The group is preoccupied with making money. Certain practices, such as collecting money for bogus charities, is justified as a means toward an exalted end. The group's leader is not accountable to any other authorities. Questioning, doubt, and dissent are discouraged or even punished. Generally people don't look for cults.
Cults look for people to recruit.
You do not have to be lost or depressed or unsure about your life to be vulnerable to recruitment techniques. The real nature of the group is not presented honestly. What is expected of members is not made clear to the recruit. The recruiter seems genuinely warm and sincere. The recruiter is a friend or family member and you trust they would not deceive you.