'Pig Butchering': How Techie Shreya Dutta Was Conned By The Person Whom She Met On Hinge

The crime under which a Philadelphia-based tech professional, Shreya Datta, became a victim of a cryptocurrency romance scam not only drained her of $450,000 but also left her emotionally traumatised, claim reports.?

This sophisticated scheme, known as "pig butchering," utilizes digitally altered deepfake videos and a meticulously crafted script to lure victims into fake crypto investments, preying on their vulnerability and desire for genuine connection.

Enter the 'Charming guy'?

Datta's ordeal began on the dating app Hinge, where she encountered "Ancel," a French wine trader based in Philadelphia. The seemingly charismatic individual quickly transitioned their conversations to WhatsApp, establishing a connection through flirty texts, selfies, and video calls featuring AI-generated deepfake images.

The scam unfolded as "Ancel" painted an idyllic picture of early retirement and financial success through cryptocurrency trading. Manipulating Datta's perception of risk, he encouraged her to invest significant sums, including liquidating her retirement fund. The promise of astronomical gains created a false sense of security, further deepening her involvement in the scam.

A web of emotional manipulation?

As the scam progressed, Datta found herself entangled in a web of emotional manipulation. The revelation that "Ancel" was a fraud and the loss of her substantial investment triggered symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), reflecting the profound impact of these scams on victims' mental well-being.

"Pig butchering" is a term used to describe the modus operandi of romance scams that involve feigned affection and love to fatten victims emotionally before the proverbial slaughter—the financial swindle. This technique, coupled with the use of deepfake technology, has become a prevalent tool for criminals, resulting in billions of dollars in losses in the United States alone.

Cases not being reported

According to the FBI, over 40,000 people reported losses exceeding $3.5 billion from cryptocurrency fraud, including "pig butchering," in the last year. However, these figures likely underestimate the actual extent of the problem, as many victims refrain from reporting due to feelings of shame. The multifaceted nature of these scams makes recovery challenging for victims.

Datta's experience highlights the aftermath of falling victim to such scams, including therapy and the challenge of managing debt. The public's tendency to pass judgment adds an additional layer of distress, emphasizing the need for understanding and empathy toward victims who have endured masterful psychological manipulation.

With Inputs from AFP