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Who is your typical cyberstalker?

Most cyberstalking victims know their stalkers in real life. They may be co-workers, former spouses or frustrated suitors whose advances were ignored or rejected. They could also be fans or groupies, especially when a cyber-celebrity or well-known chat room or discussion board leader is involved.

Cyberdating and online flirtations can be fertile grounds for cyberstalking, and are often a catalyst, especially when the relationship does not progress as anticipated by the stalker.

Sometimes, the current boyfriend, girlfriend, or ex-spouse of a victim’s former partner will resort to cyberstalking if they believe that the victim is interfering with their new relationship.

Radical religious sects and racial supremacy groups often use cyberstalking as a method for persecuting those that do not share their particular beliefs.

Money, politics, religious beliefs, revenge, hate, and romance are the most frequent motives for cyberstalking. In fact, any situation that evolved from an emotionally packed incident are likely to include an offline component that can pose a real physical danger.

Cyberstalkers with a special grudge against the victim may be extremely difficult to stop. Their anger, jealousy and obsession may foil the common cyberstalking self-defense tips, and ignoring their contact may enflame them even more. No one should attempt to tackle a cyberstalker alone. The stakes are too high.

Don't be a victim! And, if you get the sense that the person may try to stalk you offline, call your local police immediately