Real Talk. I don’t think people “fall for” Pyramid Schemes as much as we think they do.
I think in most cases they get into Pyramid Schemes knowing full well what they are and that they are one, but thinking because they are smart and awesome and special they will be one of the statistically insignificant amount of people who manage to get in and get out at the right times to make money.
And when that doesn’t happen and they lose their shirts “Oh noes you see I was taking in by this clever scam too” is just easier to sell to themselves so that’s what they tell others.