NY Attorney General Warns of 'Pig Butchering' Scams

Letitia James issues alert on sophisticated fraud targeting New Yorkers' savings

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued a consumer alert and online guide to protect New Yorkers from 'pig butchering' scams, in which fraudsters befriend victims under false pretenses and convince them to make fraudulent investments. The scammers use tactics like gaining trust, introducing fake investment opportunities, and cutting off contact after taking victims' money.

Why it matters

These scams can devastate victims' finances, with losses sometimes reaching over a million dollars. Attorney General James is aiming to raise awareness and provide guidance to help New Yorkers avoid falling prey to these sophisticated fraud schemes.

The details

Pig butchering scams typically start on social media, dating apps, or through unsolicited messages, where scammers establish a personal connection with victims. They then transition the conversation to encrypted chat platforms to shield their identity. After gaining the victims' trust, the scammers introduce fake investment opportunities, often in cryptocurrency or foreign currencies, and provide fake evidence of success to reinforce the scheme. Eventually, the scammers cut off contact and keep the victims' money, which can range from tens of thousands to over a million dollars.

  • Attorney General James issued the consumer alert and online guide on February 18, 2026.

The players

Letitia James

The Attorney General of New York who issued the consumer alert and guide on pig butchering scams.

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What they’re saying

“Heartless scammers are using increasingly sophisticated means to prey on communities looking for connection and opportunity. These fraudsters go to great lengths to gain trust and convince people to send them their savings, sometimes ruining their victims' finances. I encourage all New Yorkers to remain vigilant and contact my office if they or a loved one is affected by one of these scams.”

— Letitia James, Attorney General of New York (Yonkers Times)

What’s next

Attorney General James urges New Yorkers to report any suspected pig butchering scams to her office by filing a complaint online or calling 1-800-771-7755.

The takeaway

These pig butchering scams demonstrate the lengths that sophisticated fraudsters will go to in order to steal New Yorkers' savings. By raising awareness and providing guidance, Attorney General James aims to help protect vulnerable residents from falling victim to these devastating financial crimes.