The Good Fight Quico Toro on Charlatans
Oct 18, 2025
Quico Toro, a contributing editor at Persuasion and co-author of *Charlatans*, dives deep into the world of fraudsters. He and Yascha Mounk unpack how technology has made charlatanism widespread and discuss the psychology behind both charlatans and their victims. They explore whether these scam artists truly believe their claims and the blurred lines between persuasion and deception. Toro offers insights on building defenses against scams, emphasizing the importance of community and skepticism in today’s vulnerable landscape.
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Microtargeting Expanded Charlatan Types
- New tech lets charlatans micro-target niche hopes and fears previously unreachable.
- This widens the kinds of charlatanism beyond classic riches and health scams.
Charlatanism Is Defined By Harm
- A charlatan interposes themselves between you and a belief by claiming special access or power.
- The defining harm is a trail of broken lives, not merely unconventional claims.
Mamounia’s Alchemy In Declining Venice
- Mamounia in Venice used prevailing elite fears about decline to sell alchemy and hope.
- Charlatans champion existing beliefs with charisma rather than trying to change minds.
