American Woman Loses Millions in Sophisticated Crypto Scam

A U.S. woman recently became the victim of a major cryptocurrency scam, losing millions of dollars after falling for a well-crafted deception.

The scheme, which authorities attribute to fraudsters operating from Southeast Asia, involved elaborate manipulation and exploitation through a messaging app.

It all began when the woman was contacted by someone posing as a trustworthy acquaintance via a Korean messaging platform. Over several weeks, the scammer skillfully built a relationship, gradually gaining the victim’s confidence.

Once trust was established, the fraudster began discussing cryptocurrency investments, showcasing what appeared to be a lucrative portfolio with impressive returns. Convinced by the seemingly substantial profits—reportedly up to 80%—the woman continued investing, unaware she was being drawn into a trap.

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The scam, known as a “pig butchering” operation, relies on scammers spending considerable time nurturing a false sense of security before making their move.

In this case, the fraudster even allowed the victim to make a small withdrawal to enhance credibility. This tactic is commonly used to make the victim believe their investments are legitimate. The FBI explains that these criminals often guide their victims on how to respond if authorities get involved, further solidifying the illusion of a genuine investment opportunity.

According to FBI Special Agent Jeremy Capello, the deception doesn’t always end once the victim realizes the scam. Often, the same criminals will contact the victim again, this time pretending to be a recovery agency, offering to help retrieve lost funds for a fee. This secondary scam exploits the victim’s desperation, leading to even greater financial loss.

Law enforcement agencies are urging the public to be vigilant when approached with unsolicited investment opportunities, particularly through online messaging apps. As these schemes grow more complex, staying informed and cautious is crucial to avoiding similar financial traps.

Alexander Stefanov