Being stalked or harassed is one of the most unnerving experiences one can have. The sense that someone is always watching you is enough to push you to your mental limits. Many victims experience immense, long-lasting emotional and psychological harm. With the internet, anyone can get a front seat to another person’s life — with or without their knowledge. Whether it occurs in person or virtually, knowing how to protect yourself and your loved ones is essential. Keep reading for our analyst’s advice on what to do if you are being stalked or harassed.
Three Signs That You Are Being Stalked or Harassed
Being stalked and harassed isn’t something that can be ignored. There comes a point where a person passes a line between genuine curiosity to obsessive behavior. You should be alarmed if someone constantly contacts you and crosses boundaries that make you feel unsafe. Here are three signs that can indicate stalking and online harassment.
- You’re receiving unwanted attention. One significant sign of stalking or harassment is receiving unwanted attention. This could come through phone calls, texts, emails, social media messages, or in-person visits. If you’re receiving constant contact from someone that makes you feel uncomfortable or scared, that is a red flag.
- Your privacy is being invaded. Another sign that you may be the victim of stalking or harassment is if your private life is being invaded. This could mean someone going through your mail, following you, or even breaking into your home.
- You’re feeling emotional distress. Being stalked and harassed is detrimental to the victim’s wellbeing. Their sense of security and trust can be completely destroyed. Many victims describe constantly feeling fearful, stressed, or anxious, always wondering if a particular person is watching them.
What to Do if You Are Being Stalked
Being stalked online or in person is a terrifying prospect. Victims often feel like they have no safe space — even within their own home. However, there is help available and a path to regain your freedom. Our experts suggest you take the following course of action.
- Take threats seriously: If you are being stalked or harassed, you should always handle it seriously. Do not ignore or dismiss any threat, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Keep a record of all threats and report them to the authorities. It’s best to inform your family, friends, and colleagues about the harassment you’ve endured. They can help keep an eye out for you and your safety.
- Document everything: Keep a detailed record of everything, including dates, times, locations, and descriptions of the incidents. If possible, take photos or videos of the stalker or harasser. Save any messages, emails, or letters they send you. This documentation can help law enforcement build a case against the perpetrator.
- Seek help: You do not have to deal with a stalker or harasser alone. Seek help from law enforcement, victim advocates, mental health professionals, and cybersecurity experts. These professionals can provide emotional support and guidance on handling the situation.
- Protect yourself: Take action to distance yourself from the stalker or harasser. This may include changing your routine or location, securing your home and workplace, and avoiding contact with the perpetrator. You may also want to carry a self-defense tool, such as pepper spray.
- Learn about legal options: Legal options are available to victims of stalking and harassment. For example, you may be able to obtain a restraining order against the perpetrator. Understand your rights and the legal options available to you. Consulting legal counsel may help you navigate the landscape.
How to Protect Yourself Online
One of the most critical steps to protect yourself from cyber stalking is securing your online personal data. Taking preventative measures before a threat arises can help you avoid falling victim. Here are some precautions our experts suggest.
- Lock Down Your Accounts: Unless you’re using your account for business, it’s best to set it to You should vet the users you accept follow requests from. Update your passwords regularly and use unique passwords for each account. You should also enable two-factor authentication (2FA) when it’s offered.
- Avoid Oversharing Online: Stalkers do their homework on their victims. Any personal information you share online could be manipulated by a bad actor. Avoid sharing posts that display your travel habits, place of employment, or other identifiable information.
- Report Suspicious Behavior: Cyberstalking often begins with interactions that aren’t outright harmful. They may like and comment on all your posts in a non-threatening way. However, if something feels off, you should trust your gut and report it.
Real-Word Case of Being Stalked and Harassed
Looking back at previous cases can help victims who are being stalked and harassed in a number of ways. First of all, it can help remove some of the stigma and isolation knowing that others have overcome similar circumstances. Furthermore, we can learn from the tactics used in these schemes — and the responses of the victims.
16-year Stalking Scheme
From 2008 to 2024, a Massachusetts man named James Florence Jr. stalked and harassed over twelve female victims, including two minors. His attack was fueled by AI, using digitally altered pictures and AI chatbots to impersonate the victims online.
In one case, Florence Jr. posed as a university professor he’d met in person through a mutual contact. He programmed chatbots to respond with her real information, such as her employment records, family, and home address. The chatbots would even invite men over, multiple of which showed up at the victim’s home.
Florence Jr. created over 60 profiles on nearly 30 platforms to carry out the scheme. He often posted collages of digitally altered explicit images of the victims with all their personal information attached.
In April 2025, Florence Jr. pled guilty to seven counts of cyberstalking and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). He was sentenced to nine years in prison with an additional 10 years of supervised release. This case shows just how easy cyberstalking can be with modern technology.
eBay Stalking Scandal
In 2019, eBay employees conducted a campaign to stalk and harass the owners of the e-commerce blog EcommerceBytes. The scheme was carried out in response to critical coverage of eBay that executives viewed as a threat to business.
The executives conjured up a three-part plan: mailing threatening packages, harassment on social media, and in-person stalking. Items sent to the couple included a bloody pig mask, live insects, and a book on losing a spouse.
eBay’s plan was to then step in as a “white knight” and help the couple investigate the harassment. However, things unraveled when the license plate of a rental car used for the stalking was photographed. The car rental was tied back to an eBay employee, and an investigation ensued.
Ultimately, seven employees were fired and charged for their role in the stalking scheme. CEO Devin Wenig and CCO Steve Wymer were not charged, but the couple are seeking litigation against them. eBay paid $3 million in the criminal case.
Get the Help You Need to Stop Being Stalked
Having your every move watched is a horrifying experience that can impact your life in many ways. If you are going through this, your response is critical. Document everything, seek help, protect yourself, and learn about your legal options. You do not have to face this alone. Reach out for help and support. You have every right to live without the fear and stress of being stalked or harassed.
And if you need any help responding to being harassed or stalked, you can count on Digital Forensics Corp. Reach out to us anytime to speak with one of our specialists and plan your next step.
