Catfishing and Bitcoin Scams

What You Need to Know About Catfishing & Bitcoin Scams

The internet has made it easier than ever to connect with people around the world. Unfortunately, it has also created opportunities for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals. One of the most common online threats today is catfishing — when someone pretends to be someone they’re not, often using fake photos and identities to build relationships and gain trust.

Many catfishing scams now involve requests for cryptocurrency, especially bitcoin. At 208Geek, we get asked about bitcoin from time to time, but we want to be very clear: we will never direct or help a client purchase bitcoin. We’ve seen too many people lured into scams that start with seemingly harmless requests and end in financial devastation. Our goal is to protect our customers from falling into some of the most devastating online scams circulating today.

How Catfishing Scams Work

Catfishing starts with a simple connection. Someone might send a friend request on social media, message on a dating app, or even connect through an email. The scammer often uses a stolen profile picture and fabricated backstory. Once the relationship starts to develop, they begin to ask for money.

In the past, wire transfers or gift cards were the most common requests. Now, scammers frequently push for bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies because these transactions are harder to trace and nearly impossible to reverse.

Scammers often create a sense of urgency or play on emotions. They may claim they need funds to travel, cover a medical emergency, or even invest in a “guaranteed opportunity.” Once money is sent in bitcoin, the victim has almost no recourse.

Why Bitcoin Appeals to Scammers

Bitcoin transactions don’t involve banks or traditional financial systems. While this makes them appealing for legitimate uses, it also makes them a perfect tool for scammers. Once a person sends bitcoin, the transaction can’t be canceled, refunded, or charged back.

Warning Signs of Catfishing

Spotting a catfishing scam isn’t always easy, but there are common red flags to watch for.

Checklist: Signs You May Be Dealing With a Cat-fisher

• Too good to be true: The person looks perfect, has an ideal job, or shares all your interests immediately.
  

• Avoids video calls: They refuse to talk on Zoom, FaceTime, or other platforms where they’d have to show their face.
  

• Rapid emotional connection: They declare love or deep friendship unusually quickly.
  

• Offers inconsistent details: Stories about work, family, or location keep changing.
  

• Requests money: They ask for financial help, especially through bitcoin, gift cards, or wire transfers.
  

• Expresses pressure and urgency: They create emergency scenarios that make you feel guilty if you don’t act fast.
  

• Uses poor grammar or odd phrasing: Messages may seem off, as if written by someone using a translator.

If any of these sound familiar, it’s best to pause, verify, and protect yourself before moving forward.

How to Protect Yourself

The best defense against catfishing is awareness and caution. Here are a few practical steps:

• Verify identities: Reverse-image search profile photos to check if they’re stolen from someone else’s account.

• Keep conversations within trusted platforms: Be wary if someone tries to move chats away from official apps or sites.

• Never send money to strangers: No matter the reason, do not send bitcoin, gift cards, or bank transfers to people you haven’t met in person.

• Ask someone you trust: Share your online interactions with a friend, family member, or IT professional for an outside perspective BEFORE sending money. Then, trust their advice. They have the benefit of not being emotionally involved.

• Report suspicious activity: Most social platforms have tools to report fake profiles and scams.

The Role of IT Support in Online Safety

At 208Geek, we do more than fix computers — we help our clients stay safe online. Scams evolve constantly, and part of our job is to stay informed so we can help you protect your personal and financial information.While we can’t control what happens on dating sites or social media, we can help by securing your devices, protecting your accounts, and teaching you how to recognize suspicious activity. Many people think they’d never fall for a scam — until it happens. The truth is that scammers are skilled manipulators. Awareness is your best safeguard.

Online safety isn’t just about having antivirus software or strong passwords; it’s about making smart choices in every digital interaction.

What To Do If You Suspect a Scam

If you think you’re being catfished, take immediate action:

• Stop sending money or information.

• Cut off contact with the suspected scammer.

• Report the account to the platform or app.

• Run a security check on your computer and accounts.

• Contact 208Geek if you need help scanning for malware, securing your data, or understanding the next steps.

The sooner you act, the more damage you can prevent.

Catfishing scams can be emotionally and financially devastating, especially when bitcoin is involved. By knowing the warning signs, refusing to send money to strangers, and staying alert, you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

At 208Geek, we take your online safety seriously. Our commitment extends beyond computer repair — it includes helping you stay aware of scams that could threaten your finances and peace of mind. If you ever have questions about suspicious online activity, reach out to us. We’re here to help you stay safe.

About 208Geek in Meridian, Idaho

Owner/Operator Jacob Van Vliet began building and repairing computer systems for friends and family out of his home in 2001. The increasing demand for computer repair led to the opening of 208Geek in the Fall of 2005, with the vision of providing outstanding service and peace of mind. Jacob, along with his team, including his wife, Brittany, is committed to delivering unparalleled, friendly, and professional service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. In 2024, son, Johnny, joined the team and helped expand into Moscow, where he serves the computer and IT-related needs of students and staff at the University of Idaho. The 208Geek team has been named “Idaho’s Best” for IT and computer repair for the past six consecutive years. We would love the opportunity to work with you so we can show you why!