Online threats are scary, disruptive, and, unfortunately, more common than most people realize.
Whether someone’s blowing up your inbox with threats, stalking you through burner accounts, or publishing your private info online to intimidate you, it’s not just “drama.” It can be criminal, and you’re absolutely within your rights to report it.
The challenge? Knowing how to actually file a police report without getting brushed off, misunderstood, or stuck in red tape.
That’s where this guide comes in. It’s a clear breakdown of how to handle online threats and make sure your report actually counts. Let’s get into it.
Reporting Options at a Glance
| Method | How to Do It | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phone Call | Use non-emergency number | Ask for a report number; may get officer assigned |
| In Person | Visit station with ID + evidence | Helps if local; often taken more seriously |
| Online Report | Police website or IC3.gov | Best for non-emergency or cyberstalking |
| FBI (IC3) | Go to IC3.gov | Use for cross-border or severe cyber threats |
Why Online Threats Matter More Than Ever
It’s easy to shrug off a message or assume someone’s just “being mean.” But there’s a line between annoying and criminal. And online threats often cross it fast.
Some real examples of what counts as a threat:
- A message saying, “I’ll find you and make you pay.”
- Someone repeatedly sending explicit or violent content.
- Posts revealing your address or workplace with malicious intent.
- Threats like, “I’ll hurt you and your family if you don’t respond.”
These aren’t harmless. They’re fear-inducing, and they have legal weight.
Here’s what the numbers show:
- About 1 in 4 Americans have experienced serious online abuse, including threats, stalking, and sexual harassment (as per Pew Research Center).
- The org indicates (via Bureau of Justice Statistics) that about 1 in 4 victims report being stalked through the use of some form of technology (e‑mail, instant messaging, GPS etc.)
- Around 10% of internet users report being cyberstalked. 4% of U.S. residents (ages 16+) experienced cyberstalking in the past year, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey supplement.
- For some, the fear is so overwhelming they move homes, change jobs, or disconnect entirely.
Step One: Evaluate the Threat
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Start by figuring out the severity of the situation.
Is it an Emergency?
If someone messages you, “I’m watching you right now,” or threatens to hurt you tonight, that’s a 911 moment. Don’t wait. Call immediately. Police need to respond while it’s happening.
If It’s Not Immediate But Still Scary
Even if there’s no direct timeline or physical proximity, it can still be a crime. Things like:
- Ongoing harassment across platforms
- Public threats (even vague ones)
- Doxing or threats involving personal details
Go ahead and prep to file a report.
Step Two: Collect and Preserve the Evidence
If you delete the threat, the case gets weaker. Keep everything.
What to Save:
- Screenshots of every message, post, or comment
- URLs of posts (if public)
- Email headers (not just the text)
- The offender’s profile, email, or handle
- Timestamps, platform name, and device used
If your phone calls are relevant (e.g., threats left via voicemail or voice mailer), you can explore the app to start recording calls securely.
Store evidence safely on a USB drive, cloud backup, or external hard drive. Print hard copies too. Digital files can disappear when apps or accounts get suspended.
Pro tip: If the message is still visible on your device, leave it open for potential forensic analysis. Investigators may be able to pull IP info or metadata.
Step Three: Pick the Right Place to File the Report
You’ve got a few options depending on the threat. Use what’s most appropriate for your situation.
Option 1: Call the Non-Emergency Police Line
Great for local threats where physical harm was implied, or if the person harassing you lives nearby.
How to do it:
- Search “[your city] police non-emergency number” or call 311 for help finding it.
- When you call, be direct: “I’m calling to report online threats I’ve received that made me fear for my safety.”
What you’ll need:
- Your name, address, and phone number
- Date, time, and content of the threats
- Screenshots or files if requested
- A calm, factual explanation of how it made you feel unsafe
Then what?
- An officer may come to your house or direct you to the station.
- You might get a case number right away or in a few days.
- If a detective is assigned, ask for their name and number.
Option 2: Visit the Local Police Station
Sometimes showing up in person helps get taken more seriously.
