Can someone get in trouble for sending threatening texts?

Making a written threat via text is not only prohibited by state law but also by federal statutes. Under 18 U.S.C. § 875 transmitting through any type of communication a threat to injure a person is illegal. If convicted, he could face up to 5 years in federal prison.

What can you do if someone threatens you over text?

As soon as the person sending you unwanted texts threatens you in any way, you should go to the police. If you receive disturbing messages from an unknown number, the police will need to obtain telephone records from the mobile phone companies to track down the perpetrator and reveal his identity.

Can you get in trouble for texting a coworker?

It is not illegal for you to send text messages to coworkers, as long you are not harassing or threatening them. In other words, you shouldn’t go to jail or get sued for it.

How do I trace threatening text messages?

Law Enforcement If someone is stalking you by text message, file a police report. Your local law-enforcement agency has the power to track down people who use anonymous Web portals to send threatening texts.

How do you report inappropriate text messages?

If you get an unwanted text message, there are three ways to report it:

1. Report it on the messaging app you use. Look for the option to report junk or spam. How to report spam or junk in the Messages app.
2. Copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM).
3. Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

What are the options for handling text harassment?

Options for handling text harassment can include deactivating text functions, as well as changing a phone number and keeping the new number as confidential as possible. These options may not appeal to people experiencing harassment because they may have reasons to keep their phone numbers or to keep texting enabled.

What should I do if I’m threatened in the workplace?

If you’re threatened in response to a complaint to your employer about clearly unacceptable or illegal behavior, you’ll need to consult an attorney. Not all verbal threats that occur in the workplace are specific threats to do you harm but could be bullying or insulting language or language that conveys an inappropriate sexual or racial comment.

Is it illegal to threaten someone through text messages?

It is unlawful to threaten to cause bodily harm to someone, which includes sending messages through electronic communication such as text messages. State and federal laws prohibit this type of conduct.

What are verbal threats in the workplace?

Not all verbal threats that occur in the workplace are specific threats to do you harm but could be bullying or insulting language or language that conveys an inappropriate sexual or racial comment. You can think of these as “type one” threats.