CRITICAL investment
Wrong-number text turns into a crypto investment opportunity
A stranger sends a friendly wrong-number text. Over weeks they build romantic rapport, then introduce a fake crypto trading platform showing huge returns. All deposited funds are eventually stolen.
Also known as: pig butchering scam, sha zhu pan, crypto romance scam, wrong number scam
What to do right now
- 1 Stop all contact with the person immediately
- 2 Do not send any more money — previous deposits are likely unrecoverable
- 3 Report to your bank's fraud team right away; some wire transfers can be recalled within hours
- 4 Seek support — this scam involves emotional manipulation; it is not your fault
- 5 Report to the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI's IC3 at https://www.ic3.gov.
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Red flags
- ⚠ Contact began with an unexpected wrong-number or social media message
- ⚠ Relationship develops unusually fast and they are always available
- ⚠ They introduce a 'can't-miss' investment platform you've never heard of
- ⚠ Platform shows impressive profits but withdrawals are blocked or taxed
- ⚠ They encourage you to borrow or invest retirement savings
Known variants
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Scammer recruits victims via a WhatsApp or Facebook 'investment group' populated with paid accomplices sharing fabricated profit screenshots. The victim is then guided one-on-one onto the same fake trading platform.
Last seen: 5/15/2026