1. Internet/Cyber Stalking AND HOW TO AVOID BEING A VICTIM

2. 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.

3. 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 31-40.  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.

4. Examples of cyber stalking behaviors  Sending repeated unwanted e-mails or instant messages.  Using victims e-mail address to subscribe them to e-mail 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.

5. 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….

6.  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.

7. 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.

8. Real Property Database Search Results

9. Voila!

10. 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 e-mail 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 e-mail 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.

11. 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 e-mails 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.