INTERPOL Urges to End ‘Pig Butchering’ & Replaces With “Romance Baiting”

LYON, France – INTERPOL has called for a change in terminology to address online relationship and investment frauds, urging the replacement of the term “pig butchering” with “romance baiting.”

This move aims to reduce victim stigmatization and encourage reporting of crimes.

The Problem with “Pig Butchering”

The term “pig butchering” originates from fraudsters who liken their victims to “pigs,” gradually “fattening them up” through fake romances or friendships before exploiting them financially.

This often involves convincing victims to invest in fraudulent schemes, such as fake cryptocurrency platforms.

Victims are left with significant financial losses and psychological harm once the fraudsters cut off contact or manipulate them further.

However, INTERPOL argues that this terminology dehumanizes victims, deterring them from seeking help or providing crucial information to authorities.

The phrase, coined by criminals, shifts focus onto the victims rather than the perpetrators, potentially empowering scammers.

Introducing “Romance Baiting”

In contrast, the term “romance baiting” highlights the sophisticated emotional manipulation used by fraudsters.

It focuses on criminal tactics rather than victim vulnerabilities. Law enforcement agencies and online safety experts have already adopted this term in some regions, emphasizing its appropriateness in combating these crimes.

Cyril Gout, Acting Executive Director of Police Services at INTERPOL, stated: “Words matter.

It’s time to change our language to prioritize respect and empathy for victims while holding fraudsters accountable.”

Dr. Elisabeth Carter, a criminologist and forensic linguist, reinforced this view, comparing fraudsters’ tactics to those used in domestic abuse and coercive control.

She stressed that adopting respectful terminology is essential for public protection and encouraging victim reporting.

Part of a Broader Campaign

This language shift is part of INTERPOL’s broader “Think Twice” campaign aimed at raising awareness about rising online threats.

The campaign highlights five key cybercrime risks: ransomware attacks, malware attacks, phishing, generative AI frauds, and romance baiting.

Through educational videos and resources, INTERPOL seeks to empower individuals to recognize and avoid falling victim to these scams.

The agency’s efforts underscore the importance of thoughtful language in addressing online fraud.

By reframing how these crimes are discussed, INTERPOL hopes to foster a more supportive environment for victims while focusing on bringing perpetrators to justice.

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