How to Report Stalking

When should you report stalking

You should report stalking the moment it makes you feel scared or distressed. Even a single disturbing incident can be a red flag, so it's best to act before it repeats. This behavior can include persistent contact or attempts to get in contact, threats, or anything that makes you feel at risk.

Take a look at the list below to understand what stalking is and the telltale signs of stalking behavior:

• Persistent attempts to get in touch with you via unwanted calls, texts, emails, etc
• Creating fake profiles on social media to watch your stories, follow, and DM you
• Getting in touch with your friends to discover your personal information, especially if the stalker is your ex
• Using hidden tools, such as listening devices, cameras, and GPS trackers in your bag, car, or clothes (there were cases when stalkers actually sewed AirTags into the lining of the clothing of their victims)
• Appearing at places you often frequent, like your work, home, gym, favorite cafe, etc
• Sending you handwritten notes or letters or leaving you unwanted gifts at your doorstep, workplace, car, or other personal locations
• Spreading false information about you on social media or through acquaintances to get you to react
• Breaking into your home to install video cameras and deliberately making it apparent that they’ve been there
• Hacking your mobile device to install spyware and other stalking malware to access your accounts, messages, calls, and activity logs, etc.

Stalking is a serious offense and impacts millions of people worldwide. Women and young adults are a group of people that are at the highest risk from cyberstalking. Since our lives are increasingly intertwined with technology, 80% of all stalking victims experience cyberstalking (aka, tech stalking), according to SafeHome.

This can lead to severe emotional distress due to a loss of control over your privacy. It is why we’ve created Clario Anti Spy, to help users get that control back. We aim to protect users from imminent digital threats like spying or stalking.

Clario Anti-spy setup feature offers a multi-layered defense. It aims to protect your calls, messages, location, contact list, photos, and videos from prying eyes. Our app is available on both iOS and Android. And with our dedicated team working 24/7, you’re never alone in this fight against digital intrusions.

Here’s how easy it is to start using Clario Anti Spy:

1. Download Clario Anti Spy on your iOS or Android mobile device.
2. Set up your account.
3. Tap Set up under the Anti-spy setup feature.
4. Choose what you want to protect and follow the instructions.

What evidence do you need to report stalking

Evidence of stalking can include screenshots, call and text logs, photos, videos, witness statements, or surveillance footage. You need to document dates, times, and locations of incidents and save suspicious content before filing a report.

Law enforcement relies on tangible proof when investigating stalking offenses, so collect as many details as you can. You can go through cyberstalking laws by state to be better prepared for the process.

Here's a list of evidence you should gather to report instances of stalking:

• Screenshots of all communication or attempts to establish contact with you (messages or texts to you or your friends, voicemails, and call recordings).
• Keep all unwanted gifts and other objects your stalker may have left behind.
• Keep your own log of the date, time, and place you noticed unusual activity or behavior from your suspected stalker.  
• If your friends, family, co-workers, or even a passing stranger were witnesses to stalking, your lawyer should ask them to give their statements or be your witnesses in court.

Where and how to report stalking

Here’s how you can report stalking quickly and easily:

• Gather evidence. Collect and keep all physical and digital evidence of stalking. Messages, calls, notes, gifts—all can be helpful in getting a protective order.
• Call 911 if you feel your life may be in danger. Even if you don't think you have enough evidence, report it first. It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry. With guidance from local authorities, you can collect all the necessary pieces for the case later. Once you report it, moving to a secure location during the investigation is the best course of action.
• File for a restraining order. After you've filed a complaint against the stalker with law enforcement, you are eligible to file for a stalking protective order. You can do it at your local police station.
• Report online. Most local law enforcement agencies accept anonymous reports online. Find one in your area to report being stalked. Attach evidence files, such as screenshots of texts and messages.
• File a report in person. If you don't feel an imminent threat to your life, take the collected evidence and go to the nearest police station.
• Reach out to support organizations, for instance, The VictimConnect Resource Center. Go to their website, tap on Chat online, call or text directly at 1-855-4VICTIM, and tell them about your situation. They should listen carefully and give you an idea of what your next steps could be.  

Wondering how to stop internet stalking? The most important actions to take are blocking the stalker’s online accounts, removing your private info from the web, and setting up two-factor authentication (2FA).

What happens when you report someone for stalking

After your report is filed, authorities will typically start their investigation. Here's how the process usually works:

1. Authorities will officially document all the evidence you've provided.
2. The investigation may involve talking to the suspect, gathering witness statements, and reviewing existing evidence.
3. The severity of the offense and the stalker's background are the two primary factors that will define the punishment. These may vary from a misdemeanor offense (up to a year in jail plus a $1,000 fine) to a felony offense (up to five years in a state prison plus a $1,000 fine) and felony interstate stalking (up to five years in a federal prison and considerable fines).

How to stay safe after reporting stalking

Don’t think your job is done once you file a report. Here’s what you should take care of on your side after you’ve completed it:

• Block your stalker's social media profiles.
• Update your online accounts' usernames and passwords.
• Add 2FA to your online accounts and emails.
• Alert your friends, family, and coworkers about your situation.
• Enable location sharing with trusted contacts.
• Avoid taking the same daily routes to work/gym, etc.
• Change your door locks.
• Get a post office box for your mail.
• Use anti-stalking apps, like Clario Anti Spy.

Conclusion

Stalking can severely harm your well-being. It can make you feel like you have lost all control over your life and privacy. So, as soon as your potential stalker's behavior makes you feel unsafe, report it to your local authorities or get a lawyer to take care of this for you. To protect yourself from digital stalking, you need to safeguard your device, location, text messages and calls, media files, and social media accounts, among other things. Clario Anti-spy setup can help you do exactly that. Try it out now and start eliminating invasive threats from your digital life.