I don't doubt that that's true, but it's also educated, intelligent people who are more likely to have the kind of money that makes them targets for con men.

Funny, the PhD taught me to keep what I say fairly limited. On the other hand, I find generalists will say all kinds of crap that "sounds true" but they have at best a weak theory and a couple of anecdotes.

You seem to be making an argument for a weak theory with a couple of anecdotes.

There is something kind of meta there, isn't there? ;)

Op is replying to anecdotes with anecdotes.

Can't find the cite at the moment, but I recall that cult members were also likely to be college grads and of above-average intelligence

They always say that because it sounds a lot better, and they have no problem with lying.