Pig Butchering Crypto Scam Exposed: Fake Rich Friend Uses Deepfakes & Stolen Photos to Steal Billions

Last year, Americans lost a staggering $9.3 billion to cryptocurrency scams (FBI IC3 Report), with crypto investment fraud, including pig butchering schemes, driving $5.8 billion in losses, a 47% increase year-over-year. These scams continue surging into 2025, fueled by AI deepfakes and organized crime.

This undercover investigation exposes how pig butchering works: A fake "wealthy sister" steals photos of popular Chinese influencer Yangyang Sweet , flaunts luxury, builds unbreakable trust, then lures victims into bogus crypto platforms.

Top 5 Pig Butchering Scam Red Flags

1. Sudden "friendship" from a wealthy stranger promising to share success.
2. Stolen photos of attractive influencers (often Asian women in luxury).
3. Bragging about rapid crypto profits via "family connections."
4. Pressure to invest on unknown platforms after emotional bonding.
5. Deepfake video calls or rage when confronted.

The "Unbreakable Friendship" That Started It All

A random connection request sparks messages from "Minlu" – claiming to be a New York cosmetics executive and UPenn grad with a lavish life.

She calls you "sister," shares "personal" charity, spa, Paris trip, and shopping photos. Offers advice, gifts, even Hawaii trips.

But it's engineered to spark envy and deep trust.

The Shocking Reveal: Stolen Photos Exposed

Scammers often steal photos of popular Asian influencers like Yangyang Sweet to create aspirational, believable profiles.

Reverse image searches reveal: The FaceCheck.ID reverse image search results provide clear confirmation that this pic is part of a scam. Red flags explicitly linking the photo to scam tracking websites indicate it's stolen and commonly used in fraud, while the appearance of nine different LinkedIn profiles all featuring the same person but under various names is a classic hallmark of organized scammers recycling identities to target multiple victims simultaneously.

The Classic Pig Butchering Playbook

"Minlu" uses the standard script:

1. Rapid emotional bond – "In my heart, you are my family, dear sister."
2. Wealth flaunting to inspire aspiration.
3. "Uncle" at IDG Capital sharing crypto secrets.
4. Fake profits demos ($53,000 in minutes).
5. Step-by-step guidance to phony sites like SuperCI, demanding transfers/screenshots.

Deepfake Video Calls: The New Deception

To cement trust, "Minlu" uses live calls – often AI-generated deepfakes with realistic hands and expressions.

When Confronted: The Mask Slips

Challenge the lies? Sweet "sister" turns vicious: "You are nothing but a poor woman."

Account disappears – but photos reappear under new names (Andor, Bella, Yvonne, Amanda Mary).

Behind the Scam: Human Trafficking Compounds

Many operators are trafficked victims forced into fraud at guarded Asian compounds.

Protect Yourself From Pig Butchering Scams

1. Reverse image search every new contact's photos
2. Never invest on unsolicited advice or "guaranteed" profits.
3. Verify video calls with unpredictable questions.
4. Avoid sending money/crypto to online contacts.
5. Report the crime to the appropriate agency.

• United States: File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
• Canada: Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
• United Kingdom: Report cybercrime to Action Fraud
• Australia: Submit a report via ReportCyber
• European Union: Report online crime through your country’s police authority or via Europol
• India: File a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
• New Zealand: Report to CERT NZ
• Singapore: File a report with the Singapore Police Force – Scam Reporting
• Global / Other countries: Contact your local law enforcement agency

Suspect a fake profile? Share this article – it could protect someone's savings.

FAQ: Pig Butchering Scams

What is a pig butchering scam?

A long-term fraud where scammers build trust (as friend or romantic interest) before pushing fake crypto investments.

How much have victims lost?

$5.8 billion in U.S. crypto investment fraud in 2024 (FBI), largely from pig butchering – with billions more globally.

Are deepfakes common?

Yes, AI video calls are increasingly used, making hands and faces look real.

How to report?

File immediately at ic3.gov to help stop the networks.

(Updated 2026 with latest FBI IC3 and Chainalysis trends)

Author Christian Hidayat

Christian Hidayat is a dedicated contributor to FaceCheck's blog, and is passionate about promoting FaceCheck's mission of creating a safer internet for everyone.

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