6 Behavior Cues That You Are Being Targeted

Personal safety often hinges on awareness—specifically, knowing what signs to look for before an incident occurs. Many assaults, robberies, and other crimes are not random; instead, they are preceded by subtle behaviors that reveal intent. These "pre-attack indicators" can provide critical warning signs if you know what to watch for.

Below are six behavioral red flags that experienced self-defense instructors, law enforcement officers, and security professionals consistently identify as signals of potential danger. Recognizing these signs early can help you make decisions that increase your safety, such as changing direction, seeking help, or preparing to defend yourself if needed.

One of the most common pre-attack indicators is target glancing—when someone repeatedly looks at you, your belongings, or the path you’re about to take. These glances are not casual or fleeting; they are intentional and calculated. Offenders often "check" their target multiple times while deciding whether and how to act.

You may notice someone looking away as soon as you make eye contact, or repeatedly scanning your hands, phone, purse, or backpack. In street robbery cases, victims are often sized up in advance, and their vulnerabilities assessed through observation. If you sense that someone is consistently monitoring you without an obvious reason, especially in public areas like train stations or parking garages, trust your instincts and take action.

The simple act of carrying your self-defense weapon in a way that is visible to those around you can deter an attacker. Most experienced criminals are looking for an easy target and will wait for someone who is not armed and ready to defend.

Humans have a natural sense of personal space. When someone you don’t know enters that space without a valid reason—especially in a setting where there's plenty of room—it can be a red flag.

Predators may deliberately get too close, using physical proximity to assert control, test boundaries, or prepare for a physical act like a grab or strike. Inappropriate proximity may also involve "hovering" or blocking your route of travel, such as standing in a narrow hallway, in front of a door, or along a walking path with no intent to move aside.

Situational awareness is key. If someone is repeatedly too close for comfort, especially when there’s no reason for crowding, increase your distance, change your position, and be prepared to act.

Many predators conduct an informal “interview” process before selecting a target. This can include asking you overly personal, off-topic, or situational questions. Common examples include:

• “Where are you headed?”

• “Are you alone?”

• “Do you live around here?”

• “Can I walk with you?”

These questions may appear friendly on the surface, but they’re often used to test your level of awareness, how distracted you are, or whether you're isolated. In some cases, they’re trying to gauge how likely you are to resist or fight back.

Keep in mind: normal strangers rarely ask these kinds of questions unless they have a reason. If someone begins asking you personal or probing questions with no context, you’re likely being assessed. Respond with caution and avoid sharing unnecessary details.

Watch for someone who constantly adjusts or touches areas where a weapon might be concealed—such as their waistband, hoodie pocket, or inside a backpack. This is a common behavior seen on security footage before an attack or robbery. The person may be checking that the item is secure or preparing to access it quickly.

Fidgeting, restlessness, or pacing may also indicate nervousness or adrenaline—both common before someone commits an aggressive act. While not every fidgety person is a threat, combining this behavior with the other red flags listed here increases the likelihood that something is wrong.

Stay alert to hand movements, especially when they’re hidden or when someone refuses to take their hands out of their pockets. Position yourself in a way that gives you space and an escape route if needed.

Anchor behavior involves loitering or staying in a specific spot—such as near exits, stairwells, parking lots, or restroom doors—without any obvious reason. What makes this behavior suspicious is the lack of purpose combined with strategic placement.

Some individuals will remain stationary and only begin to move once you do. Others may follow from a distance while matching your speed or changing positions to keep close. These are signs that someone may be tracking you or waiting for an opportunity to isolate you.

Always take note when someone lingers in out-of-place ways or appears to shadow your movement. Changing direction suddenly or entering a business can help test if they’re actually following.

Some predators use clever tactics to catch you off guard. They may pretend to need help—dropping an item, asking for directions, or acting as if they’re injured. These distractions are designed to break your focus or get you to stop in a vulnerable spot, especially near blind corners or unmonitored areas.

While some requests may be genuine, predators exploit our natural desire to be helpful. This tactic is well-documented in both urban and suburban settings, and it’s often used to draw a target into a pre-selected area.

Be especially cautious if:

• The person approaches from a blind spot.

• The request doesn’t make sense for the environment (e.g., asking for directions with a GPS in hand).

• You’re isolated or in a poorly lit area.

Trust your instincts and prioritize your safety over social politeness. It’s okay to say, “Sorry, I can’t help,” and continue on your way.

Being able to spot and respond to behavioral red flags can help you avoid danger before it starts. None of these indicators alone confirm someone’s intent—but when you observe more than one in combination, your level of concern should increase.

Stay aware of your surroundings, trust your intuition, and don’t dismiss behavior that feels off. Recognizing these warning signs gives you a crucial head start to act, reposition, or prepare—before a situation escalates.

In self-defense, prevention is always better than reaction.