Intro post

clip always wanted to be criminal

The story of Creating a Con: The Story of Bitconned has also been adapted into a Netflix documentary. Bitconned is available NOW,exclusively on Netflix. To learn more about the production, please take a listen to this encore presentation of Netflix's You Cant Make This Up where host Rebecca Lavoie interviews the documentary's director, Bryan Strokel. Be sure to check out the film, Bitconned, exclusively on Netflix and keep listening to Creating a Con: The Story of Bitconned. Enjoy!

At the height of the Bitcoin boom, Ray Trapani and his friends created a debit card for cryptocurrency. Even though the technology didn’t work and the card was a scam, Centra Tech was making millions of dollars a day. But anyone looking at the operation would discover cut-and-paste business plans, fake executives, and glitchy technology.  Bitconned lets Trapani tell his story of fun, fame, and fraud as he awaits sentencing for the first high-profile case of the crypto era. Was it real? No. But did it work? Maybe.

In this episode of You Can't Make This Up, host Rebecca Lavoie interviews director Bryan Storkel.

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't watched Bitconned yet, make sure to add it to your watch-list before listening on. 

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

The story of Creating a Con: The Story of Bitconned has also been adapted into a Netflix documentary. Bitconned is available NOW, exclusively on Netflix. To learn more about the production, please take a listen to this encore presentation of Netflix's You Cant Make This Up where host Rebecca Lavoie interviews the documentary's director, Bryan Strokel. Be sure to check out the film, Bitconned, exclusively on Netflix and keep listening to Creating a Con: The Story of Bitconned. Enjoy!
At the height of the Bitcoin boom, Ray Trapani and his friends created a debit card for cryptocurrency. Even though the technology didn’t work and the card was a scam, Centra Tech was making millions of dollars a day. But anyone looking at the operation would discover cut-and-paste business plans, fake executives, and glitchy technology.  <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81507283">Bitconned</a> lets Trapani tell his story of fun, fame, and fraud as he awaits sentencing for the first high-profile case of the crypto era. Was it real? No. But did it work? Maybe.
In this episode of You Can't Make This Up, host Rebecca Lavoie interviews director Bryan Storkel.
SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't watched Bitconned yet, make sure to add it to your watch-list before listening on. 
Listen to more from <a href="https://www.netflix.com/tudum/podcasts">Netflix Podcasts</a>.

Bonus Episode 1: Netflix's You Can't Make This Up — Bitconned

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/240ef5f6-ef59-4bf1-8b36-b17300daae73/transcript

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In the season finale of Creating a Con, Ray’s epic story of lies, deception, and fraud comes to a head in the courtroom of The Southern District of New York. Looking at the possibility of serving over 150 years in prison, Ray is confronted by the most important day of his life - his sentencing hearing. But the day would come with a twist, one that Ray, his friends, and his family would never expect. One that would change their lives forever. 

Stay tuned into the Creating a Con: The Story of Bitconned feed for exclusive bonus content coming soon! 

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). 

In the season finale of Creating a Con, Ray’s epic story of lies, deception, and fraud comes to a head in the courtroom of The Southern District of New York. Looking at the possibility of serving over 150 years in prison, Ray is confronted by the most important day of his life - his sentencing hearing. But the day would come with a twist, one that Ray, his friends, and his family would never expect. One that would change their lives forever. 
Stay tuned into the Creating a Con: The Story of Bitconned feed for exclusive bonus content coming soon! 
If you would like to reach out to the Creating a Con team, please email us at <a href="mailto:creatingaconpod@gmail.com">creatingaconpod@gmail.com</a>  
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).

S1: E9 – Pinnacle of Criminality

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/002c2b22-df60-43ae-b9e8-b13301122977/transcript

In Episode 8 - The United States vs. Centra Tech, it’s all fun and games until you’re indicted. As sentencing trials begin to loom closer, we hear what went on behind closed doors and hear the emotional statements from Centra Tech victims.  

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). 

