FAQ

FAQ

Can pig‑butchering victims get money back?

Some do, but there are no guarantees. Outcomes depend heavily on where the funds went (and how quickly), the quality of your evidence, the amounts involved, and whether assets touched regulated platforms that can be pressured or ordered to cooperate.

Are these scams illegal?

Yes. Pig‑butchering schemes typically involve classic fraud and deception, and often touch laws related to wire fraud, money laundering, securities/commodities, and cybercrime. The exact offenses and remedies depend on your jurisdiction, which is why local legal advice matters.

What exchanges do scammers use?

Scammers use whatever gives them the best mix of liquidity, speed, and weak oversight—from major global exchanges to smaller, lightly regulated platforms and peer‑to‑peer marketplaces. Even so, many traces show funds passing through at least some large, regulated intermediaries, which can become key pressure points.

Should I talk to the scammer again?

In almost all cases, no. Once you recognize the scam, further contact mainly exposes you to more manipulation, new scams, or threats. If a lawyer or investigator later needs additional context, they will usually work from the chats and records you have already preserved.

Should I pay the “tax” or “fee” they demand to unlock my funds?

No. Demands for extra “tax,” “service fees,” “risk deposits,” or “unlocking charges” are almost always part of a second‑stage extortion. Paying them nearly never leads to real withdrawals and usually just increases your total loss.

How long does crypto recovery take?

It varies. Initial assessments and basic tracing may take weeks; coordinated legal and investigative efforts can stretch into many months or longer, especially when multiple jurisdictions are involved. Any firm promising full recovery on a fixed, short timeline should be treated with extreme skepticism.

What if the scammer is overseas?

Cross‑border scams are the norm, not the exception. Even if the individual scammers are overseas, your legal leverage often comes from entities in your own or cooperating jurisdictions: exchanges, payment processors, hosting providers, or other intermediaries that touched the funds or infrastructure.

What legal rights do victims have?

Victims generally have the right to report crimes, pursue civil claims, and seek court orders aimed at preserving or recovering assets, subject to local law and limitations. The specific rights, deadlines, and procedures differ by country, so a brief consultation with a lawyer familiar with crypto fraud in your jurisdiction is usually a smart early step.