Free Phone Gift Was a "Pig Butchering" Scam: Police Expose "Stock Trading Dedicated Phone" Fraud
According to CCTV News, a new type of fraud is emerging under the guise of "stock trading dedicated phones." Compared to previous tactics of giving small gifts or scratch cards, this scam is more concealed and deceptive. The case occurred in Jinan, where local police traced a 93,000 yuan fraud-related fund to the victim, Ms. Li, and uncovered the scam's methods.
Initially, Ms. Li remained vigilant and observed for over a month. During this time, the scammers first induced her to make small investments and built trust through profits. As her vigilance gradually decreased, they began to guide her to increase her investment.
To induce her to make large investments, the scammers used a new trick – gifting her a "stock trading dedicated phone" for free.
It is reported that Ms. Li was initially cautious, observing for more than a month before starting to believe the scammer, and then began to make small investments.
Initially, there were indeed some profits, so she gradually relaxed her guard and began to believe the scammers' inducements, step by step making large investments.
The seemingly considerate service actually hides deadly intent.
The stock trading software pre-installed on this phone is fake and has a function to periodically delete records, specifically designed to evade police crackdowns.
To help Ms. Li see through the scam, police guided her on-site to operate a withdrawal, but the page always displayed "Waiting for Review."
Police immediately explained that the money had actually been transferred to the scammers' pockets, and the so-called "balance" was just a data illusion modified in the background.
While dissuading her, the police simultaneously initiated an emergency stop-payment procedure.
After subsequent work, they successfully recovered all 93,000 yuan that Ms. Li had been defrauded of.
Currently, the case is under further investigation.