Common disputes where chats matter
WhatsApp is often where terms were discussed informally, before or instead of a signed contract. The chat can show when something was agreed, requested, delivered or disputed.
- Contractors and clients: scope changes, quotes and payment requests
- Employment: schedules, instructions, hours and termination messages
- Landlord and tenant: repair requests, deposits and notices
- Suppliers and buyers: order confirmations, delivery photos and invoices
Attachments are part of the story
Invoices, photos and voice notes often carry as much weight as the text. When you export with media, ScanMyChat builds an attachment index listing each file with its own SHA-256 hash, so everyone can confirm they are looking at the same file. If media was not included, the transcript shows media-omitted markers so it's clear something was sent.
Note that WhatsApp caps how much media can be included in a single export, so very long chats may not include every file. Check the attachment index against what you expect.
Build the timeline the other side will read
Tag the key messages as agreement, payment, acknowledgment, dispute or a custom label like 'change order'. The case timeline lists those messages chronologically with page references into the Bates-stamped transcript, which makes demand letters and statements easier to cite accurately.
Formatting is not authentication
A clean package makes messages easier to review; it does not by itself prove who sent them or guarantee they will be admitted. Authentication usually relies on testimony and other records, and admissibility depends on the forum and jurisdiction. ScanMyChat is not legal advice or a forensic examination of the device, and it cannot recover deleted messages.
Frequently asked
Can I use this for a group chat with several employees or vendors?
Yes. Group exports work on iPhone and Android, and the summary lists every participant found in the file.
How do I share the package with my lawyer?
Send the ZIP. It contains the report PDF, CSVs, integrity-manifest.json and VERIFY.txt so they can check the hashes themselves.
What if I need to adjust tags after sending?
Each case includes unlimited re-exports of the same file, so you can update tags or redactions and generate a new package.
Can I leave out unrelated personal messages?
You can exclude message ranges or redact terms in the derived report. The redaction log and manifest record that a redacted copy was made, and the original file stays untouched.
Related guides
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Evidence rules vary by jurisdiction — consult an attorney about your matter.