How to Document Scam Evidence Correctly
How to Document Scam Evidence Correctly
Proper evidence documentation strengthens fraud reports. Use our Evidence Preservation Toolkit for specific guidance.
Why Evidence Matters
Strong evidence helps:
- Law enforcement investigate
- Banks recover funds
- Platforms remove scammers
- Protect future victims
What to Document
Text Messages
- Take screenshots with timestamps
- Include sender phone number
- Capture entire conversation
- Don't delete original messages
Emails
- Save complete email with headers
- Take screenshots
- Download as .eml files
- Note sender address
Phone Calls
- Record date, time, duration
- Note caller ID information
- Document what was said
- Save voicemails if possible
Social Media
- Screenshot profiles and posts
- Capture usernames and URLs
- Save direct messages
- Note platform and date
Financial Transactions
- Keep receipts and confirmations
- Bank statements showing transfers
- Gift card receipts and numbers
- Cryptocurrency transaction IDs
Websites
- Screenshot entire pages
- Save URLs
- Use web archive services
- Document navigation path
Best Practices
- Document immediately
- Keep original files
- Create backups
- Organize chronologically
- Note your own actions
- Don't tamper with evidence
Visit Scam Text Analyzer, Voice Scam Risk, and Identity Safety Guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is preserving scam evidence important?
A: Proper evidence preservation helps law enforcement investigate fraud, assists banks in recovering funds, enables platforms to remove scammers, supports legal proceedings, and protects future victims by documenting criminal patterns. Well-documented evidence significantly improves the chances of successful fraud investigations and prosecutions.
Q: What evidence should I save?
A: Save all text messages, emails, call logs, voicemails, screenshots of social media profiles and conversations, website URLs, financial transaction receipts, bank statements, gift card receipts with numbers, cryptocurrency transaction IDs, and any other relevant communications or documents. Keep everything in original form without editing or modifying.
Q: How should I store fraud evidence?
A: Keep original files unchanged. Create multiple backups stored in different locations including cloud storage and external drives. Organize evidence chronologically with clear labels. Include dates, times, and context notes. Take full screenshots that show timestamps and sender information. Export messages and emails in original formats. Document your own timeline of events and actions taken.
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