Cyberstalking

Steps to take being stalked

Don't interact with the stalker
The stalker's goal is often to talk to you and build a relationship. Never respond to their communications, never agree to meet with them, and never confront them about the stalking.

Report it to the police
Stalking reports are taken seriously by the police, and they have a lot of experience investigating them. Report it immediately to the police by dialling 100. If you have any immediate concerns about your personal safety, dial 1930.

Everything should be documented
Keep a record of all instances of online stalking by taking screenshots or printing the pages. Attempt to obtain the messages as well as the profile pages (including the user name) from which the abuse is emanating. Keep track of any offline activity that is relevant, such as showing up at your home or workplace. If the harassment continues, this will be useful evidence for the police or social media platforms. It also ensures that you have a copy in the event that the perpetrator deletes their posts and profile.

Concentrate on your online security
As the perpetrator gathers more information about you, it is common for them to attempt to gain access to accounts such as social media and email. Having strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication are essential.

What is Cyberstalking?

Cyberstalking is a potentially criminal offence that involves the use of the internet and other technologies to harass or stalk another person online. This online harassment, which is an extension of cyberbullying and in-person stalking, can take the form of e-mails, text messages, social media posts, and other forms of communication, and it is frequently methodical, deliberate, and persistent.

Most interactions do not end even if the recipient expresses their displeasure or requests that the person stop. The content aimed at the target is frequently inappropriate and, in some cases, disturbing, leaving the person feeling fearful, distressed, anxious, and worried.

Those who engage in this behaviour employ a wide range of tactics and techniques in order to harass, humiliate, intimidate, and control their targets. In fact, many cyberstalkers are technologically savvy as well as creative, coming up with a plethora of ways to torment and harass their targets.

Here are some examples of what cyberstalkers might do:

• Online, make rude, offensive, or suggestive comments.
• Join the same groups and forums to keep track of the target online.
• Send the target threatening, controlling, or lewd messages or emails.
• Threaten or blackmail the target using technology.
• Excessively tag the target in posts, even if they have nothing to do with them.
• Comment or like everything the target posts on the internet.
• Create a fake social media account to follow the target.
• Message the target several times.
• Hack into or take control of the target's online accounts.
• Extortion of sex or explicit photos.
• Send unwanted gifts or items to the intended recipient.
• Online disclosure of confidential information.
• Post or distribute photos of the target, whether real or fake.
• Send sexually explicit photos of themselves to the target.
• Make a fake post in order to shame the victim.
• Install tracking devices to monitor the target's online activities.
• Hack into the target's laptop or smartphone camera to secretly record them.
• Even after being asked to stop, the harassing behaviour continues.

Disclaimer: The information is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. As a result, before acting on such information, we recommend that you consult with the appropriate professionals.