This article examines cyber-frauds and scams as a significant problem linked to West Africa, particularly Nigeria and Ghana, and explores how such activity spreads beyond the perpetrators themselves. Drawing on 36 interviews with active fraudsters as well as law enforcement officials, government representatives, and NGOs from Ghana, Nigeria, and other victim countries, the study documents the scope of the fraud ecosystem and the networks that support it. It situates the phenomenon within a broader context of social, economic, and policy dynamics in the region, aiming to illuminate the factors that sustain illicit activity and to inform responses beyond punitive measures alone. A central focus is on the diverse drivers that propel young men toward these crimes. The analysis identifies economic pressures as a core undercurrent and shows how the perceived prestige and social status associated with scams, along with the influence of family and friends, can shape choices. Spiritual rationalizations, role models, and messages from popular culture and confraternities contribute to shaping attitudes toward fraud, while gaps in formal social controls leave communities more vulnerable to criminal pathways. Taken together, these factors create an environment in which involvement in fraud can become normalized in certain communities, effectively framing illicit activity as a viable vocation rather than an aberration. The discussion underscores that such normalization carries important implications for how policies should address both the motivations of individuals and the broader social context. The article concludes with a discussion of policy options and the challenges of implementation in a climate where donor governments have reduced aid to these regions. It argues for a multi-faceted response that goes beyond enforcement to address structural conditions, including increased economic assistance aimed at expanding opportunities for young people. It also advocates for enhanced education about these crimes targeted at youth and a strengthened enforcement presence, among other measures, as elements of a comprehensive strategy. Overall, the work highlights the need to consider the complex social and economic landscape that sustains cyber-fraud networks in West Africa when designing effective policy interventions.