A 10-step wallet check checklist

A practical section. Here is a universal checklist that turns a set of transactions into a clear conclusion: accept the funds, accept with conditions, or decline. In the next three lessons we will run it on real types of wallets.

▶ Video: the check checklist in practice (English narration).

The checklist (save it for yourself)

Format and network. Make sure the address is correct and that you know the network (ETH/TRON/BTC…).A single EVM address lives on different networks with different histories.
Sanctions. Cross-check against OFAC/EU/UK. A hit = stop, no need to check further.
Issuer freeze. For USDT/USDC — the contract's blacklist.A frozen address = the funds are already dead.
Age and activity. A fresh wallet with large turnover is a "pass-through". An old one with a stable history is a good sign.
Top incoming counterparties. Labels of KYC exchanges are good. Nameless one-day wallets — dig deeper.
Top outgoing. Withdrawal to a single exchange — an ordinary user. A fan-out across dozens of addresses — possible cash-out.
Risk score and breakdown. Look at the exposure categories, not just the final number (Section 4).
Materiality. For each signal: what share, what amount, how long ago.
Patterns. Signs of typologies: peel chain, structuring, transit through a mixer (Section 7).
Conclusion and record. A written finding + a dated PDF report.

How to reach a decision quickly

● Stop immediatelySanctions, issuer freeze, direct link to a mixer/theft — at any step 2–3 or 7. We check no further.
● Manual reviewIndirect risks, a "grey" score of 30–70 — we assess materiality (step 8) and request the source of funds for a large amount.
● AcceptClean history, transparent sources, score <30 — we record the report and proceed.

How to write up the finding

Conclusion template"Address … checked … (date). Sanctions: none. Freeze: none. Score: 45/100. Key exposures: … Decision: accept / with conditions / decline. Basis: …"
ArchiveA dated PDF report — into the deal folder. This is your protection in a dispute with an exchange or a bank.

Next — practice. In the next three lessons we will run this checklist on three real types of wallets: clean, "grey", and dangerous — and see how the same steps yield different conclusions.

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This material is educational.