Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird issued a warning Thursday concerning a surge in what are known as “pig-butchering” scams targeting Iowans. These scams involve con artists establishing trust with victims over an extended period, often through social media messaging apps, before persuading them to send money through cryptocurrency. A recent case from southeast Iowa exemplifies the severity of these scams. A 69-year-old man was friended by a scammer posing as a young woman on Facebook, who gradually gained his trust over several months. The victim, facing financial strain after his wife lost her job, was convinced to invest in a fictional company via Bitcoin. In total, he lost $164,000 and even borrowed against the titles of his motorcycles. Bird says, “Pig-butchering scams are evil long-cons. Scammers prey on Iowans’ emotions to build trust over time before stealing their savings, ruining relationships, and taking advantage of people when they are at their most vulnerable. We are spreading the word to stop the scam.” Iowans are urged to exercise caution when connecting with strangers online, avoid sending money through cryptocurrency, and seek advice before making investments. Suspected scams should be reported to the Iowa Attorney General’s office. When in doubt, ask a trusted friend or family member before sending money in any circumstance.
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