I assume they targeted Witnesses b/c they were gullible. There should be some ban on investment schemes within the religion. If my aunt and uncle's KH had a regular who solciited funds for investment, they would have had nothing.
This may be less than Madoff but most of Madoff victims were so rich they could afford to lose a lot and still have a comfortable life. Steven Spielberg lost a lot but won't say b/c he admits that he still have a lot left. This probably was the widow's mite. I find it so sad. Once I complained to the FBI about solicitations from Nigeria. Their opinion was anyone stupid enough to believe the offer deserved what they got. I can see Witnesses not knowing what is a reasonable rate of return. I wonder what happened to the criminals.