How Can My Loved Be So Blind? They Are in a Cult!

On a daily basis we talk to people who are struggling to understand how in the world their educated child, boyfriend, sister, mother or father, friend etc can be so blind as to not see they are involved with a high controlling abusive group, church or individual.

They lose sleep, work hours and are emotionally distraught trying to understand it and rescue them from it. It can be one of the hardest struggles to convince someone that what they believe is "wrong" or they are being deceived.  No one likes to admit they are wrong or have been duped.

In many cases it's not the religious "beliefs" that are in question but more the destructive policies and practices of the group pr leader to conform their members completely.

According to Steve Hassan's BITE Model, these are some of the main tactics cults and predatory personalities use to gain control over their prey.

Behavior Control
Information Control
Thought Control
Emotion Control

Some of the best possible ways to arm yourself, your friends and loved ones is to know ones own vulnerabilities, educate ourselves on how manipulation is done, the personality types that prey on the vulnerable and to have strong critical thinking skills to prevent yourself from getting caught up in such groups or relations.

Please Share.

The FACT Team

Students Concerned About on Campus Religious Solicitors and Rumors of Sex Trafficking - University at Buffalo

We read the below article by The Spectrum - The Independent Student Publication of the University at Buffalo - about Religious Solicitation on UB campus and we felt the need to write about this topic again.

http://www.ubspectrum.com/article/2018/09/students-concerned-over-on-campus-religious-solicitors-sex-trafficking-rumors

We have received many past complaints from people in many different cities about the groups World Mission Society Church of God, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints both of which mentioned in the article as soliciting on UB Campus.

Religious solicitation and predatory group activity is a huge problem on and around college campuses and they purposely target vulnerable, impressionable, unsuspecting young minds. Students, faculty and parents need more information about these topics so they can make informed, educated decisions about the groups and associations they consider getting involved with. 

Information to Critically Think with.

Our website (which is in the process of being overhauled and updated) provides much of our materials in pdf format, but we also have printed handouts and brochures free to students, parents etc.

Here is the link where you can print and share some of these materials.

https://www.familiesagainstcultteachings.org/Cult-Education/Fact-sheets/

Here are some of the red flags to be aware of when being approached by groups and or individuals.

If you think you or someone you know is involved in a predatory / controlling group or situation and need help and more information Or If you would like our handouts to share with friends, fellow students or parents and faculty feel free to email us at Support@FamiliesAgainstCultTeachings.org or call our toll free # at 877-360-FACT (3228)

We are here to help educate and empower any way we can.

You can learn more on our Facebook page https://business.facebook.com/FACT501c3/ and Twitter @FightCults 

Thank you,

The FACT Team

Complaint Filed Against: Mastery in Transformational Training

One of the many complaints we've received recently. 

"Mitt - Mastery in Transformational Training

Where: Marina Del Rey is headquarters and they do trainings at hotels like 4 points Sheraton at lax

Leader(s):

Please describe the cult activity: they use every brainwashing technique, fear guilt and pressure from family and they popped my wifes tires and disabled her car when she tried to leave .

Involvement with group: If yes, please explain.

1) When did you/they get involved & for how long?
Mom and grandma since before it started in a different program called life spring
2) How did you/they get involved? How were you/they directly recruited?
My grandma pressured her paid for it and said just go its paid for
3) Are there other family members involved?

4) Has their been a disconnection of relationship(s) with family, old friends?
Yes mom keeps calling the cops and social services
5) What are the circumstances currently?
No contact with them now

Impact from group: My wife could and should be the one to explain

Is there anything else that we should know or you would like to tell us: I have done research and found some things that have not yet been reported and how they scrypt and trick people to go down a path they subjects think they chose"

If you have any direct experience with this group, feel free to share with us.


Thank you,

The FACT Team

Author Renee Linnell, "The Burn Zone: A Memoir, Talks About Her Time in a Cult

Renee Linnell, Author of "The Burn Zone: A Memoir, opens up about her time and experience in a cult and her thoughts about it all.

Watch her video interview with BOLD: https://youtu.be/L3QXKlKE1sc

Thanks for sharing this with us Renee and we hope to catch up with you soon for an interview chat.

Thank you,

The FACT Team

Never Be Afraid to Question People and Their Motives

Many people who are caught up in high control, high demand groups and or relations are often conditioned to not question things.
  
Always be wary of anyone who tries to prevent you from questioning. Protect your freedom and autonomy.  Learn to recognize common recruitment tactics and situations.

• People who are excessively or inappropriately friendly; there are few genuine instant friendships.
• People who are very persistent in trying to get you to join, and won’t take no for answer.
• People with invitations to free meals, lectures, and workshops.
• People who demand secrecy from you.
• People who make you feel like there’s something wrong with you if you’re not interested in joining.
• People with simplistic answers or solutions to complex world problems.
• People who try to play on your guilt; you don’t always have to reciprocate a kindness, especially when it may have been a way to manipulate you.
• People who are vague or evasive. If they are hiding something, it’s usually because they don’t want you to know the real answer.
• People who claim to be just like you, so you feel you have a lot in common.
• People who confidently promise that they can help you solve your problems, especially when they know little about you.
• People, who make grand claims about how their group can save mankind, help you achieve enlightenment or show the road to happiness.
• People who always seem happy
• People who claim they or their group is really special, even the most special.
• People who promise quick solutions to difficult problems.
• People who put down reason and critical thinking, and tell you not to ask questions about the group – just open your mind to it.