Does the sender name identify the sender?¶

Usually not by itself. The name beside a message may be a contact label stored on the recipient's device or a display name chosen by an account. It identifies what the application presented, not necessarily a verified person.

Display labels can change or collide¶

Recipients can save any label against a telephone number. Account holders can change display names, and several accounts can imitate the same person. Usernames may be more specific but can also change; a provider's stable user or account ID usually gives better continuity.

Preserve the exact displayed name with telephone number, username, profile URL, account ID, service-specific user ID, group role, message ID and capture time where available. Historical profiles or contacts may be needed if labels changed.

Attribute the stable identity separately¶

Use registration and recovery information, subscriber records, account sessions, linked devices, device possession and surrounding communications to identify who controlled the sending account at the event time.

Report that the conversation displayed a given contact name unless the wider evidence supports the stronger claim that the named person sent it. This is particularly important where screenshots omit the underlying number or account ID.