Absolutely. The classic cons are just repackaged, exploited base desires the ancient Greeks wrote about. The Spanish Prisoner now comes to you via Nigerian emailers.
The con in con man stands for confidence. How a swindler plays to your confidence determines the grift's efficacy. The conned are the most ardent defenders of the con artist until it's all laid bare. Even well after. Because they're defending their own sense of self.
Madoff's time honored long con strategy once he got some scale was in refusing to allow people to invest with him. "No, no we are full. I can't help you. I'm sorry." The person presses him more. "Look, this isn't the right move for you. Our investors are aggressive, bold, confident." The prospective client begs. "Please Bernie, please. Fit me in." Bernie would relent after making a great show fo asking an underling if they could make room. "Yes, but only in the next 24 hours, Bernie. A spot just opened up. And it has to be an XXXX commitment!" Madoff reluctantly consents while shaking his head at the investor's good fortune. You think the investor who begged to get in will be asking for quarterlies? Financials? He is grateful. He is now part of an elite, secret club of stars and socialites.
Watch this scene from Goodfellas for a similar street level con. The restaurant owner implores Paulie to take an interest in the place and "protect him"....from Paulie's own guys. Paulie plays the coy refusal, mob style and finally agrees to help him out. Dude leaves that meeting thinking he's been done a favor. They rob him blind and burn it down.
NSFW (language)