Beware of the "Pig Butchering" Scam: A Vicious Threat to the Autistic Community

Today, I want to bring your attention to a particularly sinister scam that has been targeting vulnerable individuals, including autistics. Known as “pig butchering,” this scam involves a level of emotional manipulation that can be especially devastating for autistic people.

In a “pig butchering” scam, the scammer will reach out, often through seemingly random texts or connection requests on social media. They will then spend weeks or even months building a relationship with their target, showering them with attention, affection, and promises of a deep connection. For autistic individuals who may struggle with social interactions and relationships, this level of attention can be particularly alluring and hard to resist.

Once trust is established, the scammer will start to bring up investment opportunities, often in the cryptocurrency space. They may direct their victim to a professional-looking but fraudulent investment platform and encourage them to pour money into it. Autistics, who often place a high value on trust and may have difficulty detecting deception, can be especially vulnerable to these manipulative tactics.

The scam often ends with the perpetrator disappearing with the victim’s money, leaving them financially and emotionally shattered. The aftermath can be particularly traumatic for autistics, who may have believed they had finally found a genuine connection.

I urge all of you, but especially my autistic readers, to be extremely cautious about unsolicited online interactions. If a new online acquaintance starts pushing investment opportunities, it's a major red flag. Remember, a true friend or romantic partner will never pressure you to invest money.

If you believe you or someone you know has been a victim of this scam, please reach out for help. There are resources and support networks available. You are not alone, and it's not your fault.

Stay safe out there, everyone.