Cousin Stalking
DNA Bulling
The Board for Certification of Genealogists clearly states in their ethical guidelines for DNA testing that genealogists should refrain from "bullying," in which they describe a number of behaviors, including "blackmail" and "stalking" (Board for Certification of Genealogists, 2023, np). However, these behaviors have identified within the genealogical community, and elsewhere, Harmon (2007) reported individuals traveling across the country, retrieving coffee cups, cigarette butts, and other discarded 'evidence' or 'trash' to test DNA. Estes (2013) wrote an article for the genealogical community discouraging, "bullying," which outlined stalking behaviors, of repeated harassments occurring both on and offline (np).
Recommendations for "DNA-Bullying"
Privacy settings
If you know you don’t want contact initially, you can make your accounts anonymous.
Changed your mind
If you did not set up an anonymous account, and you realize that you don’t want contact at a later point, for whatever reason, say so, clearly, and unequally. "I no longer want any contact, thank you for your time."
Do not engage
After that, discontinue all communications with that person who is attempting to continue to contact you, particularly if that contact fits a stalking pattern.
Threats
If their contact contain any threats toward you directly or a secondary victim; or if they threaten to reveal information or your identity, that is blackmail. Complying is ill-advised, it is unlikely to protect you or anyone in your circle. Document any and all threats, contact law-enforcement if necessary.
Contact Law Enforcement
If disengaging does not work, and/or any threats are received, save all messages/contacts and contact law enforcement. Depending on what state they live in and exactly what they have done, there may be a variety of options, but if the problem crosses state lines, there could be jurisdictional issues.
Contact off-line
If contact goes off-line, and this person is intruding on you using other methods, such as calling, or showing up at your home or work, be sure to document all contact, and contact law-enforcement.
*Utilize other resources throughout this site, as applicable.*