In real life thieves don't need helicopters or EMP devices to pull off crimes bigger than anything you've seen on the silver screen. You just need a ridiculous plan and the balls to carry it out.
Historical truth is a complicated and nuanced thing, so while there might be elements of truth to the popular story you know, it's rarely the complete truth.
Human history can -- and constantly does -- produce stories that are far more creepy and gruesome than any horror-movie hellbeast or latex-mask-sporting serial killer could ever aspire to be.
The little ploys that modern faith healers and shady preachers use to fleece the masses have been around for thousands of years, and if anything, they've only gotten less inspired over time.
