Stalking means that one person repeatedly pursues another against their will – for example through constant messages, calls or comments (including from new accounts after being blocked), lying in wait outside their home, on set or at events, unwanted gifts or packages, contacting friends and family, or monitoring via social media. Purely online stalking (cyberstalking) counts as well.

Models and influencers are particularly at risk: they share a lot about themselves, and some followers develop a one-sided, excessive attachment. What starts as admiration can turn into obsession. Stalking often goes hand in hand with doxxing – the publication of private data such as your home address. So only post locations after you’ve left, and pay attention to what can be seen in the background of your photos.

In Germany, stalking is a criminal offense (“Nachstellung”, Section 238 of the German Criminal Code). Under the Protection Against Violence Act, you can apply to the family court for a contact and proximity ban.

Important: document everything (date, time, screenshots, witnesses), don’t respond – not even with a final “Leave me alone” – and inform your agency so they can protect booking details and locations. You can get support from the police and victim support organizations. If you are in acute danger, always call the emergency number immediately (110 in Germany).

As an influencer, your stories and posts often reveal more about where you are than you realize. So share locations with a delay, watch details like house numbers, license plates or views from your window, and don't announce event appearances publicly in advance. If someone is stalking you, the same applies, so document everything, don't respond and get help.

See also: Follower.