DES MOINES, IOWA (September 25, 2024) – Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has issued a warning to Iowans about “pig-butchering” scams. Pig-butchering scams are long cons that occur when con artists connect with someone online and build a relationship over a period of time before tricking them into sending money. These con artists bond over common interests and make false promises of love, affection, and opportunity to build trust. Then, they take advantage of “Iowa nice” and steal everything they can. Typically, these scammers convince people to send money in forms where they have no defenses, such as through cryptocurrency ATMs.