Cyberstalking: A Federal Crime

Cyberstalking is the use of the Internet or other electronic means to stalk or harass an individual, a group, or an organization. It may include false accusations, defamation, slander and libel.

This act is a Federal Crime punishable by stiff fines and imprisonment.

Stalkers may come in different shapes and sizes but they all share characteristics which allow them to stand out within a personal or professional relationship, if one is cognizant of these traits. It helps to be aware of these personality glitches from the beginning, to avoid falling into the predator's clutches and blocking him/her from attempting misanthropic actions. It's imperative to remember, you are dealing with a psychopath who is not interested in anything except owning you or ruining you, whichever the case may be. This is a narcissistic loner who breeds off of the attempted ruination of others.

Profile of the Stalker

- The stalker begins slowly, by injecting familiarity in a relationship. Their sole goal is to become a best friend and cohort, showing keen interest in your location, organizations, friends, colleagues, family and any other facets of your life. They may stalk through phone calls, emails, connecting to those who know you or even a collection of photos, documents, background information, social networks and anything connected to your current social life and job. They quickly drop formal titles you may have accrued over the years, feeling entitled to call you by your first name.

- They habitually trash their own former friends, former relationships, existing professional relationships and even their family members in unimaginable ways, always presenting themselves as the victim.

- Narcissism is a strong part of their disturbing behavior, as they strongly believe no one is up to dealing with their antics. They feel they live in a world where others "don't play by the rules.

"- They eventually become hostile and volatile when their "mark" becomes aware of their invasive behavior. This is when the mask of benevolence is dropped and their true nature rears its ugly head:

1- They begin by trying to make amends, which is impossible as the situation has already played itself out.

2- They become vindictive and begin to stalk and harass their victim.

3- They dance around issues, hiding behind assumed names and aliases. Fortunately, their efforts fall flat when others instantly see through their thin veil of drama. The third party warns the victim of the stalkers careless attempts at destruction. Their narcissism duped them into believing they could pull this off when in reality their inflated ego was once again blurred by rage.

Internet Violations

There are many reasons, in the perpetrator's mind, to use the internet as a means to stalk, slander and harass their victim. It is a very seductive venue until they are eventually unmasked. This always does occur, mostly sooner than later, with surprisingly high penalties and unforeseen consequences. Naturally, they are always shocked and indignant, when found out, once again claiming victimization.

- When first attempting the act of cyberstalking, the stalker believes in his heart of hearts that it's the perfect place to remain anonymous, although there are new electronics and distinct formulas including internet rules and regulations which carry strong penalties once their true identity is unmasked, and it always is since you can run but you can't hide in this day and age.

- Third party recipients of the stalkers weak attempts to discredit their victims are almost always willing and able to identify the stalker and produce solid evidence, both written and documented. They will also stand witness as a third party recipient of the stalkers intrusive actions.

Unmasking the Stalker: Self Protection

If you ever find yourself in this position remember, awareness will save you from having to endure the stalker's trap before it occurs. This is not a sad person, not a lonely person or an unfortunate individual. This is a psychopath who is able to twist situations, obliterate relationships, lie, steal and cheat others. Their only concern in life is "self" and nothing more. This is narcissism at its finest. This is someone with the strong intent to overtake you, ruin you and discredit everything you consider important in your life. They are to be avoided at all costs. Your best bet is the following action:

- Contact your local police, FBI, and any other agencies that deal with disturbed individuals who have threatened you, slandered you (either directly or through a third party), committed libelous acts, attempted theft or falsified documents. Keep records, website posts, and all documentation through internet and third party witnesses (organizations, individuals and emails) as this is essential. Remember, this is a federal offense.

- Contact an attorney, agencies, website administrators and share your story. You are the victim, regardless of what the other person is spewing.

- Do not allow this person living space in your consciousness. Remember, you are the antithesis of this personality and every moment you think of them, you are allowing them to live in the confines of your mind, rent free. Force them out by filling your mind with positivity and positive individuals, who share like interests and nourish your soul.

- Move forward, don't look back, but learn from this experience. This is a lesson in living and working, teaching you to be aware of boundaries and why they must be protected. This is your responsibility, to make certain no one crosses those lines again, because your sense of intuition is probably correct when you begin to doubt the veracity of the individual from the first time you speak to them.

- Never blame yourself. Unfortunately, these circumstances do occur when one is off guard and vulnerable. Extending oneself through kindness and sharing is not always rewarded when the intent of the recipient is purely malevolent and narcissistic. Unfortunately, these circumstances occur when one is off guard and vulnerable.- We all make mistakes, but this experience will enable you to take a step back and go with your intuition. Listen to those uncomfortable sensations when first dealing with someone in this category. Back off before you are forced to leave the relationship out of instinctive self protection. As the old saying goes, "When someone shows you who they are, believe them.