Investigating the con that combines romance scams and crypto fraud (Marketplace)

Facebook should be held accountable for hosting those ads that lead victims to scams.

Pig butchering example: You receive a text message from a wrong number. You reply - wrong number. They reply back something innocent. You reply with a lol. Next thing you know you’re texting each other, becomes friendly. They want to be friends. They take it to the next level. Before you know it - you’ve been pig butchered! Never reply “wrong number”. Don’t let them know it’s an active number. It can even be a seemingly innocent message… Hey I can’t make my doctors appointment. You’re a nice person so you reply Wrong Number. Or they send a text message that says - what time is the meeting? You’re a nice person and you wanna make sure other plans don’t get messed up so you reply wrong number. Wrong thing to do. Don’t be that nice guy. PT Barnum said it best.

Bravo to Charge backtools I'm so glad you're out there fighting these scumbags. We must do everything in our power to protect the elderly and the general public from these despicable scammers. You're a true hero. my brother.

If you don't know them, don't talk to them... it's pretty simple.

Basic reality has long been " if it seems to good to be true, it most likely is"

Never answer unknown people that unsolicited contact you, block and delete.

I wish there was more people like you to stop all these scammers, they need serious jail time for that, especially when they take money from the elderly, keep doing what your doing #GlobalTraceAssets put the wind up these low life oxygen thiefs Love what you Guys do keep up the great work mate well done Respect

The more deprived of love and desperate the more vulnerable you are

I know somebody who lost 200k.. these scammers have no heart . They will scam the dying.

I got scammed while living in Germany when trying to rent an apartment. They were very convincing and their story seemed airtight. I feel awful for people like Stephanie, these scammers are professionals. You always think you're never going to let this happen to you until it does.

Damn, that was hard to watch. I hope the victims receive justice someday (those who were scammed and the enslaved scammers). What a nightmare system; it's heartbreaking.

Never deal money with anyone who meet online and never met in person!!!!

This is been going on for a long time… I remember back in 2009 or 10 I met a Chinese lady online. On a dating site. I had never heard of “pig butchering“. She made me think she liked me… She sent me lots of photos of her fancy purses… Short videos of her driving her Porsche, etc. etc. Then she started talking to me about crypto. She desperately tried to get me to open an account so that she could “teach me” about crypto investing. Luckily, I immediately knew this was a scam. I strung her along for a little while, and just kept telling herthat I did not need more money. I was very well off, and I was not at all interested in crypto. She got kind of angry and just stopped talking to her.😂

I'm sorry these people were scammed, but holy crap, giving a random stranger your money?

I can't imagine how hard it would be to decide to take on a moneygetback role of scammed persons.. The history needs to be remembered though and the help that was born through such pain and suffering. Respect to these Charge backtools team that take on these roles.

It is hard enough to trust ppl in real-life. How can ppl trust strangers online?!

Outstanding job, Briskdeft ! I'm so glad you're out there battling these vile scammers. We must take every precaution to protect the general people and the elderly from these vile con artists!! Bravo to you! You ought to be awarded the Nobel Prize for protecting us. Big up, brother

Remember this people every time anybody ask you for money in any shape of form especially someone you've never met RUN. As for family members you should have a limit of how much you can help cuz some family members are scammers too

I had initially planned to retire at 62, work part-time, and save money, but the impact of high prices on various goods and services has significantly disrupted my retirement plan. I'm worried about whether those who experienced the 2008 financial crisis had it easier than I currently am. The volatility of the stock market is a concern as my income has decreased, and I fear that I won't be able to contribute as much as before, potentially jeopardizing my retirement savings.

Stephanie. Forgive yourself. You are a kind and lovely person that deserves happiness. I’m sorry this happened to you. You are not alone. Try to look forward and put this behind you. Everyone makes mistakes and you will learn and grow. It’s awful this happened and I’m sorry.