Investment scams on Pakistani dating apps: how pig butchering works.

Investment scams on dating apps — known internationally as "pig butchering" (sha zhu pan in Chinese, where the technique was developed) — are Pakistan's fastest-growing dating app fraud. They have cost Pakistani victims tens of millions of rupees and are becoming more sophisticated every year.

How the scam works

Stage 1: The match

You match with someone who seems educated, successful, and attractive. The conversation is intelligent and engaging. They seem genuinely interested in you as a person. This stage lasts days to weeks — the investment of time is deliberate. They are building a relationship that feels real.

Stage 2: The investment mention

Casually, they mention that they've been making great returns on cryptocurrency or forex trading. Not pushy — just mentioned. They're successful and they're being open with you about it. They show you screenshots of their profits.

Stage 3: The invitation

They offer to help you invest. A small amount to start. They walk you through setting up an account on a specific platform — which looks professional and legitimate. You invest a small amount and see it "grow" quickly. The platform is fake. The profits are fake. They're designed to make you invest more.

Stage 4: The escalation

You invest more. The "returns" grow. You tell friends or family about your success. You invest more. You may take loans or withdraw savings to invest more. The platform shows you a large balance.

Stage 5: The exit

You try to withdraw your profits. There are suddenly "taxes," "withdrawal fees," "verification requirements." Each fee is real money you pay. Your "balance" never actually arrives. Eventually the platform disappears, the contact disappears, and you've lost everything you put in plus all the fees.

The red flags

• They mention investing early in a dating conversation
• The platform they use is one you've never heard of
• Returns seem unusually high and consistent
• They encourage you to invest more and more
• Withdrawal requires fees before you can access your money
• The platform has no verifiable regulatory registration

What to do if you've been targeted

• Stop all payments and investment immediately
• Report to FIA Cybercrime: 0800-02345
• Report to SECP (Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan): 051-9207091
• Report the profile and platform
• Contact your bank about any transfers made