Can the police do anything about harassing texts?
Asked by: Virginie Wintheiser | Last update: November 4, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (49 votes)
Police are hear to help protect your health, safety, and welfare from these menacing texts. And if you are arrested for sending harassing texts, contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Laws against all forms of cyberbullying are being taken increasingly seriously.
Can you report someone to the police for text harassment?
Every state has some type of harassment statute, which makes it a crime to call or text someone with the purpose to harass, annoy or alarm them. The 1st Amendment gives people fairly wide latitude to say rude, insulting or obscene things, but if they do it continuously at some point it becomes harassment.
What can I do if someone is harassing me through text?
Call the cops and have the person arrested for harassment. Or block the number where the texts are coming from. (You should be able to do it on your phone, but if not, your wireless carrier may be able to do so at their central office.)
How many text messages are considered harassment?
When you keep sending repeated text messages, it can count as harassment. Keep in mind, though, that there are some exceptions. For instance, a friend of yours asking if you're okay may send repeated messages if you're not answering. Naturally, this would not be considered harassment.
Can you call the cops if someone keeps texting you?
If your messages cross the line into becoming threatening and you've given them a reason to fear for their safety then they can call the police and maybe the situation might qualify for a restraining order.
What Can the Police Do About Harassing Texts in Massachusetts?
Can you go to jail for harassing text messages?
If the recipient of the message feels threatened or intimidated, the sender can face charges for making criminal threats. Criminal threats refer to verbal or written threats that cause another person to fear for their safety. Such charges can lead to fines, probation, and even imprisonment.
What happens after you file a police report for harassment?
After the initial report is made to law enforcement, a survivor can decide whether or not they would like to move forward with the investigation, a process referred to as pressing charges. Ultimately, the decision to press criminal charges is up to the state.
Can you sue for text harassment?
Harassing messages sometimes rise to a level at which you can sue a harasser or abuser in civil court. A victim may also have a claim for defamation or libel in connection with Internet misconduct, if the harassing messages were sent to third parties.
Can police trace harassing text messages?
In cases where the police determine that intervention is necessary, they may request telephone records from mobile phone companies to trace the source of the harassing texts and reveal the identity of the antagonist. However, obtaining these records typically requires legal permission, and the process can take time.
Can you get a restraining order for texts?
While restraining orders are primarily associated with physical contact or in-person harassment, they can also extend to other forms of communication, including texting. To obtain a restraining order for texting, you must demonstrate that the text messages constitute harassment, threats, or stalking.
What can the police do about harassing phone calls?
Annoying or Harassing Phone Calls and Domestic Violence
If these communications are obscene or do not stop when asked, the police may investigate this as a domestic violence crime. The recipient of the communications may be encouraged to get a restraining order.
What to do when someone won't stop harassing you?
- Contact Law Enforcement.
- Send the Harasser a Cease-and-Desist Letter.
- Maintain Records of the Harassing Behavior or Communications.
- Request a Restraining Order.
How to block harassing texts?
Several mobile service providers allow you to block the sender by forwarding unwanted texts to 7726 (or "SPAM"). Check with your provider about options. Be careful about giving out your mobile phone number or any other personal information.
Can you call the cops through text?
Simply stated, call if you can, text if you can't.
Text 911 if you need EMERGENCY police, fire or medical aid AND you are Deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled OR you cannot speak due to a medical emergency OR when a voice call might endanger your life or escalate the situation.
What to do if someone keeps harassing you through text?
- Keep Records: The first step in reporting and stopping harassing text messages is to keep records of all the messages you receive. ...
- Contact Your Phone Provider: If you are being harassed by someone through text messages, contact your phone provider and report the issue.
How many times can you call someone before it's harassment?
On the other hand, it does not take a pattern of inappropriate calls to raise to the level of harassment – one phone call alone may constitute telephone harassment, depending on the circumstances and particulars of the phone call.
How do I report text harassment to the police?
- Save harassment data. Depending on your phone, you can take a “screenshot” of the data. ...
- Get your cell phone records. ...
- Collect all the evidence. ...
- Make an index. ...
- Make a matching copy for you. ...
- Include your contact information. ...
- Go to the police.
Can the TextNow app be tracked?
Law enforcement can get user info from TextNow with a valid court order. For regular users, tracing these numbers takes more work than standard phone numbers.
Can a police detective text you?
Police officers communicate through various channels, including phone calls, emails, and text messages. Texting can be a convenient way for officers to relay information quickly. However, it's essential to recognize that not all text messages from individuals claiming to be police officers are legitimate.
Should I press charges for harassment?
If the harasser's actions towards you put you in fear for your life or safety, the police can investigate and potentially press criminal charges. However, even if the harasser's actions aren't necessarily criminal, you can still get a restraining order to keep them away from you.
How to prove someone is harassing you?
Testimonies from the accuser and witnesses are often considered the most reliable and impactful evidence. Audio or video recordings and photographs can also be used to provide evidence in a harassment case. Forensic evidence, such as emails and text messages, can be used if available.
Can someone take you to court over a text message?
Yes, text messages can hold up in court if they are authenticated.
Does harassment go on your record?
A conviction for harassment can stay on your record and cause issues for you in the future. Having a criminal record can make punishments for any future convictions more severe, but this conviction will also show up in background checks. This could make it more difficult to secure employment or a place to live.
How do I file harassment on the police?
If you have a complaint of police brutality or the abuse of your rights by the police or other public officials, contact the nearest office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), listed in the front of your telephone directory under police, or write to the Department of Justice at the address above.