A pig butchering scam consists of three stages: finding victims online, talking with them to build trust, and then getting them to invest large amounts of money in fraudulent schemes.

Victims of pig butchering scams often experience long-term emotional stress, leading to isolation and physical symptoms.

“I have to keep telling myself that I’m a victim, and I didn’t do anything wrong.” Once he had charmed her, he stole nearly $1 million.