The shadowy world of online romance scams has a new chronicler of exceptional depth. Carlos Barragán, a journalist and researcher at The New York Times, will present his book "The Yahoo Boys" on July 16 during a special session of the WIRED Book Club. The event, hosted by senior writer Kate Knibbs, will offer a unique window into the dynamics of sentimental frauds originating in Nigeria, a phenomenon that has caused incalculable economic and psychological damage worldwide.
An undercover immersion into the world of Nigerian scammers
Barragán spent months in Lagos, embedding himself with a group of young, desperate grifters. His account, published in the New York Times, is a journey blending humor and outrage, showing how the internet can fuel heartbreak. "The Yahoo Boys" is not just an investigation but a reflection on the contradictions of the digital realm: while it connects people, it also breeds new forms of deception. According to the author, many of these young men are driven not by pure malice but by a lack of economic opportunities in a country where youth unemployment exceeds 50%.
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WIRED Book Club explores the social implications of romance scams
Kate Knibbs, who leads WIRED's book club, will interview Barragán live on July 16 at 12:00 PM ET (9:00 AM PT). Readers can submit questions in the event page comments. The discussion will cover victim psychology, increasingly sophisticated scamming techniques, and the role of social platforms. Romance scams, which generated over $4 billion globally in 2025, represent a growing threat, as recent cases using deepfakes to create ever more credible fake profiles demonstrate.
Connections to current events and the digital landscape
The event fits into a broader debate on the social impact of the internet. Just this week, a survey revealed that 277 Americans rank the internet among the top contributions of the United States, showing how the network is seen as a pillar of democracy. Yet, as Barragán points out, the same technology enabling global communication is exploited for illicit activities. For further reading, check the related article on OpenAI's profit-sharing proposal to the US government, which raises similar ethical questions about the relationship between technology and society.
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How to watch and participate
The livestream is reserved for WIRED subscribers. A replay will be available after the event for those who cannot attend. Not a subscriber? Subscribe now to gain access to this and other exclusive content. For more information on online romance scams, refer to the Wikipedia page on romance scams.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/livestream-book-club-inside-the-world-of-online-romance-scams