Bring:
- A photo ID
- Printed and digital copies of evidence
- Notes describing what happened, who’s involved, and any prior incidents
What to expect:
- You’ll talk to an officer, and they’ll decide whether to write a report.
- You may be asked to sign it.
- The report might take a few days to finalize.
Option 3: File Online
Many departments let you submit reports digitally, especially for non-urgent situations.
How to check:
- Visit your local police department’s website.
- Look for “Report a Crime” or “Online Reporting.”
What to include:
- A clear summary: who, what, where, when, how
- Digital uploads of the threats
- Your contact info
Once submitted, you’ll usually get a confirmation or temporary report number.
Option 4: Go Federal with the FBI’s IC3
If the threats involve:
- Someone across state or national borders
- Cyberstalking, hacking, or impersonation
- Patterns of organized harassment
Report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov).
You’ll fill out a form and attach evidence. Your report gets routed to the right agency, which might follow up.
What to Include in the Police Report
Make it easy for law enforcement to take action. The more specific you are, the better.
Threat Details:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Who | Username, email, IP (if known) |
| What | Exact message: “I will kill you.” |
| When | Time, date, and platform used |
| How | DM, email, comment, public post |
Evidence:
- Screenshots and saved messages
- File names and timestamps
- Platform links or URLs
Info About the Offender:
- Real name, if known
- Contact info (phone, email)
- Social media profiles
- Your relationship (if any): ex, coworker, stranger
Witnesses:
If a friend saw it or someone else got the same threat, include their contact info.
Patterns:
Note if this isn’t the first time. For example:
- “They’ve messaged me five times this week.”
- “The threats got more violent over time.”
If They Don’t Take You Seriously
It happens. Some officers might say, “There’s nothing we can do,” especially if the perpetrator is anonymous.
Here’s how to push back:
- Emphasize your fear: “I feel unsafe in my home.”
- Ask for a supervisor: You have that right.
- Request a written report: Even if they say no crime was committed, getting it documented helps.
Other Steps to Protect Yourself
Filing a report is one move. But there are other ways to stay safe and in control.
Consider a Restraining Order
If the threats are ongoing or from someone you know, you may qualify. Many states allow orders for online harassment or stalking.
Ask the officer, “Can I apply for a restraining order based on these threats?” You may be referred to a court advocate or victim support office.
Document Everything
Start a running log:
- Date, time, and what happened
- What was said or sent
- Your emotional response
- Evidence saved
Use a notebook or cloud doc. Keep it neat and organized.
Improve Online Security
- Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication
- Lock down your privacy settings
- Avoid sharing location info or personal details
- Use aliases for public-facing content
Report to the Platform
Most social media sites allow you to report threats or harassment:
- Facebook: Use “Report” on the post or message
- Twitter/X: Click the three dots, then “Report Tweet”
- Instagram: Long-press the message or use profile options
Platforms may suspend or ban the offender, and they often cooperate with police if needed.
Victim Support
Feeling shaken? You’re not being dramatic. Many victims of online threats report anxiety, sleeplessness, and emotional burnout.
Here are some trusted support options:
- Right To Be: org – Practical guides and emotional support for harassment victims.
- Cyber Civil Rights Initiative: org – Great for dealing with revenge porn and privacy violations.
- Victim Advocates: Search “victim advocate [your city]” – They can walk you through legal options and court processes.
- FBI Tip Line: fbi.gov – For threats involving terrorism, federal crimes, or online abuse across borders.
The Bigger Picture
Online threats are part of a growing problem. They’re not rare, and they’re not harmless. The law is still catching up, but the tools are there.
To recap:
- Save every piece of evidence.
- Decide whether the threat is local or cross-border.
- Choose the right method to report: phone, in-person, online, or federal.
- Be specific, organized, and persistent.
Taking that first step can feel overwhelming. But every report helps build pressure on platforms, laws, and law enforcement to take online threats seriously.
You’re not overreacting. You’re protecting yourself.
If you’re in danger now, stop reading and call 911.
Otherwise, gather your evidence, breathe, and start with the method that feels most accessible to you. You’re not alone, and there are real steps you can take today.
