The Church of Scientology has gone to extraordinary lengths to discredit its critics.
According to a report on 60 Minutes, the church conducted a smear campaign against its detractors which included personal and legal attacks. The Cult Awareness Network (CAN), a small non-profit group which operated for twenty years providing information and advice about groups it considered dangerous was forced into bankruptcy by a lawsuit campaign against it organized by Scientology members. Church members bought CAN’s name, logo, and hotline number in bankruptcy court and continue to operate the web site under the guise of providing unbiased information. However, when you call the number seeking help, you will most likely be speaking to a Scientologist who will not acknowledge his personal affiliation with the Church (Hassan, Freedom of Mind).