> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://tools.osintnewsletter.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://tools.osintnewsletter.com/osint-tools/etherscan.md).
# Etherscan
Tool Description : Blockchain explorer for investigating Ethereum and other supported blockchain activity, including wallet addresses, transactions, tokens, smart contracts and on-chain interactions.
| **Etherscan** | **Quick Overview** |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| URL | |
| What it does | Searches and analyses publicly available blockchain data. |
| How to use it | Search an address, transaction hash, token, contract or block, then review results. |
| Cost | Free core features. Paid Premium and API options available. |
| Account required | No for core features. Account may be required for further functionality. |
| Cookies | A mix of analytics, session, security, preference and location/personalisation cookies. |
| Ownership | Owned and led by founder and CEO, Matthew Tan. HQ in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. |
| Use in Reporting | Provides on-chain evidence such as transactions, wallet activity and token movements. |
### What does Etherscan do?
Etherscan is a blockchain explorer that allows you to search and investigate activity recorded on Ethereum and supported EVM-compatible networks. It can be used to examine wallet addresses, transactions, token transfers, smart contracts and blockchain activity.
For OSINT investigations, the platform is particularly useful when a cryptocurrency wallet address or transaction hash is already known and further on-chain investigation is required.
**The lowdown:** It turns blockchain data into a searchable and readable format.
### How to Use:
**1. Search for a wallet address, transaction hash, token, contract address or block number.**
**2. Review the available transaction history, balances, token transfers and associated blockchain activity.**
**3. Follow relevant wallet addresses and transactions to identify potential links, movement of funds or other investigative leads.**
### Cost
* [ ] Free
* [x] Partially Free
* [ ] Paid
Free core features. Paid Premium and API options available.
## Data Processing
### Account Required:
* [ ] Yes
* [x] No
No for core features. An account is required for features such as private notes and other personalised functionality.
### Cookies:
The site uses cookies for session management, security, analytics and user preferences. Cookies observed include Google Analytics (\_gid), an ASP.NET session identifier, Cloudflare security (cf\_clearance) and Etherscan preference/localisation cookies. Some cookies may contain geographic or session-related information.
### Use in Reporting
Etherscan can be used to:
* Trace cryptocurrency transactions between wallet addresses.
* Investigate wallets linked to scams, fraud or other suspicious activity.
* Identify patterns of cryptocurrency movement and fund flows.
* Corroborate findings from other cryptocurrency and OSINT sources.
* Document transaction hashes, wallet addresses, timestamps and amounts as evidence.
* Support investigations into cryptocurrency-related activity and financial crime.
* Inform risk assessments when profiling wallets, transactions or organisations.
| **Capabilities** | **Limitations** |
| ----------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Search wallet addresses, transactions, and smart contracts. | Wallet addresses don’t directly identify individuals. |
| Trace cryptocurrency and token transfers. | Transaction activity doesn’t prove intent or criminality. |
| View wallet balances and transactions histories. | Etherscan labels may require independent verification. |
| Investigate token and contract activity. | Some activity may involve exchanges or intermediary wallets. |
| Identify links between wallet addresses. | On-chain data provides limited off-chain context. |
| Record transaction hashes for verification and reporting. |
|
### Summary
Etherscan is best used during the discovery, verification and evidence-gathering stages of the OSINT workflow where cryptocurrency or blockchain activity is relevant.
It should primarily be treated as a source of on-chain evidence rather than identity attribution. A wallet address can be followed through the blockchain, but connecting that address to a real-world individual or organisation generally requires additional evidence from other OSINT sources.
### Ownership
Etherscan is an independent, privately held company owned and led by its founder and CEO, [Matthew Tan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-tan-4a3021a7/). He launched the platform in 2015, and it’s headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
### Ethical Considerations
* Use blockchain data for legitimate investigative purposes.
* Do not assume a wallet address identifies a specific person.
* Verify Etherscan labels with additional evidence.
* Avoid presenting investigative assumptions as confirmed attribution.
* Consider privacy when reporting wallet activity.
* Take care when handling potentially sensitive financial information.
* Follow applicable laws, policies and organisational procedures.
* Do not connect your own wallet to services unnecessarily during passive research.
### Related Tools:
* [Block Explorer](/osint-tools/block-explorer.md)
* [Arkham Intelligence](/osint-tools/arkham.md)
* [Dune](/osint-tools/dune.md)
* [Bitcoin Whoswho](/osint-tools/bitcoin-whoswho.md)
#### Sources