Cyber stalking

Information sheet

What is cyber stalking?

Cyber stalking describes when a person is stalked or harassed by another person using a service of the internet such as email, instant messaging or via a posting in a discussion group. Stalking behaviours can include threats, cryptic messages and sexual innuendo that occur in a frequent and intrusive manner. The usual goal for stalking is to create a sense of fear in the recipient and the motivation is based on control and intimidation

What activities can I report?

You can report to the authorities any personal threat that you consider to be stalking. Personal threats are considered as an assault, even when no physical contact has been made.

Protect yourself against cyber stalking

• Find out what is already published about you on the internet. Type your name into one of the Google services (web, images, groups, directory or news) and see if anything is already online.
• Stay anonymous. Only use your ISP email for official communication and create other email accounts, for example when you enter an online competition.
• Choose a name that you wish to use online which is different to your real name and gender unspecific.
• When signing up for an online service such as chat or instant messaging, refrain from submitting any personal information others will be able to see online. You are generally allowed to leave the personal information fields blank on sign-up forms.
• Be careful where you display any real life photos. It is easy for others to save these photos and display them on other parts of the internet.
• Be aware of the online services that people can contact you on and take any precautions necessary to protect yourself and your machine from any attacks when using these services.

How to report cyber stalking

Report cyber stalking to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or 1800 005 555 (Tasmania), or visit crimestoppers.com.au. If physical contact is made, contact your local police.

Federal Police offices

AFP National Headquarters

68 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra
Tel: (02) 6256 7777

Australian Capital Territory

Cnr Unwin Place and Streeton Drive, Weston
Tel: (02) 6256 7777

New South Wales

110 Goulburn Street, Sydney
Tel: (02) 9286 4000

Northern Territory

21 Lindsay Street, Darwin
Tel: (08) 8981 1044

Queensland

203 Wharf Street, Spring Hill
Tel: (07) 3222 1222

South Australia

55 Currie Street, Adelaide
Tel: (08) 8416 2811

Tasmania

47 Liverpool Street, Hobart
Tel: (03) 6231 0166

Victoria

383 Latrobe Street, Melbourne
Tel: (03) 9607 7777

Western Australia

619 Murray Street, West Perth
Tel: (08) 9320 3444

About NetAlert

NetAlert is the Australian Government’s online safety program, set up to protect Australian families online. NetAlert is part of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). It offers independent, sensible, helpful and reliable advice and information about potential problems, dangers and threats on the internet and ways to minimise or avoid these problems.

Tel: 1800 880 176
Email: netalert@acma.gov.au
Web: www.netalert.gov.au