What to do if someone is harassing me from another country?

If you post something online that upsets someone in another country, that person may use several means to contact you about their complaint: sending a cease-and-desist letter or e-mail; filing a lawsuit; and/or sending a subpoena. If a lawsuit is filed against you, it could be in a U.S. court or in a foreign court.

Can someone get in trouble for harassing you online?

In many jurisdictions, such as California, both are criminal offenses. Cyberstalking is a criminal offense under various state anti-stalking, slander and harassment laws. A conviction can result in a restraining order, probation, or criminal penalties against the assailant, including jail.

How do I report international harassment?

Emergencies

1. Fill out our Online Tips and Public Leads form at tips.fbi.gov.
2. Call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324)
3. Contact your local field office or closest international office.

What is digital harassment?

Digital harassment is when kids (or grown-ups) use cell phones, social networks, and other communications devices to bully, threaten, and aggressively badger someone. Although it’s a form of cyberbullying, it usually takes place between two people in a romantic relationship.

What can happen if you threaten someone online?

Criminal threats are treated as a “wobbler,” meaning that they can be prosecuted either as a misdemeanor or felony, based on the facts of the case and the criminal history of the defendant. As a misdemeanor, it’s punishable by: Up to one year in county jail. $1,000 in fines.

Is it illegal for someone to impersonate you online?

There are four broad categories of online impersonation that can be illegal: Defamation – When someone uses the impersonation to spread false and malicious statements about you. Harassment – When someone impersonates you in order to threaten or harm someone else.

What constitutes online harassment in California?

1. What Is Online Harassment? Online harassment may involve threatening or harassing emails, instant messages, or posting information online. It targets a specific person either by directly contacting them or by disseminating their personal information, causing them distress, fear, or anger.

How do you know if you are being harassed on social media?

Gaining access to the accounts of your already-established connections (such as Facebook friends or Twitter followers). Often related to social media is another type of harassment called “revenge porn,” or the online posting of explicit photos or videos of people without their permission.

Is it illegal to impersonate a public servant?

Professional impersonation – It is illegal to impersonate a public servant acting in their professional capacity; for example; pretending to be a detective to get information from a victim is illegal.