The Knowledge, a leading digital news outlet, sheds light on a deeply troubling revelation in today's digital age as it unveils the exploitative practices of the vigilante Group Child Online Safety Team (COST). The organisation claims to advocate for child online safety, but it prioritises viewership over ethics. COST employs alarming tactics that target vulnerable senior citizens, subjecting them to fraud, identity theft, and emotional manipulation for the sake of online publicity. This press release aims to raise awareness and emphasise the urgent need for action to protect the elderly population.

COST, operating under the guise of child online safety advocates, employs a range of illegal tactics to perpetrate their sinister schemes. However, their true motives are far from noble, as they shamelessly prey on older individuals with limited online experience, leaving them susceptible to manipulation. Engaging in fraud, identity theft, and emotional and evidence manipulation, COST inflicts devastating impacts on the lives of their victims.

The most alarming aspect of COST's operations is their unscrupulous drive for viewership. Instead of collaborating with law enforcement to combat online exploitation, COST resorts to sensationalist tactics to maximise their online audience. Live-streamed videos boasting over 1,000 viewers aim to generate publicity, neglecting genuine efforts to address offenders.

COST specifically targets elderly individuals who lack experience with online interactions, capitalising on their vulnerability and isolation. By deceitfully posing as friendly companions, they gradually gain their victims' trust, extracting sensitive information to perpetrate exploitation and inflict severe emotional distress.

In a shocking revelation, a COST member was found bragging on Facebook about their manipulation techniques and evidence tampering. As a result, Sam Miller, 29, and James Moss, 51, the leaders of COST, faced legal repercussions. On June 1, 2023, they were arrested by Northumbria Police and subsequently faced trial at Newcastle Crown Court.

The court proceedings unveiled the extent of their deceptions, as they falsely accused an innocent father of heinous crimes, subjecting him to public humiliation online. Their misguided pursuit of "glory" in catching alleged sex offenders led them to exceed lawful authority and engage in false imprisonment. The court emphasised that COST's actions were driven by seeking "publicity and grandstanding," undermining genuine child protection efforts.

As a consequence of their unethical actions, Sam Miller received a nine-month prison sentence, and James Moss received six months, suspended for 18 months, with a three-month curfew. Moss, with a prior clean record, expressed remorse and pledged never to engage in vigilante behaviour again.

The activities of the Child Online Safety Team (COST) expose the distressing reality of exploiting vulnerable senior citizens for personal gain and viewership. The Knowledge urges the public to be vigilant and raise awareness about COST's manipulative tactics to protect the elderly population from such predators. Law enforcement agencies are commended for holding Sam Miller and James Moss accountable, and continued efforts are called for to combat exploitation and create a safer digital landscape for all.

About The Knowledge:

The Knowledge is a trusted digital news outlet committed to uncovering the truth and raising awareness on critical issues affecting society. With a team of dedicated journalists and researchers, The Knowledge strives to deliver accurate and reliable information to its readers. The outlet's mission is to foster informed conversations and promote positive change in the world.

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