Join Kate Knibbs and Carlos Barragán on July 16 at 12pm ET for a live discussion about online romance scams as part of the first WIRED Book Club livestream. Barragán, author of The Yahoo Boys: Love, Deception, and the Real Lives of Nigeria’s Romance Scammers, explores the troubling world of scammers in Lagos.
Understanding Online Romance Scams
Online romance scams have become increasingly prevalent, with scammers leveraging emotional manipulation to exploit victims. Barragán's research reveals the psychology behind these scams, highlighting how the internet can lead to heartbreak. He spent significant time with scammers in Lagos, exposing the grim realities of their operations.
These scams often involve young individuals desperate for financial gain, using fake identities to lure unsuspecting victims into emotional relationships. The consequences can be devastating, both financially and emotionally, for those targeted.
Meet the Panelists
Kate Knibbs, a senior writer at WIRED, leads the discussion, bringing her expertise in media and technology. Carlos Barragán, a journalist with The New York Times, shares insights from his debut book, which combines humor and tragedy to depict the lives of romance scammers.
Barragán’s background includes a stint at El Confidencial and an MFA from Columbia University, equipping him with the skills to narrate this complex story. The event promises an engaging exploration of the intersection between love, deception, and technology.
How to Participate in the Livestream
To engage with the panel, viewers can submit their questions in the comments section before the event. This livestream is a subscriber-only benefit, but a replay will be available for those unable to attend live. To gain access, consider subscribing to WIRED.
- Date: July 16
- Time: 12pm ET / 9am PT
- Access: Subscriber benefit with replay available
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Wired. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
