Yes, as they say, if it seems to be too good to be true it usually is. The saddest part of all this is the self-loathing the victims of these kinds of crimes usually walk away from the experience with. Many of the victims blame themselves for falling for it. There's also probably a lifetime of distrust.
That's so true about creatives..nearly everything has been recycled knowingly or unknowingly. Thankfully there are new audiences born every generation as well.
I hope you're having a good week!