There is probably a pretty big social gulf between the people working these boiler room scams and your colleagues.

While the GP's comment might be a little... racist? isn't your own experience prejudiced as well? I certainly wouldn't characterize the entirety of the US by the people I work with in the Valley.

I really don't think I am being racist, it's no secret that the west is more affluent than many of these countries and not a stretch to imagine that being used as a reason to justify this sort of behaviour.

I agree with your main point (that the difference in lifestyles can be used to justify scamming comparatively wealthy westerners.)

I just thought you were overstating their view of the difference in statements like "wouldn't miss a few k in his bank account."

I was exaggerating for effect, I have no idea what they really think.