In Episode 8 - The United States vs. Centra Tech, it’s all fun and games until you’re indicted. As sentencing trials begin to loom closer, we hear what went on behind closed doors and hear the emotional statements from Centra Tech victims.  
If you would like to reach out to the Creating a Con team, please email us at <a href="mailto:creatingaconpod@gmail.com">creatingaconpod@gmail.com</a> 
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).

S1: E8 – The United States vs Centra Tech

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/2030e756-724c-4da9-a6a6-b1230188c7e3/transcript

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Centra Tech investors are getting nervous after the release of the explosive New York Times article. Is this the end for the crypto-company? Plus, the Centra Tech team finds themselves in another scam. But this time, they are the ones being duped.  

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). 

Centra Tech investors are getting nervous after the release of the explosive New York Times article. Is this the end for the crypto-company? Plus, the Centra Tech team finds themselves in another scam. But this time, they are the ones being duped.  
If you would like to reach out to the Creating a Con team, please email us at <a href="mailto:creatingaconpod@gmail.com">creatingaconpod@gmail.com</a> 
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).

S1: E7 – Criminal Etiquette

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ef0667e8-3a17-4954-962a-b1230187fc31/transcript

Raising $30 million-dollars, playing poker with celebrities, and jet-setting on private planes; it seemed like Ray and the Centra Tech team were on top of the world. Until they weren’t. The pressure from the New York Times article is coming down hard. Has Ray and Centra Tech's luck finally run out?  

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). 

Raising $30 million-dollars, playing poker with celebrities, and jet-setting on private planes; it seemed like Ray and the Centra Tech team were on top of the world. Until they weren’t. The pressure from the New York Times article is coming down hard. Has Ray and Centra Tech's luck finally run out?  
If you would like to reach out to the Creating a Con team, please email us at <a href="mailto:creatingaconpod@gmail.com">creatingaconpod@gmail.com</a> 
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).

S1: E6 – Big Little Lies

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/51ac7c36-964e-4126-a1cb-b12301866f71/transcript

In Episode 5 - A Date with the Grey Lady, as the Centra Tech team prepare for an impending New York Times exposé, the partners see their control of the company slip away. Meanwhile, we’ll hear from the “CEO” of Centra Tech on how he got roped in to the crypto startup and how it changed his life.  

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).

In Episode 5 - A Date with the Grey Lady, as the Centra Tech team prepare for an impending New York Times exposé, the partners see their control of the company slip away. Meanwhile, we’ll hear from the “CEO” of Centra Tech on how he got roped in to the crypto startup and how it changed his life.  
If you would like to reach out to the Creating a Con team, please email us at <a href="mailto:creatingaconpod@gmail.com">creatingaconpod@gmail.com</a>  
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).

S1: E5 – A Date with the Grey Lady

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/32370cbb-7f5b-44a2-99a4-b1230185d2cf/transcript

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).

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 <a href="mailto:creatingaconpod@gmail.com">creatingaconpod@gmail.com</a> 
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).

S1: E4 – An Afternoon with Uncle Clif

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/4d7c5093-b512-4acc-a549-b123018554c8/transcript

Ray is left picking up the pieces of his life and business after his failed Vegas trip. In Episode 3 – Heads or Tails, Ray and a few friends from Miami Exotics set their sights on tackling the unregulated Wild West of the crypto-currency world. Introducing, Centra Tech.   

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). 

Ray is left picking up the pieces of his life and business after his failed Vegas trip. In Episode 3 – Heads or Tails, Ray and a few friends from Miami Exotics set their sights on tackling the unregulated Wild West of the crypto-currency world. Introducing, Centra Tech.   
If you would like to reach out to the Creating a Con team, please email us at <a href="mailto:creatingaconpod@gmail.com">creatingaconpod@gmail.com</a>  
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).

S1: E3 – Heads or Tails

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/9c405130-30d0-49c3-80ee-b1230184de93/transcript

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. 

