Before the consultation: the records that make an account usable
A practical guide to organizing the story, payment records and correspondence for an initial legal assessment.
Begin with a short chronology
An initial account should explain how contact began, what was proposed, what you did in response and when the problem became apparent. Use dates where you have them and identify estimates as estimates. A concise chronology helps a reviewer connect documents to events without requiring you to resolve every technical question first.
Separate your own observations from what another person told you. For example, “the dashboard showed this balance” records an observation; “the platform held those assets for me” may require more evidence. Both may matter, but they are different propositions.
Keep a transaction schedule
For each relevant transaction, record the date, asset, amount, transaction hash, sending address, receiving address and the platform used, where available. Preserve exchange statements or exports that connect the transaction to your account. IC3 identifies addresses, amounts and asset types, transaction hashes, dates and times as useful cryptocurrency reporting information.
Keep the original downloaded file and use a separate copy for notes. If an item is missing, say so. Avoid repeatedly altering an original screenshot or replacing an incomplete record with a reconstruction that appears to be an original.
Retain the promises and the response
Save the communications that explain why you transferred funds, what withdrawal conditions were stated and how the recipient responded to questions. Retain platform terms, website addresses, account identifiers and the dates on which you captured them. A readable export often provides more context than a selection of isolated screenshots.
Share only what is necessary
Do not send private keys, seed phrases, passwords or one-time access codes. Begin with the normal consultation form and a clear summary. If further sensitive material is needed, confirm the appropriate method with the firm. Submission alone does not establish representation or authorize action on your behalf.
Public reference: IC3 cryptocurrency reporting guidance. This briefing provides general preparation guidance, not a conclusion about an individual claim.