A recent post from a crypto reporter gave a good write up of how he almost got himself scammed [1]. It sounds like it followed the exact same script, even down to the Aunt with a crypto trading firm. The lengths that the scammers went to in order to prepare him for the scam was impressive. It gives some personal insight into how even those who should know better find themselves involved.

[1] https://unchainedcrypto.com/how-i-almost-got-slaughtered-in-...

I mean the job of the scammer is not a difficult one for guys like this (and almost certainly Mr Hanes). Use a picture of an attractive woman and make them believe they're about to get their dick wet and you're 95% of the way there.