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 <a href="mailto:creatingaconpod@gmail.com">creatingaconpod@gmail.com</a>  
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.

S1: E2 – Rolling the Dice

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/dc7cade9-4485-4580-b4f9-b1230183572c/transcript

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“For as long as I can remember I was always trying to make a couple pennies.” That’s Ray Trapani, one of the co-founders of the crypto-currency company, Centra Tech. In the premiere episode of Creating a Con: The Story of Bitconned, we hear the origin story of Ray, the guy who, in his own words said, “I always wanted to be a criminal since I was a kid”. Was it destined in his nature? Or would this prolific con artist be shaped by his environment and the influences on his life from an early age?   

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). 

“For as long as I can remember I was always trying to make a couple pennies.” That’s Ray Trapani, one of the co-founders of the crypto-currency company, Centra Tech. In the premiere episode of Creating a Con: The Story of Bitconned, we hear the origin story of Ray, the guy who, in his own words said, “I always wanted to be a criminal since I was a kid”. Was it destined in his nature? Or would this prolific con artist be shaped by his environment and the influences on his life from an early age?   
If you would like to reach out to the Creating a Con team, please email us at <a href="mailto:creatingaconpod@gmail.com">creatingaconpod@gmail.com</a>  
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).

S1: E1 – Breaking Bad

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/8d2b3821-df53-462a-9ac2-b12301827962/transcript

Creating a Con is a true crime podcast that goes inside the minds of the most prolific modern-day con artist. Their schemes may be new, but their tactics are tried and true.  

In Season One, you’ll meet Ray Trapani – a 26-year-old whose schemes targeted pharmacies, exotic cars and payment apps, all stepping stones to his biggest con yet.  In 2017, Trapani and his co-founders created a tech startup that found immediate success. It was endorsed by DJ Khaled and Floyd Mayweather and raised tens of millions of dollars overnight. It was set to disrupt the financial industry and Ray was about to change the world, until he didn't... because Trapani and his business were 100% fraudulent. When the dust settled, it would leave Trapani and his partners fighting for their freedom. 

Creating a Con takes you inside the mind of Trapani as he shares first hand of how he put together one of the largest financial frauds in modern history. Inspired by films and shows like Goodfellas, The Sopranos and The Wolf on Wall Street, Trapani lived in the fast lane on Miami's South Beach. He drank, partied and used his way straight to success, leaving a wake of destruction in his path. And that success culminated in the founding of Centra Tech, a start-up that was built on empty promises, fake executives, and millions of dollars from unsuspecting investors. Ray was on the top of the world until it all came crashing down. This podcast reveals the rise and fall of one of the greatest con artists in our lifetime.

Creating a Con is a true crime podcast that goes inside the minds of the most prolific modern-day con artist. Their schemes may be new, but their tactics are tried and true.  
In Season One, you’ll meet Ray Trapani – a 26-year-old whose schemes targeted pharmacies, exotic cars and payment apps, all stepping stones to his biggest con yet.  In 2017, Trapani and his co-founders created a tech startup that found immediate success. It was endorsed by DJ Khaled and Floyd Mayweather and raised tens of millions of dollars overnight. It was set to disrupt the financial industry and Ray was about to change the world, until he didn't... because Trapani and his business were 100% fraudulent. When the dust settled, it would leave Trapani and his partners fighting for their freedom. 
Creating a Con takes you inside the mind of Trapani as he shares first hand of how he put together one of the largest financial frauds in modern history. Inspired by films and shows like Goodfellas, The Sopranos and The Wolf on Wall Street, Trapani lived in the fast lane on Miami's South Beach. He drank, partied and used his way straight to success, leaving a wake of destruction in his path. And that success culminated in the founding of Centra Tech, a start-up that was built on empty promises, fake executives, and millions of dollars from unsuspecting investors. Ray was on the top of the world until it all came crashing down. This podcast reveals the rise and fall of one of the greatest con artists in our lifetime.

Creating a Con: The Story of Bitconned

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