We all get the occasional weird message—wrong number, scammer, maybe even someone trying to sell us a “miracle” weight loss tea (spoiler alert: it’s always laxatives). But what happens when those messages turn into repeated harassment, or worse—direct threats to you, your family, or your home? If you’re in California, and especially here in Nevada County, you do have options. And as someone who knows what it’s like to go from “is this just weird?” to “okay, this is terrifying,” I want to walk you through what you can—and should—do.
Save. Everything.
First things first: do not delete anything. Keep every text, voicemail, screenshot, and timestamp. If it’s happening through social media or email, save those too. Even if the messages feel subtle, or like they might not “count” as a threat—preserve them.
Context matters, and this evidence could be critical later on, whether you go to the police or apply for a restraining order.
Call the Right People
If you feel immediate danger, don’t wait. Call 911
Otherwise, for ongoing harassment or concerning threats, report it to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (530) 265-7880. They can walk you through what qualifies as a criminal offense and begin an official report. If you’ve already got a pile of screenshots and texts, even better—they’ll want to see that.
Know the California Laws That Protect You
Here in the Golden State, the law actually has your back on this. A few Penal Codes might come into play:
Penal Code 653m
Harassing or obscene texts or calls.
This can be charged as a misdemeanor, carrying up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Penal Code 422
Criminal threats.
If someone threatens death or serious harm and you genuinely feel fear, this one can be filed as a felony.
Penal Code 653.2
Electronic threats or cyber-harassment designed to put you in fear or incite others to harm you.
Another serious charge.
You don’t have to wait for someone to follow through on a threat.
The fear and harassment alone are enough.
Civil Harassment Restraining Orders (CHRO)
If the person harassing you isn’t a current or former partner, spouse, or roommate, you’d file a Civil Harassment Restraining Order. This is ideal for things like stalkers, acquaintances, ex-friends, or even strangers.
With a CHRO, the court can:
Order them to stop contacting you in any way (text, call, social media, email)
Require them to stay a certain distance from you, your home, or your workplace
Order them to surrender any firearms
Penalize any violations with jail time
You start by filling out a CH-100 form and filing it with your local county court. You can usually get a temporary restraining order that same day, with a court hearing to follow in a few weeks.
Here’s a helpful starting point for forms:
Don’t Go It Alone
If the situation escalates or you feel overwhelmed, reach out to:
A lawyer—particularly one familiar with harassment or stalking cases
A local advocacy group—even if this isn’t domestic violence, there are resources for safety planning
Mental health support—because even “just words” can leave real wounds
Living in fear because of someone else’s behavior is not just part of life.
It’s not “being dramatic.” It’s not something you should have to “wait out.”
Whether you’re getting bizarre spam, persistent harassment, or direct threats—you have the right to feel safe, and there are clear legal steps to get you there. Start by saving evidence, contacting law enforcement, and considering your restraining order options.
And just so you don’t have to Google it later, again:
Nevada County Sheriff’s
Non-Emergency Line:
(530) 265-7880
If this helped you even a little bit—or you know someone else who might need this info—please share it and subscribe.
We’re stronger (and smarter) together, and I promise not to harass you with emails. Maybe just an occasional helpful one.
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