The U.S. Secret Service in the Northern District of New York has taken action against a second web domain linked to a cryptocurrency scam known as "pig butchering." The latest domain, NFT-UNI.com, was seized after scammers used it to defraud individuals through a fraudulent investment scheme, as announced by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Jeffrey Burr, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of the United States Secret Service.
Pig butchering schemes involve scammers who typically connect with victims through dating apps, social media, or random text messages. The scammers build trust with the victims before introducing the idea of investing in cryptocurrency through what they claim are business opportunities. Once the victims invest money through fraudulent platforms, the scammers disappear with the funds.
Court documents reveal that between November 2023 and March 2024, a victim in Warren County was induced to wire money to NFT-UNI.com. Believing they were investing in a legitimate opportunity, the victim transferred funds that were immediately moved through multiple bank accounts to obscure their origin. This victim's losses amounted to $172,405.61, and other victims reported total losses of approximately $4,564,936.47.
The U.S. Secret Service had previously seized another domain, OKEX-NFT.net, in May 2024 as part of a similar scheme in Warren County.
United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III commented, "by seizing this website, we are able to strike a blow to a criminal organization that financially victimized numerous individuals, including a member of our community and senior citizens around the country."
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Conger and Alexander Wentworth-Ping represented the U.S. Attorney's Office in this matter. Related court documents can be found in the online docket of the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York under Case No. 1:25-SW-78 (PJE) via www.pacer.gov.
Individuals who suspect they may be victims of similar schemes are urged to contact CryptoFraud@SecretService.gov or IC3.gov and provide details such as investment websites, contacts, and transaction information.
This case is part of the Department of Justice's Elder Justice Initiative, which focuses on combating elder abuse, neglect, and scams targeting older adults. Anyone with information on elder fraud can reach out to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311.