Last Updated on October 24, 2023
The rise of technology has brought with it some new forms of harassment in the form of electronic harassment.
This type of harassment is also known as cyberstalking or online harassment, and it involves the use of electronic means such as emails, texts, and social media to harass, intimidate, or threaten someone. If you are getting harassed online, it can be tough to know who to talk to and how to stop it. In this post, we’ll be discussing who you can report electronic harassment to and what you can do to protect yourself.
What to do if someone is harassing you online?
Not many victims know the countless resources that are available to them. If you are being harassed online, you can absolutely do something about it and put it to an end. Here are some options for you.
1. Reach Out to Law Enforcement Officials
One of the first things you should do if you’re a victim of electronic harassment is to reach out to the law enforcement officials in your area. While it can be challenging to prosecute electronic harassment, it is a crime, and many law enforcement officials are starting to take it more seriously. If you feel threatened or that your life is in danger in any way, you should call the police immediately. Otherwise, you can visit your local police precinct and report the situation to them.
2. Report to Internet Service Providers
Another option is to reach out to your internet service provider (ISP). Most providers have specific channels for users to report harassment or any inappropriate use of the internet. You can start by reporting the incident to the customer service number on your bill, and they will guide you on how to report it online. ISPs have strict policies against abuse of their services and will take action against users who violate their terms of service.
3. File a Complaint with Social Media Platforms
When it comes to online harassment, social media platforms are some of the most common places where perpetrators often conduct their activities. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube all have built-in mechanisms to report and block users who engage in harassing or harmful behavior. Start by visiting the help sections of each platform to see what steps you need to follow to report the harassment you are experiencing.
4. Report to Anti-Harassment Organizations
Finally, you can report cases of electronic harassment to anti-harassment organizations. These organizations support victims of cyberbullying and can advise you on how to report digital harassment to law enforcement, social media platforms, ISPs, and other relevant bodies. Some of the organizations include the National Cyber Security Alliance, the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, and the CyberSmile Foundation.
Can the FBI help with cyberstalking?
Many victims of cyberstalking claim they don’t know how to report the issue. There are two ways to report cyberstalking to the FBI. The first and easiest way is to visit the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) website and file a complaint. Once received, the FBI will investigate the matter and take the necessary action. The second option is to contact your local FBI field office and request assistance with the cyberstalking case.
The FBI has an entire division responsible for investigating cybercrime. Once a complaint is filed, it will be assigned to an FBI agent for investigation. The FBI has access to tools that can trace and locate the source of threatening phone calls, emails, and other means of cyberstalking. The FBI can also work with other law enforcement agencies globally, if necessary, to help victims of sextortion.
Who handles cyber harassment?
The organizations that we mentioned all handle cyber harassment: the FBI, your local authorities, and cybercrime experts.
We here at Cyber Investigation can also help you navigate the treacherous waves of sextortion. We have forensic analysts that pose as victims and engage with sextortionists online. Through this technique, the FBI identifies these criminals and arrests them. In some cases, one criminal working with a sextortion ring can lead to uncovering several others and, hence, a crackdown on the issue.
Conclusion:
Electronic harassment is a growing issue that often goes unnoticed or ignored. But thanks to the various reporting channels and platforms available, victims can find the help they need. If you are a victim of electronic harassment, don’t suffer in silence.
In addition to the above reporting options, you can also seek the services of a cyber criminologist or psychologist, who can offer you more counseling and guidance on how to overcome the consequences of electronic harassment. Remember, reporting digital harassment is your first step to finding relief and regaining control of your life.
