BY WENDY KIRBY - NJCAHT BANK AWARENESS COMMITTEE
Pig butchering scams originated in Southeast Asia and are spreading globally. This scam is executed by a ring of cryptocurrency (crypto) scammers who mine dating apps and social media sites in search of victims. Tragically, some of the "con artists" are also victims of the crime of human trafficking. The criminal organizations running the crypto scams are traffickers who trick people into thinking they will do generic customer service, administrative work, or telemarketing. However, the job candidates are then forced through coercion and threats to perpetrate financial fraud.
Trafficked workers are given scripts and instructions and are unable to leave due to threats from the traffickers. The complex psychological manipulation and physical control make it very difficult for victims to resist or escape the trafficking situation.
Many endure these abuses out of fear, with little chance to seek help or exit this exploitative work.
