Control Room: Inside global fraud factories behind pig-butchering scams

The criminal infrastructure driving today’s biggest scams

Pig-butchering scams are powered by a global system built on human trafficking and organized crime. West explains that many scam workers are recruited through fake job ads, then moved across borders, stripped of their passports, and forced to work inside guarded compounds where violence and coercion are common. These fraud centers—often located in Cambodia, Myanmar, and the Philippines, with new hubs emerging in Dubai, Peru, and parts of Africa—operate like large-scale factories optimized for online deception.

Much of the activity traces back to Chinese organized crime groups that have shifted operations to regions with weak oversight. In some countries, scam compounds have become so widespread that they now influence local economies.

 Watch the full Control Room episode on YouTube to learn more.

How scammers reach you—even without dating apps

Many victims aren’t targeted through dating platforms at all. Instead, scammers increasingly rely on casual “wrong number” messages that feel harmless: “Are you still coming over?” or “Is this the right number for the dog appointment?” Responding often triggers a friendly follow-up, followed by an attractive profile photo and a gradual shift into personal conversation.

Social media is another powerful gateway. Criminals create vast networks of convincing fake profiles that infiltrate Facebook groups, LinkedIn communities, and Instagram feeds where users may appear financially stable or socially isolated. A simple connection request can set the stage for months of grooming. Consumers should be cautious when interacting with new online contacts and consider running a reverse image search before placing trust in an unfamiliar profile.

Understanding the patterns behind modern scams

Recognizing patterns is your best defense, and Erin West emphasizes trusting your instincts early. Scammers often push secrecy or urgency—phrases like “Don’t tell anyone” or “Act now”—and any request for payment through cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards should be treated as a clear sign of fraud.

If you’re targeted or have already sent money, West recommends cutting off communication immediately and saving all evidence to help investigators. She urges victims to report the incident to the FBI’s IC3 website and local police, avoid “recovery services,” and take protective steps such as freezing credit and contacting their bank’s fraud department if personal information may be at risk.

Catch the full episode on our YouTube channel to learn more.

Stay ahead of scammers with weekly episodes of Control Room

Tune in every Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT on the LifeLock YouTube channel for a new episode of Control Room. Each week, we unpack the latest scam trends, reveal the tactics fraudsters are using right now, and give you simple, actionable steps to help protect your identity with greater confidence.