Crypto Scam Alert: Kauai Police Warn Elderly Citizens to be Aware of Affectionate Messages

A new scam in Kauai has the police sounding the alarm,  and it’s something everyone should be talking about, especially families with older members. On April 11, the Kauai Police Department (KPD) issued a public warning about a type of cryptocurrency scam that’s catching people off guard. The worst part? These scammers don’t just steal money. They take advantage of people’s trust, emotions, and sometimes even loneliness.

This isn’t your usual scam. It’s personal, and it’s dangerous.

When “Love” Turns into a Lie

It often starts with something as simple as a message on Facebook or a text out of the blue. The person seems kind. They ask how your day is going. They listen. Over time, they start to feel like a friend — or even more than that.

But it’s all fake.

Once they feel like they’ve gained your trust, they bring up an “investment opportunity.” Usually, it’s in cryptocurrency. They show fake screenshots of profits. Everything looks real. But it isn’t. The moment you send your money, they vanish.

KPD says these scammers are experts at building emotional connections, they can take your savings. It’s not just a scam — it’s manipulation.

What Is a “Pig Butchering” Scam?

This type of fraud has a strange name: “pig butchering.” As awful as it sounds, it reflects exactly what’s happening. Scammers “fatten up” their victims by showering them with attention and fake affection, all to get them to invest more and more money. Then, they disappear.

The FBI has seen cases all across the country. One woman in Maryland lost over $3 million this way. She thought she was in a relationship. The scammer spent weeks gaining her trust. By the time she realized it was all fake, her money was gone, and there was no way to get it back.

Many of these scams come from outside the U.S., especially Southeast Asia. Victims are targeted through dating apps, social platforms, and messaging apps and then lured to invest in fake crypto platforms that show fake profits.

Signs Something Isn’t Right

Police and federal agents have shared a few clear warning signs:

• A stranger messages you and quickly becomes friendly or romantic
• They talk about making money through crypto investments
• They pressure you to act fast or keep things secret
• You’re asked to use new apps or websites you’ve never heard of

If any of that sounds familiar, pause. Don’t rush. Talk to someone you trust before doing anything.

What You Can Do to Stay Safe

The scammer’s main targets are senior citizens, but everyone must be careful around such sweet words and messages. Family members should alert their elder relatives about these fake messages. 

Here are a few things that can help:

• Never send money or crypto to someone you only know online
• Be careful about clicking on links from unknown sources
• Always check with a family member or advisor before investing
• Report anything suspicious to the police right away

Yes, scams like this are terrible. But it’s important to remember that cryptocurrency itself isn’t the enemy. When used wisely and with proper research, it’s just another financial tool. The real danger comes from people who use it to trick others.