I do think people become paranoid about everything being a scam, I suspect these people just want money. However you have no way of knowing for sure and you don't know for what nefarious purpose the money will be used.
I've been besieged by requests for money for "causes" all of which I ignore for the same reason.
It's going to get a lot worse before it gets better.
New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment