Follow Someone Without Getting Caught
This method is best used when surrounded by large groups of people like in a train station or city street. But still, be careful!
Contents
Steps
- Make sure you know exactly whom you are going to follow so that you don't get confused. (Try to remember something they are wearing so you can easily spot them in a crowd.)
- Don't get distracted. The minute you turn away or glance at something else is the minute you lose them. Keep in mind where you are going, but don't lose sight of them.
- Using the crowd is a great way to remain undetected. Slip in and out of the crowd while still focusing on the target.
- Synchronize footsteps; the target will not notice the sound of your footsteps if they hit the ground at the same time as theirs.
- Always look as inconspicuous as possible and don't let other people know you are following someone as they might warn them or tell someone else.
- Stay a fair distance away from them; the further away you are the less suspicious everyone is.
- Get a clear view of your target by getting to a vantage point like an overpass or bridge. This can help you follow them without looking suspicious.
- Following your target always remember that there are other people around. Don't get so caught up in following them that you are completely turned out of your environment. Always stay alert.
Tips
- If the target keeps turning around or looking wary then stop immediately. The less suspicious the target is the easier it will be to follow them
- If you find it difficult to track them then spread your investigation over several days (make sure to wear different clothing every day that you track them to avoid suspicion).
- Avoid trailing someone in a secluded area -- talk about suspicious!
- If the target has stopped and is scanning the crowd or looking in your direction don't stop. Keep moving straight ahead even if you have to pass the target. Don't make eye contact with the subject.
- If you want to stay inconspicuous, stay still for periods of time - people notice movement before they notice someone who's not moving. Make sure you always keep them in your line of sight!
- If you are confronted by the subject make yourself as inconspicuous as possible. You want them to forget you the minute you leave their sight.
- Gathering Intel on the subject (e.g routes, favorite hangouts etc) is a good way to easily track them.
- Try not to follow someone when you are the only one around, as it makes it more suspicious.
- If you need to follow someone in a secluded area, have a team or a group of friends with you to take over at times.
- If at any point you are spotted or confronted, don't get angry. Calmly explain that you are just meeting someone or catching a bus then walk out of sight and stop following them. Do not resort to violence.
- If you pass the subject, keep moving until you are out of sight, then turn and try to inconspicuously make your way back behind them.
- If you lose the target try to get up higher to spot them but don't act as if you are looking for someone. Casually scan the area. If you can't find them stop and try again another day.
- Use your peripheral vision as much as possible.
Warnings
- Don't run behind them. it will become less suspicious with somebody else that is with you when running.
- If you are caught it can make people suspicious of you and you could lose the trust of other people.
- Don't use this guide for something that could get you in trouble with the law.
