Cyberstalking is the use of technology to harass or pursue a victim. Stalkers may use social media, phone calls, email and text messages to threaten, intimidate or steal a victim’s information. Cyberstalkers are driven by anger, jealousy, hatred, revenge, infatuation, and obsession. Some suffer from mental illness while others have no clear motive. A cyberstalker can be a stranger but is most likely an ex, schoolmate, co-worker, someone with whom you’ve had an argument, a fan or possible love interest.

Cyberstalkers may cause trouble for their victims. Cyberstalking can include cyberbullying, which often happens between adolescents. Cyberstalking can include actions of a sexual nature.

Stalking Facts

The National Center for Victims of Crime has published a list of stalking facts.

• Cyberstalkers victimize 7.5 million people in the U.S. each year.
• 15% of women and 6% of men have been stalked.
• Most stalkers are known to the victim: 61% of female victims and 44% of male victims are stalked by current or former intimate partners; 25% of female victims and 32% of male victims are stalked by an acquaintance.
• 50% of victims indicate they were stalked before the age of 25.
• 1 in 8 stalking victims lose time from work as a result of stalking.
• 1 in 7 stalking victims move as a result of stalking.
• 2/3 of stalkers track their victims at least once per week.
• 78% of stalkers use more than one method of approach.
• Almost 1/3 of stalkers have stalked before.

Protect Yourself

• You can take simple precautions to protect yourself from cyberstalking.
• You should restrict access to your phone, computer, and other devices. Use strong passwords and change them often.
• Run a search on your name to see what information is available online.
• Ask friends and family not to post personal information on their social media accounts.
• Don’t announce travel plans or share where you will be at a certain date and time.
• Use screen names that are gender neutral.
• Use anti-virus, spyware and anti-tracking software on all devices.
• Never open attachments from unknown sources.
• Don’t give out personal information.
• Don’t get involved in online arguments.
• Set up separate email addresses for dating sites and social media accounts.

After the Fact

If you think you have been cyberstalked, act immediately. Call the local authorities.

• Change email accounts.
• Take all suspicions and threats seriously.
• Change your account passwords.
• Report any illegal activity.
• End contact with suspected cyberstalkers.
• Record and block phone numbers or emails used to contact you.
• Limit information on social media profiles.
• Reset privacy settings on internet browsers and programs.
• Delete online accounts if necessary.
• Inform family and friends of your suspicions.
• Be aware of any real-life stalking activity, including hang ups and missed calls or strange noises around your home.