Cynicism doesn't necessarily protect you from getting scammed, but it does absolutely prevent you from accessing any upside there is to be had in the world :)

The upside being people flocking from MLM to DeFi to LLMs like headless chickens while I watch in amusement?

The only downside for me is having been involved in all these projects and knowing enough to innovate. At least I do try to warn people before we proceed.