Lisa O
Running into the same person now and then might not seem like a big deal, but how often it happens and where could mean you’re being stalked. The Department of Justice says one in twelve women go through this in their lives. Plus, technology makes it easier for someone to track your life without you knowing. Here are the 15 signs you are being stalked.
Constant Unwanted Contact
If someone keeps bombarding you with phone calls, texts, emails, or social media messages despite you ignoring or asking them to stop, it’s a big red flag. This relentless persistence isn’t just annoying—it can quickly become overwhelming and intrusive, leaving you feeling stressed and anxious every time your phone buzzes or you check your inbox.
Unwanted Gifts
Getting unexpected gifts like flowers, letters, or presents can be a stalking tactic. While it might seem flattering at first, if you’ve asked them to stop and they persist, it’s a real concern. These gifts are often meant to keep themselves in your thoughts and can escalate from small, seemingly harmless items to more personal and intrusive ones, creating a sense of obligation or guilt.
Being Followed
If you keep seeing the same person or car following you everywhere, it’s a clear sign of stalking. Whether on foot, by car, or online, this behavior is very troubling. Also, the stalker might show up at your workplace, home, or social spots, making you feel like you’re always under surveillance and stripping away your sense of security.
Frequent Appearances
If someone keeps popping up wherever you are—at work, school, your gym, or your favorite coffee shop—it’s not a coincidence. Stalkers often try to be where you are to watch or interact with you. These frequent appearances are carefully planned to seem accidental but are actually meant to force encounters and make their presence feel unavoidable.
Using Technology to Track You
As technology advances, stalkers can use devices or apps to track your phone, computer, or even your car. If you suspect this, just check your devices for unusual apps or changes. They might employ GPS trackers, spyware, or other tech tools to monitor your location and activities, effectively turning your own devices against you for surveillance purposes.
Monitoring Your Activities
Stalkers often try to keep tabs on your daily routine. They might know where you go, who you meet, and what you do, even if you haven’t shared this information with them. This creepy monitoring can extend to knowing your work schedule, the routes you take, and even your grocery shopping habits—making you feel like your every move is being watched and recorded.
Invasion of Privacy
Stalkers might dig through your trash, go through your mail, or snoop around your personal stuff to gather information about you. They might also hack into your social media or email accounts. This invasion can really mess with your sense of privacy and safety, knowing they’re peeking into your personal life without your say-so. It’s a major breach of trust and can make you feel seriously uneasy.
Threatening Behavior
Getting threats—whether straight-up or hinted—at you, your family, friends, or even your pets is a serious red flag of stalking. These threats create a climate of fear and control, leaving you constantly stressed about your safety and the well-being of those you care about. It’s a super scary situation that can feel like you’re always looking over your shoulder.
Damaged Property
If your stuff keeps getting messed with or damaged, it could be a big sign of stalking. Stalkers often mess with your belongings to scare or control you. This might mean slashed tires, broken windows, or things being moved or wrecked. It’s their way of showing they can get to you whenever they want and that you might not be safe.
Friends and Family Contacted
If someone’s hitting up your friends, family, or coworkers to get dirt on you or spread lies, it’s a big stalking warning. They might try to mess with those close to you, stirring up drama and making you feel isolated from your support crew. It’s all about control and making you doubt who you can trust.
Following on Social Media
Stalkers often lurk on social media to keep tabs on their targets. If someone you barely know is constantly liking, commenting, or messaging you, it’s a red flag. They might even create fake profiles to follow you or gather intel from your posts to track your every move, leaving you feeling exposed and vulnerable online. It’s a digital invasion of privacy that can really mess with your sense of security.
Showing Up Uninvited
If someone shows up at your home, work, or places you go without being invited or having a valid reason, it’s a definite sign of stalking. These surprise visits are designed to unsettle you and push for interaction—making you feel trapped with no way to avoid them. Consequently, It creates an unsettling atmosphere where your sense of safety and personal space is violated.
Leaving Signs of Presence
Discovering personal items like notes, photos, or other objects deliberately left where you’ll find them is a tactic stalkers use to demonstrate their presence. These items are intended to convey they’re nearby and observing you, creating a sense of constant surveillance and unease even in your own private spaces. It’s a chilling reminder that all your personal boundaries have been breached.
Manipulative Behavior
Stalkers often manipulate their targets into feeling guilty, scared, or obligated to engage with them. They will lie, spread rumors, or portray themselves as victims. They employ psychological tactics to control your feelings and behaviors, making it super challenging to seek support or establish boundaries. It’s a disturbing form of manipulation that undermines your sense of autonomy and safety.
Persistent Following Despite Legal Actions
If you’ve gone as far as getting restraining orders or legal action, and the person continues to contact or follow you, it’s a serious escalation of stalking behavior. This persistence demonstrates a blatant disregard for both the law and your safety, underscoring the urgent need to involve law enforcement. It’s super important to get immediate help to enforce the protective measures and ensure your safety is prioritized.