Interpol calls for changing the term 'international romance scams' from 'pig killing' to 'romance baiting,' with 'pig' being too insensitive to the victims.

Romance scams using Chinese dating services are known as 'pig butchering,' and in recent years the number of victims has been increasing worldwide. However, the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has called for the term 'pig butchering' to be replaced with 'romance baiting,' as the term is considered insensitive to the victims.

INTERPOL urges end to 'Pig Butchering' term, cites harm to online victims
https://www.interpol.int/en/News-and-Events/News/2024/INTERPOL-urges-end-to-Pig-Butchering-term-cites-harm-to-online-victims

Words matter. Let's change the narrative. - YouTube


Interpol replaces dehumanizing 'Pig Butchering' term with 'Romance Baiting'
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/interpol-replaces-dehumanizing-pig-butchering-term-with-romance-baiting/

On December 17, 2024 local time, Interpol proposed that the online romance scam, commonly known as 'pig killing,' be renamed 'romantic baiting.' The reason why the international romance scam originating from China is called 'pig killing' comes from the fact that scammers call their victims 'pigs.'

Scammers gradually “fatten” their victims by making them feel fake love and friendship, then “kill” them by convincing them to invest in fake cryptocurrencies. Once the victims have invested a large amount of money, their financial support is suddenly cut off, causing devastating financial losses and psychological damage.

Interpol claims that 'the term 'pig killer' dehumanizes and humiliates victims of fraud and discourages them from seeking help or providing information to authorities.'

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has warned that the cryptocurrency Tether is encouraging 'pig killing.'

UN warns that cryptocurrency Tether is fueling cyber fraud in Asia, including 'pig-killing' scams - GIGAZINE

Official smartphone app stores such as the App Store and Google Play are also distributing apps used for 'pig killing,' and researchers at cybersecurity companies have issued a warning.

'Pig killing scam' app discovered on Google Play and App Store - GIGAZINE

According to Interpol, some law enforcement and online safety experts are already calling 'pig killing' 'romantic baiting.' Interpol said, 'The term 'romantic baiting' recognises the sophisticated tactics and emotional manipulation that scammers use to build trust with their victims. The term puts the spotlight firmly where it should be - on the actions of the perpetrators, not the victims.'

'Words matter - we've seen this in areas such as violent sexual crimes, domestic violence and online child abuse - and we need to recognise that our words also matter to victims of scams,' said Interpol Deputy Director Cyril Goote. 'It's time to change our language to prioritise respect and empathy for victims and hold scammers accountable for their crimes.'

Dr Elizabeth Carter, a lecturer in criminology and forensic linguistics at Kingston University, London, said: 'Academic research shows there is a clear link between the tactics of con artists and those of perpetrators of domestic violence and controlling bondage. Rather than adopting the terminology of these criminals, it is essential that we use terminology that protects the public and helps victims report.' She supported changing 'pig killing' to 'romance baiting'.

Interpol's call to stop using the term 'pig killer' is part of the 'Think Twice' campaign to raise online safety and awareness. 'Think Twice' focuses on five online threats that have been increasing in recent years: ransomware attacks, malware attacks, phishing attacks, generative AI scams, and romance scams.