What to Prepare Before You See a Lawyer

Start with the core facts, not a perfect file

The details that matter most are simple: roughly how much you lost, when it happened, and how the payment was made, whether bank transfer, DuitNow, or cryptocurrency. These three facts alone let a first conversation begin productively.

You do not need a polished file or a typed summary. A rough note in your own words is enough to start, and it is far more useful than waiting until you feel ready to present something formal.

Gather what you already have

Bank statements or app screenshots showing the transfer, any chat messages with the platform or the person involved, and account numbers you paid all help. How to get your bank statements and records explains how to request a full history if you are missing one.

If more than one payment was involved, a simple transaction chronology listing each one in order is one of the most useful things you can bring.

Screenshots of the platform, profile, or account used against you are also worth keeping, even if they feel embarrassing or incomplete. Small details you might dismiss as unimportant sometimes turn out to matter later.

What can wait

You do not need every document ready before the first conversation, since some details are easier to identify once you know what actually matters for your case. A lawyer can tell you what to chase down afterward, saving you time on records that may not be needed.

Reports you have not yet made, such as a police report, do not need to happen before speaking to a lawyer either, though it is usually worth doing both. A lawyer can also advise on the order that makes most sense for your specific situation.

A simple way to get organised

Write a short timeline in plain language: what happened, when, how much, and what you did afterward. Keep screenshots and statements in one folder, even an unsorted one, rather than scattered across devices.

This structure alone makes a real difference to how quickly a lawyer can understand your situation. It also helps you notice gaps in your own account before someone else points them out.

What to do next

Bring together what you have now rather than waiting for it to be complete. A short conversation can still give you direction even with an imperfect picture.

Send a message describing roughly what happened, and we will help you see what to focus on before your first assessment. Preparation matters, but it should never become the reason a conversation gets delayed.