For the past three days I have been targeted by players who are ranked higher than me, well over 100 ranks in one case 230 times my rank. What can I do to stop these petty attacks?

Stop attacking players that are in legion with larger players. Also put on more cloak so they can't see you as well. No that is not bullying that is the way the game is played. There is no way for a player that much higher than you (not yet anyways) being able to hit you unless they where alerted to you. Once you get to a higher rank in the 150 - 250 rank range 25 rank difference is nothing. I can see guys 225 ranks below me on my battle tab right now. So it all depends on the point in the game I guess.

Don't attack back. They won't be able to see you 2 days after you've been alerted.

How shall you hide from thee? Let me count the ways:
1. higher cloak, preventing random players from finding you on their battle tab.
2. a Legion, giving backup behind you that many will avoid you.
3. smart decisions, if you attack someone in a legion they can share your position to their higher members (even if they are level 800 and you are 10)
4. core rules, as alerts are the only way anyone can find you beyond +/- 20% of their level.
5. correct math, because it is an impossibility to be attacked by anyone over 230 times your level, as the highest level player is 872 and that would make you around level 3.

Anyone notice this? Bold = my emphasis.

Yeah, I assumed he meant 230 more. Could be wrong though, but I don't think so.