Religion is probably the biggest con or scam of all time.
No proof at all of the existence of heaven or hell or purgatory yet it did not (and does not) stop many religions asking rich people for money to ease their way into heaven (or to keep them out of hell).
And the church used to sell various items that they pretended was Jesus's blood ,his teeth, his bones etc. Scam artists the lot of them.
However even when countries have tried to ban religion, like Russia did, people still for some reason want to follow one.
Personally I think it is because many humans are quite "scared" of their place on earth, and scared that once they die "that's it".
So they "pretend" there is a heaven and that when they die they will meet up with everyone again.
My wife is quite religious, and was very upset when her mum died about 6 years ago. The only thing that makes her feel better is that she may meet her mum again in heaven.
Load of tosh if you ask me, but if it makes her feel better....