Catfishing patients: the fake therapeutic bond (CRP at risk)
How people impersonate real psychologists to bond with vulnerable patients on social networks.
Audience: Professionals and Personal Brands · Risk level: CRITICAL
Blindfy Intelligence Unit · Technical review by Blindfy
Scenario
A psychologist discovers that an Instagram profile with her photo and CRP (psychology license) number is seeing patients via DM, offering "low-cost sessions" paid via Pix.
How the scam works
Criminals clone the profile, copy the CRP number from the e-Psi registry and start sessions with no records, no charts and no clinical technique whatsoever.
Common mistake
Assuming patients will easily tell the official profile from the clone without preventive communication.
Impact
Patients in worsened distress, the CRP board opens ethics proceedings against the real professional, negative media exposure.
What works
Immediate takedown, notification to the regional CRP board and a professional validation protocol.
Protection checklist
- Monitor use of your CRP number in profiles
- Keep the official profile verified and visible
- Guide patients to a single contact channel
- Initiate urgent takedown on the platforms
- Notify the CRP board with an evidence dossier
- File a report for illegal practice
- Follow up with potential victims carefully
Editorial sources
- CERT.br / NIC.br — Cartilha de Segurança para Internet
- ENCCLA / Ministério da Justiça — Enfrentamento a golpes digitais
The therapeutic bond is fragile by nature. Defend those who trusted you.
