Stalking means that someone keeps bothering you, following you or scaring you. This could be by sending lots of messages, following you on the street, or always being near you when you don't want them to be.

Stalking is never your fault. But you can do things to reduce the chances:

- Don't give personal information such as your real name, address, or phone number to customers. Read how to protect your privacy here.

- Use a working name. This is the name you use in ads and tell customers. With that name, you can create a separate email address. And separate social media accounts.

- Don't share anything about your personal life. Even little things can help a stalker find you. For example, where you play sports, what high school you went to or the names of your children.

- Still want to be able to have a chat about yourself with a customer? Then make up a story about yourself. For instance, about your hobbies, or which region you grew up in. Keep it a little vague. Does your client keep asking for details? Then say you don't want to talk about it anymore.

- Do you put photos of yourself online? Or do you sometimes send a photo to a client? Then you often accidentally send information about where the photo was taken and with which phone. Read here how to send your photo safely.

- When taking photos, also make sure there is nothing in the background that could give away your address. The view from your window, for example. Or a reflection in a mirror or window.

- Check your privacy settings on social media. Limit who can see your profile and who can send you a message. This is how you protect yourself. Read here how to check your privacy settings.

- Pay attention to strange messages or emails you get. Block and report strange accounts immediately. Read here how to recognise danger.

- Don't just  share your location on social media or WhatsApp. Only tell people you trust where you are.

- Check clients in our system before making an appointment. Is your client in our system? Then don't make an appointment.

- Do you have a bad feeling about a client? Then don't make an appointment.

- Pay attention to your phone during the appointment. Don't leave your phone alone. Put a code on your phone to unlock it.

- Going to an appointment in your own car? Then don't park in front of the door, but around the corner. Then your client is less likely to look up your license plate number.

- Is a client being annoying during an appointment? Then stop the appointment as soon as possible. Read how to recognise annoying behaviour.

Are you already suffering from a stalker? Then read what you can do here.

Written with the cooperation of The Police.