Editing Openai/693f6e1a-6e14-8001-83c4-f4580e02b092 (section)

==== 1. First contact (lead generation) - “Wrong number” / “accidental text,” social media DMs, dating apps, WhatsApp/Telegram, etc. - Goal: get you chatting off-platform and establish a “real person” vibe. Department of Justice<ref>{{cite web|title=Department of Justice|url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/justice-dept-seizes-over-112m-funds-linked-cryptocurrency-investment-schemes-over-half|publisher=Department of Justice|access-date=2025-12-15}}</ref> ====
# Grooming (“fattening up”) - Daily conversation, flirting/friendship, lots of personal attention. - They often use scripts and escalation tactics to bond quickly and learn what you can afford. (Law enforcement describes it as relationship-building first, investment pitch later.) Federal Bureau of Investigation<ref>{{cite web|title=Federal Bureau of Investigation|url=https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/national-crimes-and-victim-resources/operation-level-up|publisher=Federal Bureau of Investigation|access-date=2025-12-15}}</ref>
# The hook: “I can teach you / here’s my platform” - They introduce a “can’t miss” opportunity, usually crypto. - You’re directed to a realistic-looking website/app that’s actually controlled by the scammers. Federal Bureau of Investigation<ref>{{cite web|title=Federal Bureau of Investigation|url=https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/national-crimes-and-victim-resources/operation-level-up|publisher=Federal Bureau of Investigation|access-date=2025-12-15}}</ref>
# Proof & reinforcement - Early on, victims may see fake gains, and sometimes are allowed a small withdrawal to build confidence. - Then comes the push: “add more to earn more,” sometimes tied to emotional leverage (“if you trust me…”) FDIC OIG<ref>{{cite web|title=FDIC OIG|url=https://www.fdicoig.gov/pig-butchering-scams|publisher=FDIC OIG|access-date=2025-12-15}}</ref>
# The “butchering”: blocked withdrawals + invented fees - When you try to cash out: sudden “taxes,” “verification,” “anti-money-laundering deposit,” “unlock fee,” etc. - Paying those doesn’t help; it’s a ladder of excuses to extract the last dollar. Federal Bureau of Investigation<ref>{{cite web|title=Federal Bureau of Investigation|url=https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/national-crimes-and-victim-resources/operation-level-up|publisher=Federal Bureau of Investigation|access-date=2025-12-15}}</ref>
# Endgame: vanish, threaten, or keep milking - They ghost, delete accounts, or pivot to intimidation/blackmail. - Money moves through crypto wallets/mules, making recovery difficult. FinCEN.gov<ref>{{cite web|title=FinCEN.gov|url=https://www.fincen.gov/system/files/shared/FinCEN_Alert_Pig_Butchering_FINAL_508c.pdf|publisher=fincen.gov|access-date=2025-12-15}}</ref>