DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU) — Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird issued a warning on Wednesday about “pig-butchering scams”.

According to a press release, pig-butchering scams are long cons that occur when con artists connect with someone and build a relationship over some time before tricking them into sending money.

These con artists bond with people over common interests and make false promises of love, affection, and opportunity to build trust and later take advantage to steal whatever they can.

The release said these scammers convince people to send money in forms where they have no defenses, such as through cryptocurrency ATMs.

“Most of us don’t think we could fall for a scam until it happens,” said Attorney General Bird. “And these scammers do not stop until they take everything you have. Be on the lookout for pig-butchering scams. They are evil, long cons that not only steal people’s money but manipulate their emotions. And please remember to never send money to someone you met online.”

Pig-Butchering Scam Tactics:

Scammers connect with Iowans on social media or dating apps, pretending to build a relationship.

They build trust with their victims over time, often weeks or months, before a scammer asks for money.

After establishing a trusted relationship with their victims, scammers will tell them a story to persuade them to send money through untraceable methods such as cryptocurrency ATMs.

How Iowans can protect themselves:

Be wary of connecting with strangers online, and do not accept friend requests from people you do not know.

Do not send money through cryptocurrency ATMs. Once that money is gone, you cannot get it back.

Seek advice and do thorough research before investing.

Do not send money to people you have not met in person. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

If you are suspicious of a pig-butchering scam, contact the Iowa Attorney General’s office at 888-777-4590 or file a complaint online, here.