Have people around you suddenly started questioning your character? Are rumors spreading out of nowhere? If so, you might be the target of a narcissist’s smear campaign, and today I’m breaking down the 5 signs to watch for.

The smear campaign is when the narcissist spreads misinformation about someone with the intent of making this person look like the problem or the crazy one.  The narcissist points fingers at someone else to get the spotlight off them.  They do this when they feel they are being exposed for the fraud they are, or when they don’t want to take responsibility for their actions. The smear campaign is carried out by what are called flying monkeys. 

The smear campaign is manipulative and is oftentimes done behind your back so you don’t know what is happening.  If you know the signs to watch out for, you can regain your control back and stop the narcissist from convincing others of information which isn’t true.

Sign #1 is when people seem confused about you.  They may change how they interact with you from previous interactions, or they may seem confused on how to interact.  This confusion comes from friends, family, or colleagues getting conflicting stories about you. The narcissist needs everyone to be confused because people who are confused are easier to manipulate. Although the smear campaign is meant to destroy you as a person, the narcissist can only be effective in their smear campaign and use of the flying monkeys if they are able to manipulate them. 

Sign #2 is you feel constantly defended or attacked. You may notice people asking questions such as “Did you really do that?” or acting suspicious of you. Narcissists will manipulate others to doubt you, even subtly. This is a classic tactic to isolate you.

Sign #3 is related to online or social media rumors. If you see sudden negative posts, DMs, or comments that feel targeted, this might be part of a smear campaign. Narcissists will often weaponize social media to amplify their smear campaign. 

Sign #4 that you are the target of a narcissist smear campaign is when the narcissist plays the victim. You notice the narcissist is framing themselves as wronged or innocent. Playing the victim is a common role for the narcissist, but when there is a smear campaign, they need to make their victim role more obvious so their flying monkeys can feel bad for them.  This makes their lies more believable and puts you on the defensive. 

And Sign #5 that you are the target of the narcissist smear campaign is you start to feel isolated or confused. You notice friends, family, or coworkers start distancing themselves unexpectedly.  Narcissists engineer situations where you feel alone or unsure of who to trust.  During the smear campaign, it is helpful to lean on people you trust and seek external support if needed. 

If you recognize even one of these signs, you may be the target of a smear campaign.  Stay grounded, trust your instincts, and document everything.