What to Do If Someone Is Following You: Stay Safe and Take Action

Recognizing the Signs: Are You Being Followed?

If you have a gut feeling that someone is following you, don’t ignore it. Your intuition is an important survival tool. Here are signs to watch for:

• Seeing the same person or car multiple times in different locations.

• A person mimicking your movements (turning when you turn, stopping when you stop).

• Someone maintaining an unusual amount of eye contact with you.

If you notice these behaviors, take the situation seriously and act quickly.

Immediate Actions to Take

If You’re on Foot:

1. Stay Calm & Alert – Don’t panic. Instead, focus on your surroundings.

2. Change Your Route – Turn a corner, cross the street, or enter a store to see if they follow.

3. Go to a Safe Place – Head toward crowded areas, stores, or police stations.

4. Use Your Phone – Call a friend and let them know where you are, or dial 911 if the situation escalates.

5. Create Distance – Walk briskly but naturally. Running could trigger a chase response.

6. Draw Attention – If you’re in immediate danger, yell or use a personal alarm to attract help.

If You’re in a Car:

1. Don’t Drive Home – Avoid leading the person to your residence.

2. Take a Few Wrong Turns – A genuine coincidence won’t make the same mistakes.

3. Head to a Police Station or Well-Lit Public Area – If the car is still following you, call 911.

4. Don’t Exit Alone – If you must leave your car, do so in a secure location where people are present.

How to Protect Yourself

Carry Self-Defense Tools

Having a self-defense tool can give you confidence and an extra layer of protection:

• Pepper Spray – Can incapacitate an attacker from a safe distance.

• Personal Alarm – Emits a loud sound to deter threats and attract attention.

• Stun Gun or TASER – A strong deterrent that can disable an attacker.

• Tactical Flashlight – Blinds a pursuer and doubles as a striking tool.

♦ Check out our self-defense tools designed for personal safety.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

• Walk with purpose and confidence.

• Avoid distractions like looking down at your phone while walking.

• Stay in well-lit areas and avoid shortcuts through alleys or isolated places.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

• Live Location Sharing – Send your location to a friend via Google Maps or iPhone’s “Find My” feature.

• Emergency SOS – Set up your phone’s emergency call function to quickly alert authorities.

What NOT to Do

• Don’t Engage – Avoid confronting the person unless absolutely necessary.

• Don’t Go Home – Always head to a public or police-protected space.

• Don’t Assume It’s Nothing – Trust your instincts and take precautions.

Final Thoughts: Stay Safe & Be Prepared

Your safety is a priority. If you ever suspect you’re being followed, take immediate action using the strategies above. Carrying self-defense tools and knowing how to respond can make all the difference.

♦ Explore our collection of personal safety products to stay prepared.