Creating a Con: The Story of Bitconned

With Centra Tech preparing to launch their business, a mention in a prominent crypto-currency article takes their company to new heights. However, the author, Clif High, had them mistaken for another company. And the fall-out of this misprint would change everything. If you would like to reach out to the Creating a Con team, please email us at creatingaconpod@gmail.com To get an inside look into Ray Trapani, Centra Tech, and all the characters in the podcast, check out Bitconned, exclusively on Netflix… available to stream now. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 2 – Rolling the Dice, Ray is thriving after starting a new life down in Miami. He traded in his construction uniform for white suits and Alexander McQueens. How did he happen upon this turn of fate? It starts with a new get-rich-quick scheme that turns into a full-blown business. From Venmo to a rental car business called Miami Exotics, it seems like Ray’s life as a career criminal is taking off. And it came with its perks. Ray was renting exotic cars to some of the biggest rappers and athletes in the world. Ray and his partners were at clubs every night and living in the fast lane. However, a few months later, Ray finds himself at a major crossroads in Vegas. 30 Xanex, countless bottles of booze and down $500,000 dollars, Ray found himself in uncharted waters. If you would like to reach out to the Creating a Con team, please email us at creatingaconpod@gmail.com To get an inside look into Ray Trapani, Centra Tech and all the characters in the podcast, check out Bitconned, exclusively on Netflix… available to stream now. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In "Creating a Con: The Story of Bitconned", we’ll meet Ray Trapani. Ray grew up in a modest shore town outside of New York City. Once a happy-go-lucky kid, Ray's innocent summers on the beach quickly turned to sex, drugs, and schemes. By high school, Ray orchestrated an elaborate opioid prescription scam that made him more money than any sophomore could imagine. Ray's desire for wealth came at an early age and clouded his moral compass. His schemes didn’t stop in his teens. In 2017, Ray stumbled upon what would be the fraud of his life. This season, we’ll explore how Ray and two friends started their company, Centra Tech, which very quickly became one of the hottest tech startups of 2017. They signed exclusive deals with the world’s largest banks, hired an incredible executive team, and partnered with DJ Khaled and Floyd Mayweather. They raised over $30 million dollars overnight. They were on the path of disrupting the financial industry. Until they weren’t. There was one small problem. It was all a lie. Episodes will be premiering free to listeners starting Wednesday, April 3rd, on the iHeartRadio App, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Creating a Con is a true crime anthology podcast series that goes inside the minds of the most prolific modern-day con artists. These criminals are finding opportunities to exploit our modern world for their own personal gain. Their schemes may be new, but their tactics are tried and true. We've seen the rise of modern-day fraudsters like Anna Delvey, Sam Bankman-Fried, and Elizabeth Holmes. We've heard their stories. In Creating a Con, you'll hear the names and crimes of some of the greatest con-artists you don’t know of...yet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.