Tell if You're Being Stalked on the Internet

One of the most unfortunate things that could happen to you online is being stalked. If you would like to be able to tell if you're being stalked and what to do when this happens, please read on.

Steps

  1. Send the online user who you think is stalking you a message such as "Do not contact me in any way in the future." You do not need to explain why, just state that you do not want the person to contact you.[1]
  2. Don't continue associating with people who you think are stalking you. Ignore them completely, and don't respond to any of their messages, posts, etc.
  3. Delete all personal information about you from your profile, user page, etc. Make sure that it won't give away your real name, phone number, address, etc.
  4. Tell a friend, family member, or someone else that you trust what is going on. Show them what this person is saying or doing to you. Get their opinion on what is happening.
  5. Save everything this user sends to you. Even the little things that you don't think would matter could actually make a big difference.[2]
  6. Determine if you're being harassed or not. The legal definition, according to Black's Law Dictionary, is:

    "A course of conduct directed at a specific person that causes substantial emotional distress in such person and serves no legitimate purpose" or "Words, gestures, and actions which tend to annoy, alarm and abuse (verbally) another person." However, keep in mind that this is a very broad definition. State and federal legislation and common law have narrowed and refined in various ways.[2]
  7. Notify the local police department if you think you're being harassed or abused by this other online person. Contact the nearest FBI office if they cannot or will not help you and your life is being threatened.[2]

Warnings

  • Realize the difference between stalking and somebody just wanting to communicate. Get opinions before you take serious action, unless you're in extreme danger and one hundred percent positive about this.

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Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http:www.haltabuse.org/help/index.shtml
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 http:www.haltabuse.org/help/index.shtml
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