The "pig butchering" scam gets its name from the Chinese phrase "Sha Zhu Pan" — scammers "fatten the pig" (build trust) before "slaughtering" them (stealing money).

**Phase 1: The Introduction (1-2 weeks)** A stranger contacts you through a dating app, social media, or a "wrong number" text. They're attractive, successful, and surprisingly interested in you. They quickly move the conversation to WhatsApp or Telegram.

**Phase 2: The Fattening (2-8 weeks)** They build an emotional connection through daily messages, photos, and occasional video calls. They casually mention their wealth comes from cryptocurrency trading. They share screenshots of impressive "gains."

**Phase 3: The Investment Hook** They introduce you to a trading platform — often a convincing fake app or website that looks professional. They encourage small investments first ($500-$1,000). The platform shows impressive "returns." You can even withdraw small amounts initially to build trust.

**Phase 4: The Slaughter** Once you've invested significant money ($10,000-$500,000+), the platform freezes your account. You're told you need to pay "taxes," "fees," or "insurance" to withdraw. The scammer slowly ghosts you. The platform eventually disappears.

Many victims are trafficked workers in Southeast Asia forced to run these scams.