The early warning signs that you are being stalked you should never ignore – and why you may never know for YEARS
If others say they’ve been questioned about your personal life, or have spotted the same car passing by multiple times, it could indicate obsessive interest from a former partner, or an individual fast becoming fixated on you If loved ones start noticing strange behaviour or people poking around about your schedule, don’t brush it off.

Here, Emma reveals to YASMIN HARISHA the 11 surprising red flags that might indicate you’re being stalked. Your safety is paramount, no one has the right to make you feel unsafe in your own life. Stalking is illegal. A rose on your windshield, a handwritten note slipped under your door, or even an unexpected parcel might feel romantic at first. When someone crosses this line, it’s crucial to contact the authorities, document all evidence, and alert friends or family members.
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If your anxiety spikes whenever you step out, or you feel eyes on you at all times, it’s your body’s way of warning you to stay alert.Real coincidences happen, but a pattern of them is suspicious.You might experience repeated requests from dubious new accounts, or your ex might ‘accidentally’ tag you in old photos. Have you noticed your mail opened, your car moved slightly, or even your pet acting skittish after being around someone familiar
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‘Coincidental’ Meetings
But psychologist Emma Kenny, who has worked with stalking victims, says that it is important to note there may be subtle red flags shown even “years before.”
Receiving a flurry of unknown or withheld number calls can be unnerving.
Why it’s concerning:
Social media is one of the easiest ways for an ex, or a stranger to keep tabs on youThis week, we exclusively revealed that a woman had been arrested for stalking reality star Joey Essex and threatening to “shoot the s**t” out of his former girlfriend Jessy Porter.
Anonymous Messages and Calls

When it’s an ex, they may be testing the waters, checking whether you’ll answer and how you’ll react.One of the most common yet easily dismissed signs is your gut feeling that you’re never truly alone.
Why it’s concerning:
It’s a power move that shows they’re close by and ignoring your boundaries.
Whether they claim they’re “just passing by” or “want to talk,” repeatedly showing up uninvited is a major red flag.Emma Kenny
If belongings go missing or appear tampered with, or if your pet starts reacting oddly when certain people are nearby, it’s a red flag you shouldn’t ignore.Perhaps your relatives mention someone calling to ask about you, or your best mate sees a familiar face hanging around your workplace.
Noticing Odd Behaviour
Stalkers use anonymity to keep you off-balance. Whether the signals are subtle or glaring, trust your instincts. Keep records of suspicious incidents, inform people you trust, and don’t hesitate to reach out for professional and legal help if you believe you’re in danger.
Why it’s concerning:
If any of these sound familiar, make sure you reach out for support and document what’s happening.You can get advice from the National Stalking Helpline.
Subtle Sabotage on Social Media

But the reality is that the signs can be less obvious than in your favourite Netflix thriller, especially in the early days.Stalkers often leave small tokens as a reminder that they’re present and have access to your personal spaces. While it could be a fluke, repeated “chance” run-ins, especially if you haven’t shared your schedule, can be an early sign you’re being tracked.
Why it’s concerning:
It keeps you engaged, even if it’s negative attention, because they’re getting a reaction or forcing you to respond.Stalkers often keep tabs on your habits or routines to orchestrate these encounters and appear “accidentally” in your space.
Little Gifts Left in Places
Document any evidence (photographs, repair bills) and report these incidents to law enforcement immediately.
Social media is one of the easiest ways for an ex, or a stranger to keep tabs on you.Emma Kenny
This can be a manipulative way to re-enter your life, reassert control, and ultimately make you question your decisions.
Why it’s concerning:
Excessive hang-up calls or anonymous messages that contain personal details you haven’t shared publicly may signal someone is gathering info on you.If they’re creating multiple profiles or trying to engage covertly, it’s a sign they’re determined to track your life, and possibly control your narrative.
Unsolicited “Advice” or Criticism
But if this happens regularly, and especially if you’ve made it clear you want no further contact, take note.This type of behaviour escalates the risk of a face-to-face confrontation.
Why it’s concerning:
Call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.Intuition is a powerful tool, especially when combined with tangible evidence.
Strange Movements

Former Coronation Street actress Nicola Thorp, who was stalked by a man she did not know, has been working with the government after police said they could not reveal the identity of the offender – even after he was arrested.National Stalking Helpline
Telephone: 0808 802 0300
Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4pm (except Wednesday 9:30am to 8pm) National Stalking Helpline
Find out about call charges
Why it’s concerning:
A stalking ex might pose as a concerned “friend,” offering intrusive advice or critical comments about your new partner, your job, or even your appearance, often under the guise of caring. If you think you are in danger or being stalked, report it to the police immediately – you have a right to feel safe in your home and workplace.
Direct Threats
Clear threats are not just unsettling, they’re a direct violation of your safety.
Whether it’s spamming “likes,” sending direct messages from new profiles, or monitoring your activity in real-time, it can be a strong indicator of unwanted attention.Emma Kenny
Physical damage to your property indicates the stalker feels emboldened to act in more extreme ways.
Why it’s concerning:
“When we think of ‘stalking,’ we often imagine dramatic encounters, someone lurking behind every corner or sending threatening letters,” she explains.They may send hostile emails, texts, or social media messages, or even make verbal threats.
Confrontations
Today’s technology allows people to connect in countless ways, from private numbers to social media accounts. Small intrusions can feel more alarming than grand gestures.
Why it’s concerning:
Are you bumping into your ex in the most unlikely places, your favourite coffee shop, your local gym, or even the supermarket at odd hours? Sometimes, a stalker stops hiding behind subtle tactics and resorts to open intimidation.
Sense of Being Watched

They may pop up in your DMs or comments with unsolicited opinions.Modern stalking can be digital.
Why it’s concerning:
By Emma Kenny, true crime physiologist Sometimes, a stalker stops hiding behind subtle tactics and resorts to open intimidation
Actual Property Damage
Unexpected visits from an ex, particularly at your home or workplace, can be alarming. If an individual doesn’t respect your boundaries enough to stay away when asked, the situation can become volatile quickly.
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Why it’s concerning:
A broken window, slashed tires, or signs of forced entry, even if nothing was stolen, may point to stalking. Vandalism or tampering with your car, home, or personal belongings is a bold act intended to intimidate or unsettle you.
What to do if you are being stalked
