Understand that those who attempt to brainwash others tend to prey upon the weak and vulnerable. Not everyone is a target for mind control, but certain people are more susceptible to forms of it at different times. A skillful manipulator knows what to look for and targets people who are going through a difficult period in their life or a change that may or may not be of their own making. Possible candidates include: People who have lost their jobs and fear for their future. Recently divorced people, particularly when the divorce was a bitter one. Those suffering from lingering illness, especially one they don’t understand. People who have lost a loved one, particularly if they were very close to that person and had few other friends. Young people away from home for the first time. These are particular favorites of religious cult leaders. People who are regarded as socially awkward by their mainstream peers. They frequently tend to be loners but seek like minded people who might be few and far between. One particular predatory tactic is to find out enough information about the person and his or her belief system to explain the tragedy the person has experienced

Be aware of people who try to isolate you or someone you know from outside influences. As people who are experiencing a personal tragedy or other major life change are inclined to feel lonely, a skillful brain-washer works to amplify those feelings of loneliness. This isolation can take several forms. For young people in a cult, it may be preventing them from contacting their friends and family members. For a significant other in an abusive relationship, it may mean never letting the victim out of the abuser’s sight or permitting contact with family and friends. For prisoners in an enemy prison camp, it may involve isolating prisoners from one another while subjecting them to subtle or overt forms of torture.