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It seems like almost everyone I know has received at least one scam text or phone call this year. The variety and frequency of these fraudulent messages are on the rise, and they’re becoming increasingly sophisticated. From the classic “You have a USPS package waiting for address confirmation” (with the sender’s number mysteriously originating in Asia) to urgent tollway notices demanding you “Click here” to pay a $2 fee with your credit card, these scams are everywhere.

Some pretend to be from banks, claiming a large transfer is pending and needs your immediate confirmation. Others impersonate companies like Geek Squad, insisting your credit card has been charged $500 for a service renewal and urging you to call a number to dispute it. Then there are the Amazon Prime scams, warning that your subscription will auto-renew by 8 PM unless you “Click Here” to cancel.

Car payment scams are also rampant, with messages claiming your payment or “tax” didn’t go through and directing you to a link to resolve it. Some even go as far as threatening arrest by the IRS unless you send Apple gift cards to a random address in Nigeria. I’ve even seen one claiming my credit card was charged for a new iPhone, complete with a link and number to call if I didn’t recognize the transaction. And let’s not forget the fake McAfee Antivirus renewal confirmations, urging you to call a number to verify your purchase.

Last year, it was the Sheriff’s Department scam—calls claiming Officer Black had a warrant for your arrest. This year, the tactics have evolved, but the goal remains the same: to trick you into handing over money or personal information.

Sadly, I’ve spoken to people who’ve fallen victim to these scams. It’s a stark reminder of how convincing and damaging these schemes can be. Staying informed and vigilant is more important than ever.
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This problem stems from the fact that our personal data is repeatedly collected and stored in countless databases by companies that claim to have our best interests at heart. Yet, time and time again, their inadequate security measures fail to protect this sensitive information. As a result, databases containing our identification details are frequently leaked, stolen, and sold on the black market—often without us even knowing until months later, when the damage is already done. By the time these breaches make headlines, our data has already been circulating among criminals, and there’s little to nothing we can do to reclaim it or undo the harm.

A pig butchering scam is a type of long con where scammers slowly build trust with their victims—kind of like fattening up a pig before slaughter—before ultimately stealing their money. It’s a mix of romance scams, investment scams, and crypto fraud, and it’s as sneaky as it sounds.

It usually starts with the scammer reaching out unexpectedly, maybe through a dating app, social media, or even a random text message. Sometimes they’ll pretend it was an accident, like, “Oops, wrong number!” just to start a conversation. From there, they spend weeks or even months chatting with you, acting friendly, flirty, or just really interested in your life. They’re experts at making you feel like you’ve got a real connection.

Once they’ve gained your trust, they’ll casually bring up some “amazing” investment opportunity—usually something like cryptocurrency, forex trading, or some other high-return scheme. They’ll claim they’ve got insider knowledge or a foolproof way to make money. Then, they’ll direct you to a fake investment app or website that they control. At first, it might even look like you’re making money, which keeps you hooked.

But that’s when they start pushing for more. They’ll pressure you to invest larger sums, often using emotional manipulation or creating a sense of urgency, like, “This is your last chance to get in on this!” And once you’ve put in as much as they think they can get, they disappear. The fake platform shuts down, and you’re left realizing you’ve lost everything.

These scams are run by organized groups, and they’re designed to play on your emotions and trust. The worst part is that by the time you figure it out, your money—and the person you thought you knew—are long gone. It’s called “pig butchering” because they spend so much time “fattening you up” with lies before taking everything you have.
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