The Rise of Pig Butchering Scams: How Meta Is Fighting Back
Scams evolve as fast as the technology that enables them. One of the most troubling schemes we’ve seen lately is “pig butchering,” where scammers build trust with victims over time before draining them financially. As Shannon Tynes aptly explained on our recent Other Side of the Firewall podcast, “It’s like fattening up a pig for slaughter.”
This week, Meta made headlines by taking down millions of accounts tied to these scams, which are often run by overseas networks. While it’s a victory, it raises an important question: Is this just another cycle of reactionary measures, or can we adopt proactive solutions to tackle these scams at their roots?
What Are Pig Butchering Scams?
Pig butchering scams operate on manipulation and deceit. Scammers initiate contact, often with a friendly message like, “Your name was in my contacts.” They pretend to reconnect as old friends or acquaintances, leveraging social engineering tactics to build trust over weeks or even months.
Once trust is established, they pivot to financial schemes, often presenting “investment opportunities” in stocks or cryptocurrency. Victims, lulled into a false sense of security, are convinced to part with their money. The scammers may even feign sympathy and offer further advice, pulling victims deeper into the trap.
“These scammers are playing the long game,” Shannon explained. “They’re not rushing; they’re methodically grooming their targets to maximize the financial payout.”
Meta’s Crackdown: A Step Forward or a Temporary Fix?
Meta’s removal of millions of fake accounts tied to pig butchering scams is commendable, but is it enough? As Shannon questioned during the podcast, “What is Meta going to do differently to prevent this from happening again? Are we just in an endless cycle of removing fake accounts only for new ones to appear?”
This is a valid concern. The barriers to creating fake accounts on platforms like Facebook or Instagram remain low. Meanwhile, scammers can easily replace deactivated accounts with new ones. Meta’s efforts are necessary, but they underscore a larger issue: the need for better verification processes.
Verification: A Double-Edged Sword
A potential solution is to require stronger user verification, such as submitting government IDs. LinkedIn has already implemented such measures for certain accounts, but it’s not without risks. As I noted, “A breach at a company like Meta, which holds billions of accounts, could have catastrophic consequences. You’re handing over a treasure trove of sensitive data to a single entity.”
One possible alternative could involve third-party verification services. These organizations would confirm user identities without directly sharing sensitive data with social media platforms. It’s a solution worth exploring, though it comes with its own complexities and vulnerabilities.
The Role of Personal Responsibility
While platforms must improve their defenses, individual users also have a role to play. As Shannon pointed out, “If someone you don’t know—or barely remember—starts offering unsolicited financial advice, do your homework. Scammers thrive on our willingness to trust without verifying.”
Practical steps for users include:
The Bigger Picture: Social Media’s Role in Society
The prevalence of pig butchering scams is symptomatic of a larger issue: the unregulated growth of social media platforms. Beyond scams, these platforms have been used to spread misinformation, influence elections, and sow discord. The sheer scale of these issues makes it clear that businesses like Meta, X (formerly Twitter), and others must take greater responsibility.
As Shannon noted, “People need to be better about the information they put out there and share. But platforms also need to adopt proactive measures to protect their users.”
Meta’s recent crackdown on pig butchering scams is a positive step, but it’s only the beginning. Platforms must move from reactive to proactive strategies, exploring advanced verification and detection tools to stay ahead of scammers.
At the same time, users must exercise greater caution and responsibility in their online interactions. By working together, we can minimize the risks posed by these evolving threats.
Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more episodes of The Other Side of the Firewall podcast on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays, as well as the Ask A CISSP podcast every Thursday. Please like, share, and subscribe.
Stay safe, stay secure!
Ryan is a retired Air Force veteran who brings over 20 years of experience in network infrastructure, project management, and cybersecurity consulting to his current roles as CEO of RAM Cyber Consulting & Assessments, LLC and IT Security Analyst at BuddoBot. Buddobot’s mission is to support national security by transforming, empowering, and educating organizations to shift from reactive, diluted, automated, and high-cost IT and security practices to proactive, effective solutions that fortify their security.
Shannon, also a retired Air Force veteran, has more than two decades of expertise in network security and vulnerability management. He now serves as an Information System Security Officer (ISSO) for the U.S. Space Force, where he continues to enhance national security protocols.
Chris, a Navy veteran with over ten years in IT, information assurance, and risk management, currently works at CompliancePoint. His roles include vCISO, RMF assessor, and consultant, focusing on enhancing data security and privacy for various organizations.
Daniel is an Air Force veteran with over 15 years of combined experience in IT, cybersecurity, information assurance, and government risk compliance. He has held various roles, including IT administrator, cybersecurity engineer, senior information system security manager, and currently serves as a senior security consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton. In this latest role, Daniel leverages his expertise to address unique and complex challenges in the cyber and IT domains, enhancing his customers’ capabilities.
**The Other Side of the Firewall podcast is a product of RAM Cyber Consulting & Assessments, LLC. RAM Cyber Consulting & Assessments, LLC is a premier governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) consultancy dedicated to supporting the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), federal agencies, and corporate entities. We specialize in delivering expert guidance to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and enhance cybersecurity postures. RAM Cyber is pending SDVOSB, VOSB, and 8(a) certification by the SBA, underscoring our commitment to excellence and service.