A Maryland victim reported losing millions after a months‑long romance and crypto investment con, highlighting a resurgence of 'pig‑butchering' scams run from overseas. The FBI urges caution, reporting of incidents, and provides guidance on recognizing romance‑investment fraud.

A Baltimore‑area resident recently told investigators she lost millions after being cultivated over weeks in a classic 'pig‑butchering' romance‑investment fraud scheme, according to local CBS reporting and FBI briefings. Scammers initially build trust via dating apps or social platforms, then persuade victims to move funds into purported cryptocurrency investments, often using fake trading apps or offshore exchanges. The FBI and local law enforcement say many operations are coordinated from overseas scam compounds and use professional social‑engineering techniques to prolong the con until victims are depleted. Authorities warn that transfers to crypto wallets, pressure to avoid third‑party advice, and requests to use obscure convertible platforms are red flags. The FBI recommends preserving communication records, ceasing contact immediately, and reporting losses to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center and local police; victims are also urged to contact cryptocurrency exchanges and, if assets are traceable, seek legal advice. The case underscores growing sophistication in romance‑investment fraud and the difficulty of recovery once funds are converted to crypto.