Interpol Urges Industry Commentators to Adopt New Terminology for Cybercrime
Interpol is leading the charge in rethinking the language used to describe a common form of cybercrime known as “pig butchering.” The term, which refers to a type of financial scam targeting victims on romance sites, has come under scrutiny for its potentially harmful implications. In a recent campaign titled “Think Twice,” Interpol has called for a shift towards using the term “romance baiting” instead.
The practice of pig butchering involves scammers luring victims into fake investment schemes under the guise of building a romantic relationship. Once the victim’s trust is gained, the scammer disappears with their money, leaving the victim devastated. Interpol argues that referring to victims as “pigs” being fattened up for slaughter dehumanizes them and may deter them from reporting the crime.
According to Interpol, using the term “romance baiting” shifts the focus onto the perpetrators and their manipulative tactics. By highlighting the emotional exploitation involved in these scams, the new terminology aims to empower victims to come forward and seek justice. Interpol’s acting executive director of police services, Cyril Gout, emphasizes the importance of using respectful language that prioritizes empathy for victims and holds fraudsters accountable for their actions.
Elisabeth Carter, an associate professor of criminology and forensic linguist, supports Interpol’s call for a change in terminology. She points out the parallels between the tactics used by fraudsters and those of perpetrators of domestic abuse, highlighting the need to use language that promotes public protection and encourages victim reporting.
While the FBI has not yet categorized romance baiting as a separate crime, data from last year shows that investment fraud was the top-earning cybercrime, raking in over $4.5 billion. Victims of romance and confidence fraud lost more than $652 million, underscoring the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts in this area.
In response to Interpol’s recommendation, Infosecurity Magazine will be revising its editorial policy to incorporate the term “romance baiting.” While the term “pig butchering” may still be used to avoid confusion during the transition, the cybersecurity community is encouraged to adopt the new terminology to better reflect the nature of these crimes.