Direct answer
A risk signal is a reason to review a claim more carefully; proof is a stronger conclusion that requires supporting evidence, context, and often qualified analysis. Mixer-related pages should not collapse those categories. A signal can show concern without proving intent, ownership, legality, or a complete transaction story.
Core distinction
The distinction protects readers from overclaiming. A page can discuss public risk categories while refusing to say more than the evidence supports.
Comparison table
| Category | Meaning | Example boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Risk signal | A public clue or pattern that may matter | Sanctions mention, case reference, strong privacy language |
| Evidence | Material that supports a specific statement | Official release, court filing, source-dated analytics |
| Proof | A conclusion supported by enough evidence for the context | Needs careful source and status review |
| Legal conclusion | A professional judgment about law or duties | Outside this site's scope |
What to avoid
Avoid turning a signal into a personal accusation, a legal statement, or a certainty claim. Use precise verbs such as indicates, alleges, reports, describes, or suggests when the source supports them.
Publication checklist
- Is the evidence named?
- Is the case status visible?
- Are assumptions separated from facts?
- Would a reader understand the uncertainty?
Source notes
These sources support public context and terminology. They do not turn this page into legal, financial, sanctions, or compliance advice.
- FATF Virtual Assets Red Flag Indicators - Baseline taxonomy for risk indicators and public red-flag framing.
- FinCEN advisory on illicit activity involving convertible virtual currency - Risk-context source for typologies and compliance-sensitive language.
- OFAC sanctions compliance guidance for the virtual currency industry - Sanctions compliance context and conservative wording boundary.
- Chainalysis cryptocurrency mixers research - Benchmark for explaining mixer typologies without service-like UX.