INTERPOL has called for the term “romance baiting” to replace “pig butchering,” a phrase widely used to describe a manipulative scam where victims are emotionally exploited and financially defrauded.
The international law enforcement organization emphasizes that the new term fosters respect for victims while squarely holding fraudsters accountable.
INTERPOL Urges to End ‘Pig Butchering’
The term “pig butchering” originates from the fraudsters themselves, who liken their victims to pigs being “fattened up” with trust, affection, and fake promises of romance or friendship before being cruelly exploited—often for investments in fake cryptocurrency schemes.
Once their victims have transferred substantial amounts of money, scammers either manipulate them further or abruptly sever contact, leaving victims financially devastated and emotionally scarred.
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INTERPOL argues that such terminology is stigmatizing and dehumanizing, often discouraging victims from reporting crimes or seeking support.
Instead, the term “romance baiting” shifts focus to the fraudulent techniques employed by scam perpetrators, highlighting the deliberate emotional manipulation and exploitation behind these schemes.
Cyril Gout, Acting Executive Director of Police Services at INTERPOL, underscored the impact of language on victim support.
He stated, “Words matter. We’ve seen this in areas like domestic abuse and online exploitation. Changing our language to foster empathy and respect for victims is crucial to combating these crimes and holding fraudsters to account.”
Dr. Elisabeth Carter, a criminologist and forensic linguist at Kingston University London, further connected the tactics of romance baiting fraudsters to coercive control in domestic abuse cases, emphasizing how appropriate terminology promotes public awareness and victim protection.
The shift in language is part of INTERPOL’s broader Think Twice campaign, which aims to raise awareness about online scams and foster safer online interactions.
The campaign features resources, including engaging short videos, spotlighting online threats such as ransomware, phishing, malware, generative AI scams, and romance baiting.
As online scams grow increasingly sophisticated, INTERPOL’s initiative seeks to empower individuals while advocating for a justice system that centers on victim dignity.
By replacing judgment-laden terminology with empathy-driven language such as “romance baiting,” the organization hopes to encourage more victims to come forward, enhancing efforts to bring fraudsters to justice and protect future potential targets.
Through this forward-thinking approach, INTERPOL sets a powerful example of how language can drive cultural change and strengthen global responses to rising cybercrime threats.
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