Multiple sources discuss cults and their operations, highlighting groups with ties to North Carolina. These organizations range from those involved in child labor and human trafficking, like the United Nation of Islam and the Value Creators, to more religiously-based groups such as Word of Faith Fellowship, Holy Tabernacle Born Again Faith Inc., and Twelve Tribes, which have faced accusations of abuse, fraud, and problematic teachings. The articles also examine a particularly violent group of tech workers known as the Zizians, linked to multiple deaths and led by a figure called "Ziz." These examples underscore the warning signs of cults, including authoritarian leadership, isolation of members, lack of transparency, and potential for exploitation and violence, demonstrating how seemingly normal individuals can be drawn into such dangerous organizations.

Sources:

4 Notorious Cults in American History - HeinOnline BlogwebCults A Natural Disaster - International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)webCults in the Carolinas: 5 controversial groups with North Carolina Ties - Cardinal & PinewebHow a Vermont border agent's death exposed violence linked to the cultlike Zizian groupwebKillers and Cults: Leadership Gone Awry - jepson - University of RichmondwebPolice Investigate Cult-Like 'Zizians' Group of Tech Workers - Newserdrive_pdfUNDERSTANDING CULT MEMBERSHIP 1 Understanding Cult Membership: Beyond “Drinking the Kool-Aid” Melissa M. Greiser SUNY New PawebWhat Is a Cult? 10 Warning Signs - Verywell Mindmore_vertZizians in Chapel Hill : r/chapelhill - Reddit