Darknet Diaries 141: The Pig Butcher
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Jan 2, 2024 Ronnie Tokazowski, a cybersecurity expert focused on romance scams and business email compromise, dives deep into the world of pig butchering schemes. He reveals how scammers prey on emotions, leading victims to lose staggering amounts, like one individual who lost over $450,000. The discussion uncovers the psychological tricks used to manipulate trust and isolation. From cryptocurrency scams to the innovative tactics involving deep fakes, Tokazowski sheds light on the evolving landscape of digital deception and the urgent need for awareness and prevention.
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Colleague's Breakup and Scam
- Ronnie's colleague, a cybersecurity professional, was going through a difficult breakup.
- He met a woman online who introduced him to a crypto investment opportunity.
Pig Butchering Explained
- The "pig butchering" scam involves building trust and then exploiting victims financially.
- It preys on vulnerabilities during emotional distress, like after a breakup.
The Crypto Scam Setup
- The scammer introduced a crypto investment with a 20% daily return, seemingly linked to Crypto.com.
- The victim, a cybersecurity professional, was initially skeptical but invested a small amount, which yielded returns.