you don’t give it to me. You establish your own account, and I’ll guide you.”

  And that’s what makes the pig butchering scam so successful for scammers. Victims think they’re accessing a legitimate cryptocurrency exchange when, in reality, it’s part of the scam. Unfortunately, the Boston man lost $300,000 in the scam.

  The cryptocurrency market is volatile enough that people don’t need scammers to help them lose their money. Only invest in cryptocurrency if you’ve studied the subject yourself. If someone you’ve never met face-to-face starts suggesting you invest in it with their guidance, there’s a very good chance they’re not who they say they are.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 12, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: cryptocurrency ( 51 ), pig butchering scam, romance scam ( 70 ), Scams ( 1,362 )   

  Romance scammers threaten more than your heart 

  

  By Greg Collier

  One of the more lucrative romance scams is what’s known as the ‘pig butchering’ scam. It got this unfortunate name because the scammers will virtually ‘fatten’ their victims before leading them to financial slaughter.

  Typically, in a pig butchering scam, it starts off like any other romance scam. Once the scammer has gained their victim’s confidence, the scammer will advise the victim to invest in cryptocurrency. The victim is directed to a phony cryptocurrency exchange run by the scammers. The phony exchange will make it appear as if the victim’s investment is multiplying by leaps and bounds. However, once the victim tries to reap their supposed profits, they’re told they need to make an additional payment before their windfall can be released.

  This cycle can continue repeatedly if a victim does not realize they’re being scammed. Historically, when a victim realizes they’re being scammed, the scammers just disappear with the victim’s money. But in some cases, the scammers will continue to try to extort money from the victim.

  For example, a man in Iowa fell victim to the scam to the tune of $232,000. The man received an errant text message from an unknown woman. The woman said the text was meant from someone else, but the pair struck up a friendship anyway. The friendship then turned into more of a romantic relationship. After three months of this online relationship, the woman said she made a substantial amount of money through cryptocurrency, and would help the man do the same.

  Unfortunately, the man emptied his retirement account, took out a bank loan, and borrowed money from his mother, so he could make the initial $232,000 investment. He was told his investment grew almost instantly into $1.1 million, but when he tried to access that money, he was told he’d need to pay another $100,000 disguised as a tax payment.

  When the man refused to pay the money, his ‘girlfriend’ started threatening him with revealing their relationship to the man’s family. She also threatened the man’s family with violence and said she had hired agents to kill the man to harvest his organs for the black market.

  While these threats may seem convincing, the majority of these scammers are overseas and have no way of carrying out these threats.

  In order to safeguard yourself against this kind of fraudulent activity, it is crucial to steer clear of individuals who promise to assist you in earning money through cryptocurrency, especially if you haven’t had any face-to-face interactions with them. It’s important to note that cryptocurrency markets exhibit high levels of volatility, thereby increasing the likelihood of legitimate investments transforming into losses within a short span of time. Additionally, it is worth noting that scammers and cybercriminals often favor cryptocurrency as a means of payment.