Is a long-distance relationship asking for money always a scam?

Not every long-distance relationship is a scam. Many are real. But the recurring pattern of 'mentions crypto trading' is the soft-open of pig butchering — they're testing your interest before pivoting to the platform pitch.

Reality check: in a real relationship the person eventually wants to share their day, their family, their actual face on video, and their actual life. They don't keep nudging you toward an investment app. If 'come trade with me' is a recurring topic and concrete plans to meet keep falling through, you're being prepared, not loved. Watch for the pivot — and trust your gut the second it shows up.