From Wise/Conmen to Yahoo-Boys: Dimensioning the Evolution of Fraud/Crime Culture in the Bamenda Urban Space 1990–2025
Abstract
This article explores the historical development of elaborate fraud schemes within the urban landscape of Bamenda, Cameroon. It traces the progression from the traditional confidence tricks practised by 'Feymen' in the 1990s to the emergence of sophisticated, cross-border cybercriminal networks, notably associated with the 'Yahoo Boys,' by the year 2025. The aim is to understand how socio-cultural influences and economic pressures fuelled this significant transformation from localised, physical scams to a global digital menace. Adopting a historical and qualitative methodology, the study analyses three decades’ worth of data, including court records, local media archives, police reports, and ethnographic research. The findings reveal how fraud techniques have evolved, with underlying socio-economic motivations, particularly high unemployment among urban youth and the desire for social status through illicit means, remaining consistent. A notable observation is the enduring cultural narrative of 'Feymania.' Despite technological advancements shifting from traditional bank fraud and street-level scams to digital crimes like phishing, identity theft, and crypto-fraud, this cultural philosophy persisted. It served as a blueprint, providing the social justification, network structures, and adaptable skills that the new generation of digital scammers exploited. 3The most dramatic increase in criminal activities coincided with the proliferation of mobile money services and the economic instability triggered by the Anglophone crises. Ultimately, the article posits that4cybercrime in the Bamenda urban space isn't merely a technological issue, but a reflection of a deeply rooted criminal culture that has seamlessly transitioned into the digital age. For effective intervention, policies and enforcement must go beyond technical solutions, addressing the historical, cultural, and socio-economic factors that continue to reinforce the 'Feymania' legacy.
Keywords
CybercrimeFeymaniaYahoo BoysFraud CultureBamenda Urban Space I.
References
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