INTERPOL is proposing to change the terminology used to describe certain online scams, replacing the phrase “pig butchering” with the term “romance baiting.
This change aims to reduce the stigma associated with the original phrase, which often discourages victims from seeking help, as it is considered shameful and stigmatizing.
Read more: Meta: Removes Accounts Linked to Pig Butchering Scams
The term “pig butchering” comes from the Chinese expression “杀猪盘” (“shā zhū pán”) and describes the process of gaining trust before deceiving. The practice first appeared in 2016.
Scams of this type leverage social media and dating apps, with perpetrators building trust over long periods of time before convincing victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency.
These schemes are often linked to international criminal organizations, which in addition to financial fraud, are also involved in human trafficking, attracting victims through deceptive job offers and forcing them to participate in fraud under inhumane conditions.
See also: Apps on Google Play and App Store facilitated “pig butchering” scams
Sophos has investigated “CryptoRom” campaigns, highlighting the sophistication of these sophisticated applications designed to deceive victims.
At the same time, Google has filed a lawsuit against Chinese developers, supporting the need to change the terminology and monitoring these activities as "international online fraud schemes."
Read more: Pig Butchering scams: Authorities announce seizure of $9 million worth of crypto
INTERPOL points out that the use of the term “romance baiting” shifts responsibility from victims to perpetrators, enhancing respect and empathy for victims, while also contributing to raising awareness about protecting them from such scams.
Source: thehackernews
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