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 someone is coming to you, you’re being watched/followed, you’ve received a credible “I’m on my way” threat, or you fear immediate escalation: move to a safer place (indoors, with other people) and call 911.

2. Tell one real-world person and make a simple plan for today/tonight.
   Ask a trusted person to stay reachable. If you live alone, consider staying with someone or having someone stay with you. If you’re at work/school or in a building with security/front desk, tell them you’re concerned about in-person targeting and ask them not to confirm your presence to unexpected visitors.

3. Start an incident log (simple, consistent).
   Write down: date/time, platform, account name/URL, what happened, and why it felt threatening (e.g., “posted my street”, “mentioned my job”). Patterns matter—this helps you communicate clearly to law enforcement or an advocate.

4. Preserve evidence before changing settings.

   • Screenshot messages/posts showing usernames, dates/times, and the full context.
   • Save links/URLs and profile pages.
   • Keep originals (emails, DMs, voicemails).
     Put everything in one folder and back it up somewhere you control.

5. Reduce exposure (fast privacy sweep).

   • Make accounts private or restrict who can message/comment.
   • Remove workplace/school, city, “check-ins”, and any post that reveals a routine.
   • Turn off location sharing and stop geo-tagging 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 two-factor authentication.
   • Review account 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 to the platform and document the reports.
   Report the specific threats/doxxing/impersonation posts and messages. After evidence is saved, use block/restrict/mute tools as appropriate for your situation. Keep a note of what you reported and when.

8. If your personal info is being posted (doxxing), start takedowns.
   Report doxxing to each platform/site hosting the information. Keep screenshots of the post and any confirmation of your report. If someone is threatening “swatting” (trying to trigger an armed emergency response to your home), treat that as urgent and report it to local law enforcement.

9. Bring in official help when there are threats, stalking behavior, or escalation signs.

   • If you are in danger or threatened, call 911.
   • Otherwise, contact your local police department’s non-emergency number, tell them you’re worried about escalation to in-person targeting, and ask for a report/case number so you can add new incidents.

10. Use specialist support when you’re physically safe.
    If you’re overwhelmed or unsure what to do next, contact VictimConnect for confidential support and local referrals (call or text 1-855-484-2846, or use their online chat). Use this when you are physically safe; if you’re in immediate danger, call 911.

11. Use federal cyber reporting when it fits the situation.
    The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is mainly for cyber-enabled crimes (for example: hacking into your accounts, impersonation used to steal money/info, extortion/blackmail, fraud, or other internet-enabled crimes). If those elements are present, consider filing an IC3 report in addition to local reporting.