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Crypto scam victim: What to collect before reporting

Crypto scam victim: What to collect before reporting

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When you lose crypto to a scam, you may feel overwhelmed — but the stronger your evidence, the better your chance of getting real help from law enforcement or a legitimate forensic investigation team.

Here’s what to put in your “Crypto Scam Crime File.”

Transaction Records

  • Wallet addresses you sent funds from and to
  • Full transaction hashes (TX IDs)
  • Dates, times, amounts, and currencies for each transaction
  • Screenshots or PDF copies of your wallet transactions
  • Screenshots of your exchange account transaction history if you used an exchange
  • Bank statements or credit card statements if you bought crypto with fiat

Communications

  • All emails, texts, or chat messages with the scammer
  • Social media profiles or handles used by the scammer
  • Names, fake IDs, or phone numbers they used
  • Voice messages or calls (if recorded)
  • Any instructions they gave for making payments
  • Keep the messages organized — label them by date

Screenshots or Photos

  • Screenshots of the scammer’s website or platform
  • Screenshots of investment dashboards, if they created one to show fake profits
  • Photos or images they sent — such as fake company certificates, IDs, or “agents”

Your Own Notes

  • A simple timeline of major events (when it started, what happened, when you paid)
  • Any promises they made or threats they used to pressure you
  • Who you spoke with at any exchanges or banks about the scam
  • Any contact you’ve had with other victims or support groups

Reports and Tracing

  • Any blockchain tracing report from a legitimate forensic company (if you have one)
  • File or case numbers from any previous police reports

Your Contact Info

  • Your name, phone number, and email — so investigators or police can reach you
  • Save this file securely (back it up!) and do not share it with unverified third parties

Tips for Victims

  • Keep all original files digital and in a safe place
  • Print paper copies for in-person police visits
  • Keep your wallet seed phrase or private keys private — no real recovery firm or law enforcement will ever ask for your keys
  • Cut off all contact with the scammer once you have your evidence
  • Bring a trusted friend or family member with you when meeting with the police or any investigator

Why This Matters

This is what real law enforcement or a reputable crypto forensic firm needs to help you:

  • Strong transaction proof
  • Clear records to trace funds
  • Verified communication logs
  • A clear timeline that saves them time and confusion

The more organized you are, the better your chance of getting real help — and not wasting more time or money on false promises.


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