New York CNN--.

The FBI claims America has a "pig butchering" issue. And it's setting you back sufferers numerous dollars.

"We're not speaking about what's taking place at farms," claimed Frank Fisher, public events specialist at the bureau's Albuquerque department. "We're speaking about a cryptocurrency investment scam that is brushing up the nation."

The term pig butchering describes an innocent target-- the "pig"-- being fooled by scammers right into shelling out cash for a guaranteed high price of return.

Fraudsters "fatten up the pig by obtaining the victim to believe that they're investing in something as well as get them to move cash into cryptocurrency," claims Santa Clara Region, The golden state, area lawyer Jeff Rosen, whose office takes care of a multi-agency job pressure combating technology-related criminal offenses.

As soon as offenders "plump up" their sufferers' digital purses, they take the money, Rosen states.

Pig butchering operations generally begin with a rudimentary method, Rosen informs CNN: Scammers blast out countless unsolicited messages daily to unwary targets via sms message and social networks, frequently with an innocuous note like, "Hi, just how are you?"

The fraudster operating under an incorrect identification develops a relationship with the sufferer, occasionally over just a few weeks, prior to suggesting the target "invest" in cryptocurrency.

One technique includes assuring a victim that the scammer has actually made considerable profits in cryptocurrency, convincing the victim they shouldn't lose out on the benefits of cryptocurrency financial investments.

Those who succumb to the fraud are coaxed right into sending an increasing number of money, and even offered with fictitious financial declarations that make it appear their investments have actually made a substantial return.

"This is where the 'fattening up of the pig' comes in," Rosen says. At some point, "you end up being a little questionable. You attempt calling the person that contacted you online and request your money back. [However] that individual has actually ghosted you."

Rosen says the holiday season is a particularly lucrative time for scammers as they typically exploit individuals who might be really feeling lonely.

And while the initial approach is uncomplicated, Rosen says the actual scamming procedures his group has actually checked out-- which typically operate overseas including in Cambodia and China-- involve highly sophisticated approaches.

"They have actually been educated by psychologists to attempt to find out the best method to manipulate individuals," he states. "You're handling individuals that are going to utilize various mental strategies to make you susceptible and also to obtain you interested in parting with your cash."

Specialists claim basic awareness and persistance are essential to guarding against on-line predators.

"Be really careful when you go on social media and also dating apps and someone starts creating a partnership with you, as well as wants you to start spending," says the FBI's Fisher. "Do not get butchered."

As shoppers spend billions online this holiday season, the FBI states it has actually additionally seen an increase in frauds entailing the mega-retailer Amazon.com. "Online criminals' scams are just limited by their creative imagination, as well as they have an impressive sense of timing," states Fisher.

In one type of scam, "somebody calls you and claims to be from Amazon or one more wholesaler distributor, and they state there's a problem with your credit card," Fisher adds. The scammer then requests for a brand-new charge card number.

An additional variation of the Amazon.com rip-off involves a criminal calling a potential sufferer and also indicating a dubious acquisition has been flagged on the customer's account, which has led to the suspension of purchasing benefits. The victim is asked to make a settlement by means of charge card right then to renew the account.

"Often, they'll even endanger to report you to police regarding your purchase," Fisher says. "An additional dead ringer. Do not fall for this scam."

Amazon.com's security group suggests customers that the company will certainly never ever ask a client for individual details, and also customers ought to not react to emails requesting account data or directly identifiable details.

The company said in a statement that it has actually worked to remove thousands of online phishing sites and also contact number associated with acting scams, and has actually referred presumed scammers to law enforcement agencies worldwide.

"Scammers who attempt to impersonate Amazon.com placed customers in jeopardy," said Dharmesh Mehta, Amazon.com's vice head of state of Marketing Companion Solutions. "Although these frauds happen outside our store, we will remain to purchase shielding consumers as well as educating the public on just how to stay clear of frauds."

The FBI claims other kinds of rip-offs growing this holiday season are largely focused on defrauding senior citizens. "Fraudsters tend to focus on the elderly due to the fact that they recognize they're relying on, and they know older Americans generally have more cash," says Fisher.

In so-called sweepstakes rip-offs, victims are called as well as congratulated for winning a sweepstakes prize, however they are told that they must initially send out cash to cover tax obligations and also handling fees that can be expensive.

Legitimate "sweepstakes will certainly not do that," says Fisher. "They will certainly not make you pay in advance to collect your cash."

There were around 60 fake sweepstakes targets in New Mexico alone last year whose cumulative losses amounted to $1 million, he says.

The FBI suggests individuals check in with senior loved ones as well as pals regarding their on-line practices as well as whether they might have been targeted by cyber offenders.

"If someone has actually approached them and also wants to be their friend as well as establish a relationship," Fisher says, "ask questions."