What to Do If You’re Being Followed

Even if you’re a law-abiding citizen, you could still find yourself being followed. Don’t panic—try to outsmart your pursuers instead.

Imagine you walk into your favorite coffee shop and notice a guy in a green baseball cap standing behind you in line. You forget about it, but later, during your lunch break at a café, you spot him again, sitting a few tables away. “What a coincidence. Small world,” you think. But when you see the same person that evening, sitting behind the wheel of a car in the parking lot near your gym, your heart skips a beat. You start to suspect you’re being followed.

Why does this happen? Sometimes the answer is obvious—maybe you’ve committed a crime, owe someone money, or work as a spy. But you can be followed even if you’re peaceful and law-abiding.

Your pursuer could be an unstable stranger you accidentally bumped into on the subway, friends of an ex, an obsessed admirer from a recent party, or a thief looking for an opportunity.

How to Tell If You’re Being Followed

Professionals recommend a simple rule:

• Once is a coincidence.
• Twice is a chance occurrence.
• Three times is enemy action.

If you see the same person in three different places, it’s likely you’re being followed. To be sure, observe what’s happening around you. Maybe someone is watching you more intently or for longer than would be normal for a random passerby.

Trust your intuition. A sense of potential danger usually heightens your awareness.

If You’re Driving

• If you notice the same car following you around the city, drive around the same block four times. If the car is still behind you, you’re definitely being followed.
• On the highway, take the next exit and then get back on. A pursuer will have to do the same.
• Move to the far right lane and slow down significantly. Most cars behind you will pass. If someone mimics your maneuver, that’s a red flag.

If You’re on Foot

• Change your routine. If you follow the same schedule every day, it’s hard to tell if you’re being followed or just running into people with similar habits. Try going to a store instead of your usual coffee shop in the morning, change your lunch spot or time, or visit the gym at a different hour. See if your potential follower shows up.
• Change your walking pace. If you suddenly speed up or slow down and someone does the same, it’s a good way to spot a follower in a crowd.
• Stop and turn around suddenly. Pretend you need to do something—tie your shoe, check your phone, or look for someone in the crowd behind you. Stare directly at the person you suspect. They’ll likely act unnaturally, since you’ve caught them off guard.
• Change direction. Stop as if you forgot something, turn 180 degrees, and walk back. A follower will have to follow you.

What to Do If You Notice You’re Being Followed

• Don’t go home. Otherwise, you’ll reveal where you live. Your pursuers may not know this yet. Only return home once you’re sure you’ve lost them.
• Stay in crowded, well-lit areas. If you’re driving, avoid deserted roads. If you’re on foot, steer clear of empty alleys. If you notice you’re being followed in a store, try to walk to your car in the parking lot with other shoppers.
• Maneuver if you’re driving. Do this on busy roads with lots of exits and safe places to pull over. Change lanes, vary your speed, pull over—your goal is to make the follower continue down the road while you turn off at the first opportunity.
• Gather as much information as possible. Write down the make and license plate of the follower’s car, note their appearance, clothing, and any distinguishing features.
• Use public transportation. Try to board a subway car or bus at the last moment.
• Surprise your follower. One tactic professionals recommend is to approach the person and ask, “Can I help you?” or “Do you need something from me?” This kind of assertive behavior often makes them back off. Only do this in crowded places.
• Call the police. If you feel your health or life is in danger, contact law enforcement by phone or go to the nearest police station or approach a patrol officer. Give them all the information you’ve gathered and ask for help.
• Don’t share your location on social media. This can be a valuable tool for your pursuers.