Blockchain explorer
Updated 2026-09-29
A blockchain explorer is a free website that lets anyone search a public blockchain, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, by wallet address, transaction hash, or block number. It shows the movement of funds between addresses, though not the real-world identity behind them.
For a scam victim, a blockchain explorer can confirm that a transfer actually reached the scammer’s wallet, show the current balance of that wallet, and trace where funds moved afterward, such as to a crypto exchange.
It cannot by itself reveal who owns a wallet. That link is usually made through an exchange’s know-your-customer records, which normally requires a police report or court order to access.
When it matters
Save the transaction hash and wallet address as soon as possible after a crypto scam. A blockchain explorer is often the first tool used to see whether the funds are still traceable.
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