If you're not looking for a scam, don't worry—one could come looking for you. That's exactly what's happening with the latest scam sweeping the nation.

What is Pig Butchering?

The pig butchering scam, according to the United States Secret Service, involves scammers luring victims into fake investment opportunities, often promising quick returns—though not always. Once victims invest a large sum, they are unable to withdraw their money, and the scammer disappears.

Scammers often reach out to Iowans through social media, dating apps, and even professional networking platforms, pretending to build a genuine connection. They work on earning your trust over weeks or even months before asking for money.

Once they have gained your trust, they'll spin a story to convince you to send money, often through untraceable methods like cryptocurrency ATMs.

How is Pig Butchering Harming Iowans?

Iowa News Now reported on a divorcee here in Iowa who lost $100K in a pig butchering scam after trusting someone he met online after his marriage ended.

That relationship ended up being a scam, and the victim only found out after being contacted by the Iowa Attorney General's Office.

The FBI and USSS have reported a rise in these scams and are urging Iowans to stay vigilant.

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If you think you might be the victim of a scam, you can contact the Iowa Attorney General's Office at 888-777-4590.

How Do You Protect Yourself From Pig Butchering?

Be cautious when connecting with strangers online, and avoid accepting friend requests from people you don't know. Never send money through cryptocurrency ATMs, as once it's sent, it's gone forever.

Always do your research and seek advice before making any investment. Also, remember: if someone you've never met in person is asking for, or offering to give you, a large sum of money, it's a major red flag.

A quick reminder: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Now that we've learned about scamming, let's take a turn for the better and see some good in Iowa:

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