Bad as fear mongering corrupt religoius charlatans who created their own subsequent power by this means.
Thousands of people died because of these men, their self built cult also instigated the suicides of many as well.
Their cult ruined and broke apart millions of families by now, particularly when it introduced disfellowshipping. (1960's)
In short their bad intent came from their constant endeavor self empowerment which nourished a consequential delusion of power, the receiving money was another part of that corruption.