Cyber Stalking 101
Part 1
What is Cyber stalking?
Cyber stalking is a term that refers to a "traditional" stalker using technology to harass their victim online. The stalker traces and locates their victim and their movements more easily (e.g. using Facebook notifications). A true cyber stalker's intent is to harm their intended victim using the anonymity and untraceable distance of technology. And it's made possible by the increasing accessibility of the Internet.
Cyber stalking is not identity theft. An identity thief has a very specific goal in mind — financial gain. Identity thieves are unconcerned about the consequences of their behavior on the victim's life, whereas the actions of a cyber stalker are deliberate and focused on the consequences to the victim.
Cyber stalking largely consists of harassing behavior in the form of:
- electronic messaging such as text messages
- spamming and/or sending threatening emails to victim or victim's family, friends, or co-workers
- posting the victim's personal information such as name, address, phone numbers, and e-mail address
- posting offensive comments in the victim's name
- creating and posting sexually explicit images
- hacking into computer and accounts
- subscribing the victim to porn and unwanted advertising
- attaching spyware to emails or installing it on the computer
True Stories
A 50-year-old security guard made advancements toward a young woman and she rejected him. To get revenge, he impersonated her in chats, posted her phone number on message boards, and posted messages in her name.
A Federal agent was indicted for cyber stalking a former girlfriend. He used a Department of Homeland Security database to cyber stalk and track the activities of her and her family.
A 20-year old stalked his ex-girlfriend using MySpace. He sent her threatening messages in reference to her new boyfriend and posted nude photographs of her.
Discover how to stay safe and how legal action can be taken by visiting Part 2 of Cyber Stalking 101.
