In today’s hyperconnected world, most of us are familiar with the dangers of online harassment. But what happens when abuse crosses the digital divide and shows up at your doorstep — literally? A close friend of mine is living through this right now, and their experience deserves attention, action, and awareness.

Their Story

What started as online stalking quickly escalated into something far more malicious. Harassing messages turned into aggressive, targeted attacks, and soon, she and her parents began receiving threatening and degrading letters through the mail intended to disgrace, belittle, silence and cause emotional distress — a violation not only of their privacy but of their sense of safety and security.

No one should ever have to fear checking their mailbox.

Most people don’t think of the mail as a weapon but when used with intent to harass, intimidate, threaten or silence, it becomes just that. Watching a friend suffer through both cyberbullying and postal abuse is heartbreaking, but it’s also a wake-up call. Many people don’t know this kind of behavior can and should be reported — and that there are protections in place. It is a serious federal crime.

What Is Postal Abuse?

Postal abuse includes any unwanted, threatening, or harmful communication sent through the mail. This can include:

• Harassment or threats via letters or packages
• Stalking behavior (sending unsolicited items repeatedly)
• Sending obscene or offensive material

Cyberbullying adds another layer of harm — where individuals are targeted online through social media, email, or other digital platforms with messages meant to intimidate, shame, stalk or silence them.

Creating numerous profiles to ensure stalking, harassment and monitoring remains possible is illegal especially when it’s done repeatedly and intentionally to bypass blocks, invade privacy, or cause emotional distress.

Making attempts successfully or unsuccessfully to login into someone’s private accounts is also illegal. These offenses can lead to an arrest.

Postal Abuse and Cyberbullying combined together are DANGEROUS.

What Can You Do If You’re a Victim?

If you or someone you care about is facing this kind of abuse, here are actionable steps you can take:

1. Document Everything
   • Keep all physical letters or packages.
   • Screenshot digital communications.
   • Log dates, times, and patterns.
2. Report to Authorities
   • Contact your local post office or the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) for mail-related threats. They take harassment and mail tampering seriously.
   • File a police report if the harassment includes threats of violence or stalking behavior.
3. Cyberbullying Resources
   • Use platform-specific reporting tools (Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.)
   • File a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for severe cases.
   • If the cyberbullying involves someone under 18, schools may also need to be notified.
4. Protective Orders
   • In some cases, victims may be eligible for restraining or protective orders to legally prevent further contact or harassment.
5. Talk to a Legal Professional
   • There may be civil and criminal charges that apply. An attorney can guide next steps based on local laws.
6. Support Matters
   • Victims of abuse often feel isolated. Remind your friend (or yourself) that they’re not alone. Local nonprofits, mental health counselors, and national helplines like 1-800-273-TALK or The CyberSmile Foundation can provide emotional support.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to think, “It’s just mail,” or “It’s just the internet.” But when it chips away at your peace, your sense of security or safety — it becomes something much deeper.

No one should be made to feel unsafe — not in their inbox, not online, and certainly not at their front door. Sharing my friend’s story is not just about shining a light on a terrible injustice; it’s about encouraging others to speak up, seek help, and know their rights.

Harassment, whether digital or physical, is not just “drama” or something to brush off. It’s ABUSE. We fight it by speaking out, standing with each other, and using the tools and laws designed to protect us.

Let’s break the silence around these issues and create a world where respect and safety are non-negotiables. Push for accountability. Let’s remind people that harassment doesn’t belong in anyone’s physical or digital mailbox.

If you’re experiencing something similar or know someone who is, please don’t ignore it. You have options, and you have allies. You don’t deserve this. You didn’t cause this – others’ choices and behavior are NOT your responsibility. You are stronger than anything trying to break you.