Address Reuse | Cryptocurrency Investigation | Hudson Intelligence (2024)

What is Address Reuse?

Address reuse in cryptocurrency transactions reduces privacy and anonymity.

Reuse of an identical cryptocurrency address for multiple input/output transactions potentially creates an opportunity for blockchain observers to attribute that address — and possibly an entire string of intervening addresses — to a particular person.

What Does Address Reuse Look Like?

The diagram below is a depiction of address reuse, similar to how such data is rendered by cryptocurrency intelligence tools, which convert accounting entries from blockchain ledgers into visual maps or flowcharts.

Address Reuse | Cryptocurrency Investigation | Hudson Intelligence (1)

This example shows one-to-one transfers across a series of intermediary addresses as digital money moves from one address to the next in a loop-like rotation. At the end, an address seen earlier in the cycle is reused as an output address to receive the final transfer.

At minimum, an analyst would likely attribute the final six addresses within this loop to the same person. Linking multiple addresses to the subject of an investigation can significantly expand the field of evidence.

In an actual blockchain investigation, this diagram and its underlying data would include hashes, fees, time/date stamps, attribution data, and other relevant information.

Why do Investigators Focus on Address Reuse?

A key challenge for blockchain tracing is identifying which branch of any transaction represents addresses owned and controlled by the subject of the investigation, as opposed to a third-party payment or exchange addresses. These include existing addresses in the subject’s wallet, and change addresses automatically generated during transactions.

Money launderers and cryptocurrency fraudsters use various methods to obscure their identities and assets, including peel chains and layering, which can create complex loops of opaque transfers. By reusing a known cryptocurrency address across multiple transactions, they send a signal that all intervening addresses along the same branch – which could contain dozens or hundreds of hops – are controlled by the same subject.

Consult an Investigator

Hudson Intelligence assists law firms, businesses, public agencies and investors with cryptocurrency investigations and due diligence. Every investigation is led by a Cryptocurrency Tracing Certified Examiner (CTCE) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). If you would like to discuss a potential investigation, please complete the form below. We also suggest reviewing our FAQ.

Address Reuse | Cryptocurrency Investigation | Hudson Intelligence (2024)

FAQs

What is the co spend heuristic? ›

Co-spend heuristic.

Co-spend identifies co-ownership of addresses by identifying Unspent Transaction Outputs (UTXOs) that are spent as inputs in the same transaction. Co-spend only applies to UTXO-based blockchains like Bitcoin.

Who is the best crypto investigator? ›

Kroll is the leading global provider of crypto compliance, risk, and investigative services. Since the introduction of the first virtual asset in 2009, Kroll has worked side-by-side with crypto companies, investors, and law enforcement to help them meet their most critical challenges.

Can I reuse a BTC address? ›

No, bitcoin addresses should not be reused after being used by someone else. It is recommended to generate a new address for each transaction to enhance privacy and security. Reusing addresses can potentially expose your transaction history and make it easier for others to track your activities.

Why should Bitcoin addresses only be used once? ›

Ideally, every bitcoin address is only used once. Reusing addresses can have negative implications such as diminished privacy and diminished security. The most private and secure way to use bitcoin is to use a brand-new address for every transaction.

How does CoinJoin work? ›

CoinJoin is a process used to anonymize Bitcoin transactions online. CoinJoin involves a multi-party Bitcoin transaction where all parties to the transaction put in and get out the same amount of Bitcoin, but the addresses are mixed in the transaction making the origin of the coins difficult to trace.

What are the three problem-solving heuristics? ›

Although there are several problem-solving heuristics, a small number tend to be used frequently. They are known as means-ends analysis, working forward, working backward, and generate-and-test.

How much do cryptocurrency investigators make? ›

As of Apr 19, 2024, the average annual pay for a Cryptocurrency Investigator in the United States is $75,325 a year.

Who is the crypto guy that scammed? ›

"Sam Bankman-Fried perpetrated one of the biggest frauds in American history, a multibillion-dollar scheme designed to make him the king of crypto," Damian Williams, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in a news briefing following the verdict.

Which crypto is under investigation? ›

Ethereum Foundation Faces Inquiry From a Government; Fortune Says SEC Investigating ETH.

Can your BTC address be tracked? ›

Yes, it is possible to trace a Bitcoin transaction even if the wallet address is not known. While Bitcoin transactions are pseudonymous, meaning they are not directly linked to personal identities, the transaction information is recorded on the public blockchain.

Can I reuse addresses on Trezor? ›

Although it is possible to repeatedly use individual receiving addresses generated in your account, this practice is not recommended as it can link payment data to one individual. For additional privacy, you can also use multiple accounts.

Can I reuse an ethereum address? ›

No, a cryptocurrency address is typically meant to be used only once for security reasons. When you receive cryptocurrency, it is sent to a specific address, and that transaction is recorded on the blockchain. Reusing the same address multiple times can potentially compromise your privacy and security.

What happens if you use an old Bitcoin address? ›

Funds sent to old addresses will still belong in your BitPay wallet balance. Although not recommended, you can reuse old addresses to manage funds in your BitPay wallet.

Can a wallet address be traced? ›

Tools such as blockchain explorers and professional cryptocurrency tracking platforms are available for analyzing transactions. These tools provide insights into the transaction history, wallet addresses involved, and sometimes the flow of funds.

What happens if I send Bitcoin to an old address? ›

If you send money to the wrong Bitcoin address, the funds are generally lost and cannot be recovered.

What is heuristic technique? ›

A heuristic technique is a problem specific approach that employs a practical method that often provides sufficient accuracy for the immediate goals.

What is a heuristic approach? ›

Heuristics, or "rules of thumb," are problem-solving methods that are based on practical experience and knowledge. They allow you to use a "quick fix" to solve a minor problem or to narrow down options. They're also a great starting point for brainstorming or exploring new ideas.

What is a heuristic model? ›

A heuristic model acts as a rule of thumb in cases where there is no time for careful consideration of different aspects of a situation. Though this technique does not always give accurate, rational, or optimal results, it satisfies the requirements awaiting valid conclusions or decisions in complex scenarios.

What is the common-input-ownership heuristic? ›

Common-input-ownership heuristic

This is a heuristic or assumption which says that if a transaction has more than one input then all those inputs are owned by the same entity. For example, consider this transaction with inputs A, B and C; and outputs X and Y.

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