One of these people approached me at a Starbucks in Norcal. I debated doing the same thing the author did but thought better of it. I could tell immediately it

One of these people approached me at a Starbucks in Norcal. I debated doing the same thing the author did but thought better of it. I could tell immediately it was a scheme, and although I figured the odds were low that I'd be putting myself in physical danger I couldn't shake the fear that they might harass or threaten me or otherwise make my life difficult if I got in too deep and then bailed. Like they might be an actual cult. Weirder and worse shit happens to people all the time. Look at Scientology.