Digital stalking — recognising signals and gathering evidence

Digital stalking: an invisible danger disrupting more lives than ever

Stalking has long ceased to be limited to physically following someone. In the digital age, a large proportion of stalking behaviour takes place online — via social media, spyware, location tracking and email. The Dutch Police notes that digital stalking is becoming increasingly common and that victims often only realise they are being tracked and monitored when significant damage has already been done.

The impact on victims is devastating. Feelings of insecurity, anxiety, sleep problems and social isolation are commonplace. The Scientific Research and Documentation Centre (WODC) has conducted extensive research into the effects of stalking and concludes that the psychological damage is comparable to other forms of serious violence — and sometimes even longer-lasting.

When you are a victim of digital stalking, gathering proper evidence is essential for legal steps. A professional stalking and threat investigation helps you identify the stalker, secure the evidence and lay the groundwork for a restraining order, criminal prosecution or other protective measures.

Signals of digital stalking

Digital stalking is often difficult to recognise, precisely because the stalker operates remotely and leaves no physical traces. Watch for the following signals:

• Someone knows more than they should about your private activities
• Unknown apps or spyware found on your devices
• Unexpected login attempts from unknown devices or locations
• Fake profiles created to contact you or people in your circle
• Persistent unwanted communication across varying channels
• AirTags or GPS trackers placed in your belongings or vehicle
• Doxing of your personal details online to intimidate you

Academic research published on The Conversation emphasises that digital stalking is no less serious than physical stalking — in many cases it is a precursor to physical violence.

Gathering evidence: crucial but complex

Proving digital stalking is more challenging than physical stalking. Digital traces are fleeting: messages can be deleted, accounts deactivated and IP addresses change. Yet solid evidence is essential for any legal step.

What you can do yourself:

• Document everything with screenshots showing date, time and sender details
• Preserve original messages including threatening content for metadata
• Keep a logbook noting every suspicious event chronologically
• Secure your accounts with new passwords and two-factor authentication
• Have your devices checked by a specialist if you suspect spyware

Many victims try to confront or block the stalker. While understandable, this can cause the stalker to seek other channels, making them harder to trace. Professional advice beforehand can prevent evidence from being lost.

How SAJ Recherche investigates digital stalking

At SAJ Recherche, we have the expertise and resources to thoroughly investigate digital stalking and gather evidence admissible in legal proceedings.

• Digital forensic investigation of devices for spyware and unauthorised access
• Stalker identification via digital traces, OSINT and network analysis
• Pattern analysis mapping frequency, escalation and methods used
• Evidence reporting in a structured report suitable for police or court
• Security advice on device protection, privacy settings and communication

Our investigation takes place under POB licence 8779 and in compliance with GDPR. We work discreetly and with respect for the vulnerable position of the victim.

Practical example: spyware on smartphone after relationship breakup

A young woman from South Holland approached SAJ Recherche because her ex-partner appeared to know all her activities after their breakup, despite blocking him on every channel. Our forensic examination of her smartphone revealed a hidden monitoring app with full access to messages, calls, photos and location data — forwarding everything to an email address registered to the ex-partner. With our forensic report, the victim filed charges with concrete perpetrator information; the court imposed a contact and location ban and criminal law was applied for the unlawful spyware installation.

You do not have to face it alone

Digital stalking is a serious crime with profound consequences for victims’ daily lives. The good news is that legal options exist and professional investigation can help break the situation.

Being digitally stalked or need help gathering evidence? Contact SAJ Recherche for a confidential consultation.