How to Save Scam Evidence Before You Report
Last updated: 2026-06-01
If you have been targeted or have lost money, saving evidence quickly makes reporting and any chance of recovery more effective. Capture details before you delete or block anything.
Common red flags
- Pressure to delete the conversation
- Sender details that may change or disappear
- Payment references that fade from view
- Links and attachments that may be taken down
Safe next steps
- Screenshot the full conversation, including dates and sender details
- Note phone numbers, usernames, and any account or wallet addresses
- Save transaction references, receipts, and amounts
- Record the website addresses involved without reopening them
What not to do
- Delete everything before saving evidence
- Reopen suspicious links to 'document' them
- Pay anyone who promises recovery
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Frequently asked questions
Is this kind of message always a scam?
Not always, but the warning signs above mean you should stop and verify through official channels before doing anything. When several signs appear together, treat it as a scam.
What should I do if I already responded?
If you shared details or paid, act quickly: contact your bank or the relevant provider through official channels, change any passwords you entered, and save evidence. See our recovery guides.
Educational guidance only, not legal or financial advice. Examples are paraphrased and simplified.