Project host Rachel Corbett reveals how she was targeted by a 'pig slaughter' scam that preyed on 'lonely' Aussies – here's how to make sure you don't get scammed

A presenter on The Project has revealed she was the target of a 'pig slaughter' scam.

In this sophisticated scam, criminals approach people, often elderly or lonely, with an introductory message containing a 'wrong number' before building a friendship over months and convincing them to invest their savings in a fake scheme.

It takes its name from the concept of fattening a pig before slaughtering it.

After a news segment about the scam aired on The Project on Sunday night, host Rachel Corbett revealed that she had received a telephone version of the scam.

“It was such a strange situation that someone had called and asked for a name that wasn't mine. “I said 'no' and instead of doing the normal thing, just hanging up and saying 'sorry', they said 'oh, I must have misunderstood' and started keeping me on the phone,” Corbett said. her co-hosts.

In 'pig slaughter', criminals approach people, often elderly or lonely, with an introductory message containing a 'wrong number' before building a friendship over months and convincing them to invest their savings in a fake scheme (stock image)

The TV star said the call took her by surprise and “felt weird, wrong and strange.”

Australian victims of 'pig slaughter', also known as 'romance baiting', lost up to $4,500 per hour by 2022.

The Australian Federal Police is warning lonely hearts to be wary of organized criminals this Valentine's Day.

For the first time, it released a criminal playbook on pig slaughter seized in a raid to educate the public about the tactics used.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Cyber Crime Command Chris Goldsmid knew the pig slaughter manual had four key steps: packaging, breeding, killing/investment scam and payment.

In the 'packaging' stage, the scammer takes on the persona of a handsome and successful business owner or investor before sending a genuine seemingly coincidental 'hello' text message intended for someone else.

Scammers often use a genuine apparent 'wrong number' message before attempting to build a months-long friendship with the victim to convince them to invest their savings in a fake scheme

Pig slaughter in Australia and how to avoid it

Australians lost more than $322 million to investment fraud last year

Dating and romance scams accounted for $35 million in losses

Here are tips to avoid falling victim to this cruel hoax:

– Do not invest in foreign currency, cryptocurrency or speculative investments with people you have only encountered in the online environment

– Be especially wary of crypto as it has always been associated with scams and criminal activity

– If you are unsure, seek a second opinion personally from a professional

– Talk to friends and family to get an outside perspective. Confiding in someone can help prevent or minimize losses

– If something doesn't sound normal, it could be a scam. For example, you are asked to pay via crypto or with gift vouchers

– When it comes to relationships, understand that you don't really know anyone until you meet them physically

Perpetrators are encouraged to say they are 28 to 35 years old to show they understand pop culture, are well educated or have a high-paying job.

Next comes the “parenting” phase, where the scammer slowly grooms the individual over a period of weeks, months, or even years.

They often message their victims every morning and follow up every evening before professing their love and using pet names for the victims such as “baby” or “woman.”

Scammers then flaunt their supposed wealthy lifestyle and encourage victims to think they can achieve the same if they invest through certain schemes, which often involve cryptocurrency.

Victims think they are trading on legitimate platforms, but the money is actually transferred to an account of offenders who have created fake platforms that look identical to well-known sites.

Finally, the scammer reaches the “cash-out” stage, where he convinces the victim to make one last investment with the false promise that this will allow him to withdraw his money.

There are different guides tailored to age, gender, sexual preference and geography.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Goldsmid said traditional romance scams were often initiated through dating apps, but pig slaughter often started with individuals unsolicited texting through messaging apps.

“Pig Slaughter does not target individuals with the false hope of a relationship, but instead initiates a conversation in search of friendship,” said Deputy Commissioner Goldsmid.

'Scammers usually say that the coincidental messages are the result of 'fate' or 'divine will'.

“Over months or years, the scammer will flaunt a lavish lifestyle and leave a trail of comments about their wealth, such as bragging about the value of their cryptocurrency wallets.

'Once victims ask how they make their money, victims are directed to a full replica of an investment site that shows the growth of an investment.

'When sending money to invest, victims are shown weekly, monthly or annual investment statements, showing the continued growth of their investment. Often the victim offers even more money to invest.

'If the victim wants to pay out money or the scammer thinks there is no more money to scam the victim, the perpetrator tries to get money again by saying things like: 'Taxes have to be paid, but I know a great accountant', or 'we'll all meet at a luxury resort for our General Meeting, our travel agent can book for you, just give him the money for the plane tickets and accommodation'.

'However, before that happens, efforts are underway to care for the victim – and these are the signs we want the community to be aware of.'

He said the victims of these sophisticated scams should not be embarrassed and encouraged them to come forward.