Recovering from Cryptocurrency Romance Scams
Romance scams, also known as "pig butchering", are one of the most devastating forms of cryptocurrency fraud. Victims build genuine emotional connections with scammers who then manipulate them into investing in fake crypto platforms. EthGuardians specialises in tracing these funds and supporting recovery efforts where viable options exist.
How Romance Crypto Scams Work
- Initial contact: Scammers approach victims through dating apps (Tinder, Bumble, Hinge), social media (Instagram, Facebook), and messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram)
- Trust building: Over weeks or months, they build a genuine-seeming relationship
- Investment introduction: They introduce a "guaranteed" crypto investment or trading platform
- Escalation: Small initial profits encourage larger deposits
- The slaughter: When victims try to withdraw, the platform blocks access and the scammer disappears
Our Recovery Process
EthGuardians uses blockchain analysis to trace funds from the moment they left your wallet. We identify the exchanges where funds were deposited, contact compliance teams through their established reporting channels, and, where appropriate, coordinate with external legal professionals.
Act Fast
Report the fraud promptly so transaction records are still available. An early report can preserve evidence. It does not guarantee that funds can be recovered.