The Unidentified Flying saucer craze was most influential and became surrounded with hype in the 1950s and 60s, as more and more people were reporting sightings or personal interactions with extraterrestrials. It is a common belief shared among experts that this UFO craze was spread not only by individuals who sincerely believe in UFOs, but by those tugging and wrestling for their chance in the spotlight.
Source – Outer Zones