PanicStation.org
UK USA
uk Personal safety & immediate danger stranger says they know me • someone insists i go with them • stranger won’t take no • being pressured to go somewhere • stranger tries to isolate me • forced to leave public place • lured to a second location • someone claims to be a friend • “come with me” stranger • coercive stranger in public • street intimidation • someone blocks my path • stranger demands i follow • unsafe encounter with stranger • public place personal safety • panic in public with stranger • approached and won’t leave • stranger claims to recognise me

What to do if…
a stranger claims to “know you” and insists you go somewhere with them despite your refusal

Short answer

Do not go anywhere with them. Move immediately into a staffed, public place (shop, café, station entrance) and get someone to call 999 while you stay in view of other people.

Do not do these things

  • Do not go to a “quieter” spot, side street, car park, or vehicle “just to talk”.
  • Do not let them steer you by the arm, shoulder, or by “guiding” you.
  • Do not give them personal details (your name, address, where you’re staying, where you’re going).
  • Do not follow them to “prove” you’re not rude, or to end the awkwardness.
  • Do not show ID, unlock your phone, or hand your phone over.
  • Do not head straight home if you think they may follow—prioritise a staffed place and help first.

What to do now

  1. Create a safer pause (right now). Turn and walk into the nearest staffed place (behind a counter, to reception, to a busy queue). If you’re outdoors, aim for light + people + staff (petrol station, supermarket, hotel lobby).
  2. Say one clear line, once, then stop engaging. For example: “I don’t know you. I’m not going anywhere with you.” Do not debate or explain. Put your attention on staff/bystanders, not on them.
  3. Make it a “public problem” fast. Point to a specific person and give them a job:
    • “You in the blue jacket — please call 999. I’m being harassed and I’m scared.”
    • If indoors: “Can you call 999 and keep them away from me?”
  4. Call 999 (or ask staff to call) if you feel threatened or they won’t back off. Give: your exact location, what they’re saying/doing, and a quick description (clothing, height, direction of travel). Stay where you are unless staff/police tell you to move.
  5. If you can’t safely speak on a 999 call: still dial 999 and stay on the line. Follow the operator/recorded prompts. If you’re prompted, press 55 (or tap) to confirm it’s a genuine emergency so you can be put through to police. If you can safely make any noise (even a cough or tap), do so.
  6. If this is happening on the rail / Tube / tram network: move toward staff/other passengers and a well-lit, staffed area.
    • If you feel in danger or are being threatened: dial 999.
    • If it’s not an emergency response situation (for example, to report or get advice while staying near other people), you can text British Transport Police on 61016 (or call 0800 40 50 40).
  7. If you’re in a bar/club or other licensed venue: if the venue participates in “Ask for Angela” (for example, posters are displayed or staff recognise it), approach staff and ask for “Angela”. If not, ask staff directly to help you get away from the person and to call 999 if you’re threatened.
  8. Once you’re safer, reduce the chance of being followed. Ask staff to watch you leave, wait with you, or help you exit when it’s clear. If you need transport, wait indoors until it arrives.

What can wait

  • You do not have to decide right now whether to make a formal report or statement.
  • You do not have to “work out who they are” or prove they’re lying.
  • You do not need to post about it, warn others online, or message people back immediately.
  • You can write down details (time, place, description) after you’re safe and calm.

Important reassurance

It’s normal to freeze, feel confused, or worry about being rude. In this situation, being blunt and getting help is the correct response. You are allowed to involve staff or strangers.

Scope note

This is first-steps-only guidance to get you to a safer pause and bring in help quickly. Follow-up choices (reporting, ongoing safety, patterns of harassment) can be handled later.

Important note

This is general safety information, not legal advice. If you believe you’re at immediate risk, call 999. If you’re unsure but feel threatened, trust that instinct and seek help in a staffed public place.

Additional Resources
Support us