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Erika DeMask thought she had found love again but ended up losing her life savings in a "pig butchering" scam, a rising form of fraud where scammers build trust over time before stealing their victim’s money.
DeMask, a widow from Lombard, Illinois, was swept into a digital romance with a man who claimed to work on an oil rig. He charmed her with affectionate gestures, even sending a large bouquet of flowers. However, it was all part of a scheme.
The man first asked DeMask for $20,000 to repair the oil rig, then requested increasing amounts of money. DeMask sent a total of over $1 million through wire transfers and cashier's checks. The scammer even promised to double her money through investments, but it was all a lie. Now, DeMask has been left with only $400 and is being forced to sell her home to repay loans and taxes on the money she withdrew.
"Pig butchering" scams, named after the process of "fattening up" victims before stealing their funds, have become increasingly common. In 2023, the FBI reported over $3.5 billion in losses from such scams, affecting around 40,000 Americans. Victims are often lured into online relationships or investment opportunities, with scammers using kindness and charm to gain their trust.
Once a connection is established, the financial requests begin and quickly escalate, leaving victims financially devastated. Many of these scams originate in Southeast Asia, with trafficked individuals forced to carry out the fraud.
To protect yourself, the Federal Trade Commission advises never to share personal or financial information with people you meet online, especially if they quickly move the conversation to private messaging apps. Be cautious if someone you just met requests money or investment help.
Unfortunately, authorities were unable to recover DeMask’s money, and she now faces a difficult financial future. Her story serves as a reminder to be vigilant against these increasingly sophisticated scams.
