PanicStation.org
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us Personal safety & immediate danger threatening messages • unwanted messages escalating • harassing texts • menacing dms • threatening emails • online threats • phone harassment • repeated unwanted contact • someone won't stop messaging • anonymous threatening messages • ex partner threatening texts • social media harassment • intimidation by message • threats of violence by text • threats to show up • cyber harassment threat • messages getting worse • persistent unwanted contact • threatening voice notes • stalking type messaging

What to do if…
you receive repeated unwanted messages that suddenly become threatening

Short answer

If you feel in immediate danger or believe the person could act soon, call 911 now. Otherwise, stop responding, preserve the messages, and report the threats to local law enforcement and the platform/provider.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t respond to “de-escalate,” argue, or negotiate — it can increase risk and encourages more contact.
  • Don’t agree to meet them or “handle it in person.”
  • Don’t delete messages, voicemails, DMs, or emails in panic.
  • Don’t click links or open attachments they send.
  • Don’t post the threats publicly to “warn others” — it can escalate and can reveal your location/details.
  • Don’t try to investigate or confront them yourself.
  • Don’t block until you’ve saved what you need (screenshots/copies) and you won’t lose access to the thread.

What to do now

  1. Make sure you’re safe first.
    Move to a safer place (a locked room, a public area, or with a trusted person). Tell someone you trust what’s happening and ask them to stay reachable. If you’re at work/school, inform front desk/security and ask them not to confirm whether you’re there.

  2. Treat credible escalation as urgent.
    Call 911 if you think there’s immediate risk (they’re nearby, they’re threatening to come “now,” you’re afraid to stay where you are, or the threat is specific/violent). If it’s not an emergency, contact your local police department’s non-emergency number or visit a station to make a report. When you report, ask for an incident/report number and the safest way for them to contact you back.

  3. Preserve evidence the simple way (don’t overcomplicate it).

    • Don’t delete the messages. Keep the thread open on the device if you can.
    • Take screenshots/photos that show the sender, date/time, and the threat.
    • Copy key details into notes: exact wording, usernames/handles, phone numbers/emails, dates/times, and any escalation pattern.

  4. Report it in two places: law enforcement and the platform/provider.
    Report the threats inside the app/platform (harassment/threats) and, if it’s texting/calls, to your phone provider. Reporting to local law enforcement is appropriate even if it happened online.

  5. Lock down your accounts to reduce access to you.
    Set accounts to private, turn off location sharing, and remove public-facing personal details (address, workplace, school, routine). If you think an account might be targeted, enable two-factor authentication and change passwords.

  6. If the person is a current/former partner or someone in your household, get specialist support too.
    You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline for confidential support and safety planning (phone, chat, or text), even if you’re unsure what you want to do next.

  7. Optional: add a federal report if it clearly fits — but don’t delay local safety steps.

    • If there’s cyber-enabled crime involved (for example: hacking, extortion, fraud/scams), you can file with IC3.
    • If the threat appears tied to a federal crime or broader risk (for example: organized/foreign-government intimidation), you can also contact the FBI (tip line or your local field office).
      These are add-ons; if you’re scared for your safety, 911/local police comes first.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide right now whether to seek a protective order, change your phone number, or delete accounts.
  • You do not need to “prove” it’s serious before contacting police — report what happened and how it escalated.
  • You can sort out longer-term digital safety, documentation, and legal options after you’re safe and a report is started.

Important reassurance

When messages turn threatening, it can feel surreal and hard to think clearly — that’s a normal stress response. Taking the threats seriously and getting help early is a practical safety move.

Scope note

This is first steps only: get safe, preserve information, and start official reporting/support. Longer-term options can be handled once you’re steadier and supported.

Important note

This guide is general information, not legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

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