How to Investigate a Crypto Scam That Started on Social Media
How to preserve social-media messages, payment records and blockchain evidence after a cryptocurrency scam begins through social media.
# Preserve the original profile information
Save the public profile name, username, profile URL and relevant screenshots where appropriate.
Do not attempt unauthorized access to the account.
Preserve messages
Keep conversations showing investment claims, payment instructions, wallet addresses or requests for additional funds.
Record advertisements
If the contact began through an advertisement, preserve the available advertisement details and landing-page information.
Document payments
Record bank payments and cryptocurrency transactions separately.
For blockchain payments, preserve transaction hashes and destination addresses.
Connect communications to transactions
Create a timeline showing when a payment request was made and when the corresponding payment occurred.
Watch for impersonation
Social-media profiles may impersonate legitimate people or organizations.
Document what the profile claimed rather than assuming the identity was genuine.
Recovery limitations
Blockchain tracing can provide evidence but does not guarantee that assets will be recovered.
Final thoughts
Social-media evidence can provide important context when combined with blockchain and payment records.
Zenith Hackers Intelligence supports authorized crypto fraud investigations.