I got sucked into a cult-like church in my 20s. It's like a drug when you're feeling down in life. I'm more attuned to this level of bullshit now. But not everyone is which is why these tactics work.

I'll still engage if a stranger talks to me and try to be affable but will maintain a healthy level of distrust. Because sometimes people just like to chat with a stranger in hopes of friendship. Have a friend who made friends with the lead singer of a somewhat popular indie band. Didn't even know who he was until after several months of hanging out :D