Evidence kit: screenshots, headers, wallet tx, caller IDs
Preserving evidence is key to a successful report and potential recovery. Here's what to collect and how to save it properly.
1. Screenshots
Take clear, full-screen screenshots of everything: the scammer's social media profile, the chat conversation, the fake website, and any fraudulent charges on your bank statement. Do not crop them; including the URL bar, date, and time is vital.
2. Communication Records
Save all communication. For emails, learn how to find and save the full email headers, which contain hidden routing information. For texts, save the scammer's phone number and the date/time of contact. Do not delete the messages from your device.
3. Transaction Details
Gather all transaction information. This includes wire transfer confirmation numbers and bank statements. For crypto, save the public wallet addresses (both yours and the scammer's) and the transaction IDs (TXID). For gift cards, keep the physical cards and receipts.
4. Organize Your Information
Create a simple, chronological timeline of events in a text document: when you were first contacted, what was said, when you sent money, etc. Keep all your evidence in a dedicated, backed-up folder. This organization will make filing official reports much easier and more effective.