What to do if…
you are being harassed online and you are worried it could become in-person targeting

What to do now

1. Do a quick safety check (30–60 seconds).
   If you think they know where you are right now, you’re being watched/followed, or you’ve received a credible “I’m coming to you” threat: get to a safer place (indoors, with other people), and call 999 (or 112).

2. Bring one real-world person into it (and one place).
   Message/call someone you trust and say: “I’m being harassed online and I’m worried it could become in-person. Please stay reachable.”
   If you’re at work/school or in a building with reception/security, tell them today: ask them not to confirm your presence, not to let unknown visitors through, and to call you (or the police) if someone asks for you.

3. Start an incident log (simple, not perfect).
   In your notes app or on paper, keep: date/time, platform, account name/URL, what happened, and why it felt threatening (e.g., “mentioned my street”, “posted my workplace”). This helps you explain the pattern clearly.

4. Capture evidence before you change anything.

   • Screenshot messages/posts including usernames, dates/times, and the full context where possible.
   • Copy profile links/URLs.
   • Keep originals (emails, DMs, voicemails).
     Save it somewhere you can find again, and back it up if you can.

5. Reduce what they can learn about you (fast privacy sweep).

   • Make accounts private (or restrict who can message/comment).
   • Remove workplace/school, hometown, relationship links, “check-ins”, and anything revealing your routine.
   • Turn off location sharing and stop automatic geo-tagging on photos.
   • Ask friends/family not to tag you, share your location, or engage with the harasser.

6. Secure your accounts (start with email).

   • Change your email password first, then key social accounts.
   • Turn on 2-step verification where you can.
   • Check recovery options (old phone numbers/emails) and remove anything you don’t control.
   • Sign out of other sessions/devices if the service allows it.

7. Report it in-platform (after you’ve saved evidence).
   Report the specific threats/doxxing/impersonation posts and messages, not just the profile. After evidence is saved, use mute/restrict/block tools as best fits your situation.

8. If personal details are being shared (doxxing), start takedown requests.

   • Report the doxxing to the platform immediately.
   • Contact the site hosting your address/phone number and ask for removal.
   • If an organisation is holding/publishing your personal data, you can ask for deletion under the UK “right to erasure” — it isn’t automatic and won’t apply in every case, but it can be worth making the request. Keep copies of what you asked for and when.

9. Contact the police if there are threats, stalking behaviour, or escalation signs.

   • If it’s an emergency, call 999 (or 112).
   • If it’s not an emergency, call 101 (or report online via your local force) and explain you’re worried about escalation to in-person targeting.
     Use your incident log to summarise: “This has happened X times over Y days; they’ve mentioned A/B; I’m afraid they may come to my home/work.” Ask for a reference number and add new incidents to the same report.

10. Get specialist support if this feels like stalking.
    If the behaviour is persistent, fixated, or frightening, contact the National Stalking Helpline for practical safety advice (phone: 0808 802 0300, or via their online form).