Recording the scammer's phone and account numbers

Why these details matter so much

A phone number, bank account number, or e-wallet ID is often the clearest link between a scam and the person or network behind it. These details can be checked against existing reports and used to connect your case to others.

Small transcription errors matter here, since a single wrong digit points to the wrong account entirely. Take the time to copy these details exactly rather than relying on memory.

Recording the phone number and any alias used

Save the exact phone number used to contact you, including the country code if it was an international number, and note whether it was a call, an SMS, or a messaging app. Record any name, alias, or job title the person gave you, even if you suspect it is false.

If more than one number or account was used during the scam, such as a switch partway through, record each one with the date it was used. This can show how the scammer’s operation shifted over time.

Recording the bank account or e-wallet ID

Copy the full bank account number, the bank name, and the account holder name if shown, exactly as they appear on your transfer receipt or confirmation screen. For an e-wallet, record the wallet ID, the linked phone number, and the platform used.

Double check these against your bank statement or transfer history, since a transcription mistake here can send a report down the wrong path entirely.

Checking an account before you report it

You can check a bank account or phone number against Semak Mule, a public database that shows whether it has already been reported for scams by other victims. A match does not promise a result, but it strengthens your report and confirms the account is known.

Note the outcome of this check, whether it shows a match or not, since this detail is worth including when you make a police report.

What to do next

Bring the phone numbers, account numbers, and any Semak Mule result together with your other evidence, such as your transaction chronology. This combination gives the clearest picture of who received your money and how.

Report the account details to your bank if a transfer is recent, then include them in your police report. Read how to organise evidence for a lawyer once your file is complete.