Signs Someone Is Stalking You

Behavioral signs that someone is stalking you

You might not know if someone is stalking you at first. It’s natural to try and ignore or downplay the signs of a stalker.

After all, everyone gets weird messages sometimes. Maybe the girl asking intrusive questions is just awkward in social situations. Perhaps the guy who remembers every detail just has a good memory.

But one way to tell if someone is stalking you is to identify unusual behavior. Keep an eye out for these signs of abusive behavior.

Signs you have a stalker might include:

1. Unwanted contact
2. Constant calls
3. Unexpected gifts
4. Weird messages
5. Someone being oddly fixated on you
6. Noticing that you’re being watched
7. Someone acting aggressively or asking intrusive questions
8. Someone manipulating you into talking to them
9. Someone trying to find out your plans
10. Someone spreading malicious rumors

1. Constant unwanted contact

Has someone repeatedly contacted you—even after you’ve asked them to stop or end your relationship?

Maybe they’re calling you, sending messages or letters, or turning up in person. These could be signs of a stalker.

2. Repeated phone calls

Are you getting constant phone calls? They might come from the same number, or they might use different numbers, so you can’t easily block them.

Perhaps your husband calls you twenty times in a row while you’re out, or your ex keeps changing their number to call you.

3. Unwanted gifts

Is someone sending gifts repeatedly?

If you’ve already set boundaries with this person and asked them to leave you alone, they might send gifts to get around this.

But even if it’s your birthday or a gift-giving holiday, sending unsolicited presents can be a way to control you and circumvent your boundaries.

4. Strange online messages

Are you getting weird or threatening messages online?

Maybe they come from someone you know, or from strangers or anonymous accounts on social media. They might make threats, mention personal details, or insult you.

If you’re receiving DMs, emails, or other messages that make you uncomfortable, find out how to stop online stalking.

5. Inappropriate fixation or obsession

Does someone know everything about your life?

Maybe someone you barely know remembers every single detail about you. You might notice that someone is looking at social media posts from years ago or they comment on outfits you wore ages ago.

An obsession like this can be a warning sign of a stalker.

6. Surveillance and monitoring

Have you noticed that someone is following you or watching you?

Maybe they’re tracking your phone, or perhaps they’ve even installed recording devices in your home.

Your first clue might be that someone knows things you haven’t told them. Perhaps your partner knows about a friend’s illness, or your ex knows you’ve started going to a new gym. These could be signs that they’re secretly tracking you, reading your messages, or recording your conversations.

7. Aggressive or intrusive behavior

Is someone acting aggressively or being intrusive?

Maybe they’re showing up uninvited, asking very personal questions, or getting inappropriately angry at you—especially if you’ve rejected them. These could all be signs that their behavior is escalating.

8. Manipulating you for interaction

Is someone creating reasons to contact you?

If you’ve already set boundaries and asked someone to stop contacting you, they might come up with reasons to talk to you. Perhaps they’ll fake an emergency, such as an illness or injury, or threaten to hurt themselves.

This kind of manipulation is particularly common among narcissists. Find out why narcissists stalk you.

9. Trying to find out your plans

Do they take a strong interest in your schedules, routines, and locations?

This could be a warning sign of a stalker trying to find out where you’ll be, so they can follow you or insert themselves into your routine. They might even try to join your groups or classes.

10. Spreading rumors about you

Has someone been spreading rumors about you?

If friends or family seem awkward around you or people are avoiding you, it could be because your stalker is spreading lies about you.

They might spread false rumors for two reasons:

• To isolate you from your support system
• To force you to confront them

Physical and digital signs of stalking

You might also notice digital signs you have a stalker.

Perhaps someone has secretly tampered with your laptop or phone, or you notice suspicious login attempts to your online accounts. You might even find trackers or hidden cameras at home or in the car you drive.

Let’s look in more detail at some of these warning signs someone is stalking you.

1. Signs of device tampering or hacking

Is your phone, tablet, or computer acting strangely?

