Personal and family matters
What to Do If You're Being Stalked
Stalking is a serious crime, and you don't have to handle it alone. Here's how to protect yourself and build a record that helps authorities act.
Key points
- If you're in danger, call 911
- Keep a detailed incident log
- Police, advocates and detectives can work together
Safety first
If you're in immediate danger, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) can help with safety planning when stalking involves a current or former partner.
Document everything
Keep a log with dates, times, locations, descriptions and witnesses. Save messages, voicemails, call logs and photos. Don't delete anything.
Report and seek protection
Report to police and ask about protective orders. An attorney or advocate can help with the process.
How detectives help
Stalking investigations organize evidence, identify unknown stalkers through counter-surveillance and research, and prepare documentation for police and court. Detectives don't confront stalkers.
Common questions
Should I block the stalker?
Discuss with police or an advocate; preserving evidence matters.
Can you find out who's stalking me online?
Sometimes through research; definitive identification may need legal process.
Will police take it seriously?
Organized documentation helps.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and vary by state; consult an attorney about your situation. See our legal disclaimer.
Related services
Services connected to this guide.
Stalking Investigations
Identifying and documenting who is following or monitoring you.
Online & Personal SafetyHarassment Investigations
Building a documented record of repeated harassment.
Surveillance & EvidenceCounter-Surveillance & Bug Sweeps
Checking homes, offices and vehicles for hidden tracking or listening devices.
Keep reading
Related guides.
How to Tell If You're Being Followed or Watched
Signs you may be followed or watched, how to stay safe, what to document, and when counter-surveillance and police involvement make sense.
Hiring a private detectivePrivate Detective vs. Police: What's the Difference?
How private detectives differ from police: powers, priorities, cost and when each one is the right call. Plus how they can work together.
Laws and limitsCan a Private Detective Track a Phone or Car?
When GPS tracking of a vehicle or phone is legal and when it isn't: ownership, consent, state laws and lawful alternatives like surveillance.
Private detectives by city
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