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The FBI’s latest operation resulted in the seizure of $6 million stolen from American citizens by a Southeast Asia-based fraud gang. These scammers created the illusion of investing in real projects, leading to significant financial losses for their victims.
FBI Official Issues Warning
Chad Yarbrough, Deputy Director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigation Division, highlighted the devastating impact of cryptocurrency fraud on Americans. He stated that these scams specifically target U.S. citizens, causing millions of dollars in losses.
“These types of fraud schemes are destructive and affect thousands of Americans daily. The FBI has observed that victims have lost millions, taken out second and third mortgages on their homes, all in hopes of finding the next big investment opportunity.”
The “Pig Butchering” Scam
According to the FBI, after victims transferred their money from banks to cryptocurrency wallets, they were directed to fake offshore platforms. To build trust, scammers initially offered limited cash withdrawal options.
Known as “Pig Butchering,” these scams emerged in China in 2016 and became widespread in Southeast Asia, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports from October 2023 indicate that 12% of Americans have fallen victim to such scams. However, not all of this 12% are deceived by cryptocurrency narratives.
Scammers typically approach their victims through social or dating applications. By building trust over time, they persuade their victims to invest more, ultimately leading to the same unfortunate outcome for all involved.
The rise of cryptocurrency scams in recent years necessitates that users remain vigilant. Always exercise caution towards individuals approaching you on social media and dating apps.
