Cyberstalking

[Domestic Goddess]

I don't want to say to much, but what should we do if we think we are being cyberstalked?

An incident has occured in another forum that I'm in and I smell a rat.

[Lady Penelope]

:o Hi DG,

I would report it to the Forum Moderators if you have any suspicions. If it effects your status on NFHiB I would report anything to Matthew or the TL's.

Stay safe DG.

LPxxx

[Annabel]

yes you need to speak up and tell everyone you can about it. that way all can be vigilant and protect you :rolleyes:

[sp54]

Definitely report it to the moderators, DG - and please stay safe, hun :)

[Matthew]

Hi DG,

Try this site for info if you've not seen it before: WiredSafety.org (http://www.wiredsafety.org/cyberstalking_harassment/index.html)

Cyberstalking & Harassment online is equally illegal as if it was off-line - e.g. Malicious Communications Act - 1988 (http://www.yourrights.org.uk/your-rights/chapters/privacy/harassment/harassment-and-unwanted-letters.shtml) ("expanded by Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 to include electronic communications or articles of any description. This new definition will cover hate telephone calls, emails or text messages"). It is also not to be underestimated and is as serious and disturbing as any form of stalking or bullying, etc. Some individuals are under the mistaken belief that because it's behind a keyboard, over the internet, it's OK - they are sorely mistaken.

In the first instance you need to make the forum owners of the forum you mention aware there is a problem. If they don't know about the issues you're experiencing, then they may not be able to do anything about it.

If they (forum owners) are aware and fail to respond or act appropriately - consider reporting the instances (and ask for help at the above site) to the local authorities (your local police). Also contact the ISPs concerned too and report abusive activity (e.g. if this is over e-mail too). Also take the issue to the Forum's hosting service (e.g. shared hosting, dedicated server provider, etc) as a last resort and inform them of the issues clearly and factually.

Some local police services may also have a special section dealing with computer/internet based crime, so it may be worth trying your local force for more info & help, you never know.

You also need to be aware at all times regarding the personal info you make available - there are several posts/topics at NFHiB at the moment which I'm sure you've seen already, but these give good advice ref. security issues, etc.

With instances of Cyber Stalking you also need to keep records and information, factual accounts, as we would with off-line NFH situations, exactly the same principles. Keep (don't delete) and print paper copies of e-mails, forum posts, PMs, etc that may contain stalking-like content. Cyber stalkers delight in attempting to solicit an adverse reaction, so don't ever respond to them and give them this satisfaction, ignore where possible. If actual threats are made to you, report to the Police immediately and via an emergency 999 call if necessary.

Cyber Stalking is very concerning and disturbing behaviour and is not to be underestimated I'm afraid; so you must in all counts keep yourself safe and protected. To re-iterate, do not respond to cyber stalking, intimidation, threats or 'carrot-dangles' (e.g. attempts by the cyber-stalker which may or may not be subtle or direct) and ignore it always. If you can remove yourself away from the source of the possible cyber stalking (e.g. leaving a forum), sometimes that may be your only final course of action, sadly - no forum or online service is worth subjecting yourself to possible abuse or stalking.

Remember, you don't have to put up with it in 2007 - it is now something which can be effectively tackled and dealt with - don't hesitate to PM me for more help if you need to. :)

[tact77]

A man very local to me has just been in court for cyber stalking. He received a very large fine and just got out of going to prison. It is not acceptable and I would follow Matthews advice. Please take care of yourself DG.

[Speedy Gonzales]

Sorry to hear of your problems DG. I hate to seem an idiot, but what is cyberstalking?
Speedy

[Beth]

its basically some one stalking you around the internet speedy

they try and find out as much about you as possible, who you are, where you live, what groups you are a member of, what are your favorite sites and things.

its just as nasty as real life stalking :(

[Planet 24]

I've had it and I used the site Matthew mentioned - seemed to shut them up for a bit but I've just noticed that my name has been posted on another well known north east site ....again.

