There's always a grain of truth or some shared understanding to every grift. You can see it play out in how people sell you alternative diets or alternative therapies. "Processed foods are bad. Here, eat this thing that's been boiled until it is relieved of all nutrition." "Preservatives are bad, here eat this vegetable that's been heavily salted."

Beware of people who seem to be on the same page with you, especially when they're selling you their own idea.

>especially when they're selling you their own idea.

That is the heart of every con, isn't it? Tell people what they want to hear.