You might notice some of the following on your phone or computer:

• Your camera or microphone is active even when you’re not using it
• There are apps that you don’t remember installing
• Your battery drains faster than usual
• Your device is running more slowly than usual

These could all be signs that spying apps have been installed.

If you’re worried about being tracked, scan it with Clario Anti Spy’s Spyware scan.

How to check for spyware with Clario Anti Spy:

1. Download Clario Anti Spy and set up a subscription.
2. Tap Spyware scan on Android or Hidden app scan on iOS.
3. When the scan is complete, choose to Review & Fix any apps causing issues.

2. Suspicious surveillance equipment or unknown objects

Have you noticed hidden cameras, GPS trackers, or other devices that might be used to track or monitor you?

You might find cameras or trackers in your home or car, or get a notification that an AirTag is following you while you’re driving.

Are you worried about spy cameras in your home? Clario Anti Spy’s Spy cam detector can help you find suspicious cameras and other devices connected to your network. If your husband, partner, or family member has installed spy cameras in your home, they’re probably connected to your Wi-Fi.

How to check for spy cameras with Clario Anti Spy:

1. Download Clario Anti Spy and subscribe.
2. Under Spy cam detector, tap Scan.
3. When the scan is complete, check the list of devices connected to your Wi-Fi network. Do you recognize them all?

3. Unexpected security alerts or account breaches

Have you received notices that someone is trying to log in to your accounts? Or are there any unauthorized logins to your social media accounts, emails, or other online accounts?

If someone is trying to log in as you, that could be a sign that they’re trying to access your messages or see your location.

However, unauthorized logins could also be a sign of a password leak or data breach—maybe your password has been compromised and shared online. Clario Anti Spy can check if your details have been involved in a data breach.

How to check if your password has been compromised:

1. Download Clario Anti Spy and choose a subscription.
2. Under Data breach monitor, tap Scan.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions if your details have been compromised.

4. Unexplained presence or monitoring around home or work

Is someone else regularly appearing in a place where you don’t expect them?

You might notice someone turning up at work, or near your home. Maybe they’re shopping in the same places as you, or suddenly attending the same classes or groups. Or perhaps you keep noticing the same car parked outside your house.

These could all be signs that someone is following you.

Impacts of stalking

Stalking can be terrifying. It can have horrific impacts on your mental health, causing you to feel anxious and depressed, or even develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some people might avoid going out or seeing friends or family, and others might even notice physical symptoms.

You might notice some of the following symptoms, which could be signs of PTSD:

• Flashbacks or nightmares about being stalked
• Sweating a lot
• Feeling or being sick
• Constantly feeling angry or tearful
• Not being able to sleep
• Having panic attacks

If you’re having trouble with your mental or physical health, talk to your healthcare provider.

How to deal with stalking

What should you do when your ex stalks you? Or a current boyfriend or partner, family member, or even someone you barely know?

You should take signs of a stalker seriously. Stalking is a crime and sometimes stalkers escalate their abuse.

Even if their actions don’t fully meet the stalking definition, if it’s making you uncomfortable or you’re worried about violence, take action—your safety is the most important thing.

If you’re being followed or stalked, start by asking the person to stop, if it’s safe to do so. Document what’s happening to prove it later on. Don’t engage with the stalker—block them where you can. Tell friends and family, and report it to law enforcement services.

You can also improve your digital privacy:

• If the stalker knows your passwords, change them immediately. Use passwords that are unique and hard to guess.
• Don’t leave your phone or computer unattended.
• Check your devices for tracking software or other unexpected apps.

Conclusion

Stalking is terrifying. It can affect victims’ mental and physical health, making them fear people and avoid their usual routines.

You might not know if someone is stalking you at first. But keep an eye out for behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable, such as constant contact, intrusive or aggressive actions, or manipulation. And remember to check your devices for signs of tampering—Clario Anti Spy can help you look for issues and stay safe.