How to Document a Crypto Scam Involving a Fake Trading Website
Learn what evidence to preserve when investigating a suspected cryptocurrency scam involving a fake trading or investment website.
# Preserve the website information
Record the website address, account pages, screenshots and relevant dates.
Do not assume that a website showing a balance proves that the displayed funds exist.
Save deposit records
Collect bank records, card receipts, cryptocurrency transaction hashes and wallet addresses connected with deposits.
Document withdrawal problems
If the platform demanded additional taxes, verification payments or unlock fees, preserve the messages and payment instructions.
Do not send additional money simply because a website promises to release an existing balance.
Preserve communications
Keep emails, chat messages, usernames, advertisements and customer-support conversations.
Examine cryptocurrency payments
For crypto deposits, identify the transaction hash and blockchain network.
Blockchain analysis may help document where the payment went and whether subsequent transfers occurred.
Avoid secondary recovery scams
Victims of fake trading platforms can become targets for additional recovery fraud.
Never disclose seed phrases or private keys.
Build a case timeline
Record the date of registration, deposits, trading claims, withdrawal requests, fee demands and discovery of the suspected fraud.
Final thoughts
A complete evidence package can help legitimate investigators understand both the website activity and associated blockchain transactions.
Zenith Hackers Intelligence supports authorized crypto fraud investigations.