Hustling for love: Insidethe minds of the men and women who romance their way into the hearts of the ultra-rich

Money can buy a lot of things but love has never been one of them, and a cushion of cash doesn’t come with a side order of common sense.Hustlers can sense a fat wallet from miles away and the ultra-slick are always ready to help the ultra-rich part with their dollars.The latest alleged example came this week in a lawsuit from widow Marianne Flippo, who is hauling ice-blonde escort Gregg Starr to court, claiming he ripped her off to the tune of $6 million.Gigolo Starr, 38, worked for the Cowboys4Angels escort service, and was hired by Flippo for companionship after the death of her husband Chad Flippo, a software developer who helped create Roblox but died by suicide in 2024.Her lawsuit claims Starr — who underwent extensive plastic surgery to achieve what has been described as his “Maxoris” icy stare and sculpted abs — manipulated her by declaring his love, then telling her the only way they could be together was for her to buy out his $10 million contract.The complaint alleges Flippo, 49, was plied with alcohol in a Four Seasons Hotel room, while “under the influence of multiple prescription medications,” when she then signed millions over to Starr.Starr has claimed allegations of coercion are “not true at all” and his attorneys, Todd Spodek and Jeremy Feigenbaum, told The Post, “The allegations may be salacious, but two consenting adults are free to conduct a private relationship on terms they both agreed to.“We have extensive written, audio and video evidence that supports the legitimacy of the relationship and tells a very different story.”The full truth will be revealed in court, but Flippo displayed all the hallmarks of a person ripe for taking advantage of, an expert explained to The Post.“[Hustlers] look for somebody who has psychological need and vulnerabilities,” psychiatrist Dr.David Puder told The Post.

“If you have enough money, you have a target on your back.And the more money, the bigger the target.

Then, if you’re na...