ScamGuard+ guide

How to Preserve Useful Evidence of a Scam

How to keep messages, screenshots, payment details and incident notes organised without destroying the original context.

How to keep messages, screenshots, payment details and incident notes organised without destroying the original context.

Use the steps below to slow the situation down, separate the claim from the pressure around it and keep a clearer record of what you checked and what you decided to do next.

Keep originals wherever possible

Retain the original message, email, screenshot, voicemail or transaction record instead of relying only on retyped notes.

Record context and time

Note when the contact happened, what was claimed, what was requested and what action you took.

Avoid editing the only copy

If you annotate a screenshot for explanation, keep the unedited original as well.

Keep actions and references together

Store provider reference numbers, account-protection steps and any reports alongside the original incident material.

Practical checklist

Quick checklist

  • Keep originals wherever possible
  • Record context and time
  • Avoid editing the only copy
  • Keep actions and references together