Internet/Cyber Stalking AND HOW TO AVOID BEING A VICTIM

What is cyber stalking?  Cyber stalking is the use of the internet to perpetrate threatening or malicious actions on a victim.  It is similar to physical stalking in that it is a pattern of repeated behaviors, intended to scare, intimidate or injure another person.  Important to note: The actions must be repeated behaviors that would place a reasonable person in fear, to be considered stalking.

Stats and Facts  According to a study done in 2012 by WHOA (Working to Halt Online Abuse), 80% of cyber stalking victims are female.  Results also show that victims are most commonly single, Caucasian and between the ages of  In a vast majority of cases (63%) the cyber stalker was known to the victim.  The most common prior relationship is an ex-partner.  There was not a large difference in number of cases with male (40%) stalkers and female stalkers (31%). 20% of victims were uncertain of the gender of their cyber stalker.

Examples of cyber stalking behaviors  Sending repeated unwanted s or instant messages.  Using victims address to subscribe them to lists.  Sending viruses.  Sending the victim’s online photos to sexually oriented websites.  Stalkers can also use information found on the internet to physically stalk their victim.

People Search Engines  For a small fee, a cyber stalker can find out, pretty much everything they want to know.  This particular one will show address, phone number, e- mail address, family members, a picture of the home and even….

 EVERY social networking, online shopping, and photo sharing site you hold an account on.  For $3.95 per month, this is pretty much a cyber- stalker’s dream.

The Real Property Database  Houses tax roll information for home owners by county.  This is public knowledge. All a stalker would need to know about you, to make use of this resource is your name, and the general area in which you live.  There is no way to remove yourself from this database. If you own a home, you are on it. So be aware of who you’re giving your full name to, both online and in person.

Real Property Database Search Results

Voila!

How to avoid becoming a victim  Make your social networking accounts private, and recheck privacy settings continuously, as policies change.  Once the account is private, only accept friend requests from people you know, and delete ex- partners and ex-friends.  Do you really need to post your phone number, address, DOB, and address on Facebook? If someone needs that information badly enough, they will ask for it.  Use profile pictures that do not ID you or your location.  Use screen names that are gender neutral, and do not use your real name.  Consider using a different account for registering to social networking sites and chat rooms, than the one you use for regular correspondence.  Be aware of what you are saying. Only say to someone on-line, what you would also say to their face  Google your own name, to make sure no unauthorized info has been posted.

If you are a victim of cyber stalking  Clearly state that the stalker’s contact with you is not welcome, and that law enforcement will be called if it continues.  End all further communication with the stalker, use the block feature available on most social networking sites, and instant messenger programs. Filter or block their s from your inbox.  Let family members, friends and employers know you are being cyber stalked.  Save all communications or instances of cyber-stalking behavior. You will need this to build your case, if law enforcement becomes involved.