Why do pyramid schemes often target close-knit communities?

Question

Why are tight communities, such as immigrants and church members, more attractive targets for pyramid selling schemes?

Answer 1

Because the trust has already built, the close communities are frequently targeted by Pyramid schemes and in such cases, early participants are supposed to say that they have positive things to say about the scheme. Early members share their positive expectations about the program which leads other members of their network to follow suit. Hence, the program may grow tremendously before the time when it can be systematically proven that most of its participants are not earning anything, utilizing the trust and cultural relations of the people within such communities.

Comments

Another red flag:
That unmarried aunt or uncle you meet at a family party who is suddenly very interested in your life.

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When someone is:
-Worshipping a cat named Ra
-Wears a funny little hat
-Living in the desert
-Constantly building

Then it's probably a pyramid scheme

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Years ago I was pressured by a co-worker to attend a Pyramid Scheme Recruitment Presentation for Vitamins & Supplements in our small community,  knowing full well what I was walking into.  
I resisted the high pressure tactics employed to get me to buy into their scheme after their presentation was finished and the recruiters of course got quite irate with me, pretty well throwing me out and shaming me.
Looking around I saw many local business people, lawyers, even law enforcement in the audience, eagerly signing on and paying to get in on "this special opportunity to make money while you sleep".  
Often wonder how that turned out for them.

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Destroys friendships, relationships and marriages too.