Boy, I must have hurt them bad ;)

[Speedy Gonzales]

Jeezus, that is seriously scary!

Surely it can be overcome by changing user names and things like that, or am I being naive again? Or are these people hacking into sites to get personal information?

Sorry I've not heard of this before - been living in a bubble!
Speedy

[Beth]

sorry to hear the P24 :(
they must have a very boring life though.....you are the centre of their world :lol:
maybe they should take up knitting instead to keep them occupied ;)

[er 59]

Hope you are ok dg and stay safe :)

[Domestic Goddess]

I can't report anything online because nothing has been said online. It's the troll's knowledge of what's been said by me online that my friend and I overheard this afternoon. He also knows my Ebay id and what I've bought. I can't prove under what ID he is getting his info, because he is clever enough to say nothing online, He could literally be anyone here. :unsure: Or he has a friend here who is reporting back to him. I've never named him, so he can't do anything legally, but he seems to watch my every move.

[Beth]

I am pretty sure that you can change your ebay ID if that helps :)

[Domestic Goddess]

To be honest Beth, he'd probably find me again...and I haven't bought anything to be ashamed of, so does it really matter if he knows what in my parcels?

I've calmed down a bit now. All he has is little titbits of info that don't amount to much. Ok, he knows that I buy aromatherapy products and that I wear size 8 shoes!! Mr DG supports Aston VIlla and my youngest daughter is into Bratz!

He's not found out much more online than he does when he goes through our wheelie bins. This is the only forum that I've ever mentioned him in and I haven't said that much recently.

I think I'm going to sit back and let him play his little games and feed him whatever info I want to. He wanted us to know that he is aware of our online lives and he seems to think that this gives him some kind of power. He'll probably read this post.

So, dear troll, it may interest you to know that I am friends with the owners of the house that backs onto yours and they have often seen you peering over the top of the six foot fence, between us, into our back garden. SO, we'll be putting up another CCTV camera - just for you!

[Beth]

good for you DG :thumbs: a woman in control I like it! :lol:

you will not let him win in any way what so ever!! :ban:

[spareagain]

Very scary DG, i hope you get it sorted out to your satisfaction.

[Matthew]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Domestic Goddess @ 27th February 2007 - 10:38 PM) 241261</div>I think I'm going to sit back and let him play his little games and feed him whatever info I want to. He wanted us to know that he is aware of our online lives and he seems to think that this gives him some kind of power. He'll probably read this post.[/b]

Good for you DG, don't be manipulated by any cyber-bullies like this. :)

NFHiB has a zero-tolerance policy on any kind of bullying or harassment and this includes online bullying, harassment and cyber-stalking. If we discover that any members are engaging in this activity at NFHiB, we will have no hesitation in permanently removing their membership, without warning.

Online bullying/stalking is one of the most destructive and power-crazed, uneccessary, cowardly methods, of personally affecting someone's life and as P24 has said, it can happen to anyone and be very hurtful, whoever you are. :nfh1:

[StoneHenge]

Keep strong DG - this man has no life, and you have more friends than would fit in your home, so don't let the troll get to you hun.

[Domestic Goddess]

I might order some samauri swrords and other bizarre stuff like whips and chains to raise his eyebrows! Mr DG wants to order a "Gimp" outfit and keep it for when we capture the troll and keep him in the cellar!!

http://i22.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/8b/e1/6d26_2.JPG

Something like this!!!!

[Bonkers Mad!!!]

:lol: :thumbs:

[Sparrow]

:) Look after yourself Dg!

sparrow x

[jrobertson]

The cyberstalking title caught my eye while browsing the Tech shed, I hope all is well now DG. You might have seen this video on YouTube, if not or you are a stalker take note! :dry:

YOU ARE A STALKER (http://youtube.com/watch?v=im7IorDZ9uY) [youtube.com] note: contains words not suitable for children's ears.