On June 18, the U.S. Attorney’s Office revealed the confiscation of $225 million in cryptocurrency associated with pig butchering scams, representing the largest seizure of this nature to date. These scams entail cybercriminals cultivating trust with victims to convince them to invest in fraudulent crypto ventures. Such operations can mirror other types of fraud, such as tech support or romance scams. Offenders frequently impersonate appealing individuals, fabricating stories to establish trust before persuading victims to funnel money into bogus crypto schemes. These scams present a worldwide challenge, with activities occurring in nations like India and Myanmar, often linked to organized crime groups. Scammers modify their strategies, leveraging generative AI to fabricate credible false identities. To shield yourself from these scams, remain wary of unfamiliar individuals online, steer clear of urgent investment offers, and refrain from sending money or cryptocurrencies to unrecognized persons. If you fall victim, report to the FBI and preserve any proof. If you possess a scam narrative, reach out to Mashable at [email protected] with “Safety Net” in the subject line.