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Become a Chenzo Gumshoe.

Chenzo Cases is community-run and growing. Gumshoes help keep cold cases visible and bring clarity and closure to families. Joining is free.

What a Gumshoe does

A gumshoe is an old word for a detective who wears out shoe leather. Here it means somebody who keeps showing up for cases that most people forgot.

Gumshoes follow cases, read the public records, ask good questions in the discussions and share the files with people who might remember something. Cold cases stay cold when nobody is talking about them. You can change that from your couch.

Membership

Gumshoe Free, forever

  • A free account with your own avatar and display name
  • Follow cases and keep them in one list
  • Post in every case discussion and the community forum under your name
  • A public profile (or keep it private)
  • Ranks and Leads for taking part
  • First word when behind-the-scenes memberships open
Join free

The ranks

Everyone starts as a Gumshoe. Earn Leads to climb the ladder. Leads are bragging rights only: no cash value, and they can't be bought, sold or traded.

  1. 0 LeadsGumshoeFresh notebook, sharp pencil. Everybody starts here.
  2. 100 LeadsBloodhoundYou have picked up the scent.
  3. 300 LeadsSleuthPeople start asking what you think.
  4. 750 LeadsCase CrackerYour posts get bookmarked.
  5. 1,500 LeadsCold Case WhispererOld files talk to you.
  6. 3,000 LeadsChief of Cold CasesThe desk lamp is yours.

How to earn Leads

  • 10 Leads for your first post of the day, in any case discussion or the community forum.
  • 5 Leads each time another member marks your post helpful (capped each day, so nobody can farm it).
  • Streak bonuses for visiting days in a row: 3 days = 10, 7 days = 30, 30 days = 100, 100 days = 300.
  • 2 Leads for each case you follow (your first 10 cases).
  • Featured contributions Chenzo spotlights earn a bonus and a badge.

Leads can be taken back if they were earned by breaking the rules or gaming the system.

Paid memberships for people who want to go deeper. Nothing is for sale yet and there is nothing to pay today.

House rules

Short, because they matter. Full details in the content policy.

  • Not a tip line. Police don't read the forums. Real information goes to the agency listed on each case.
  • Never name anyone as a suspect unless police or prosecutors have publicly. Those posts come down.
  • Public information only, and say when something is a rumor. No private details about anyone.
  • Be kind to families. No harassment, slurs or hate. Racist or hateful words are blocked outright.

Want to help keep the conversations kind and on track? You can apply to be a moderator when you join, or any time from My Account. Chenzo reads every application personally.

Questions people ask

What is a Chenzo Gumshoe?

A free member of the Chenzo Cases community. Gumshoes follow cases, talk them through in the case discussions and the community forum, and help keep cold cases visible so families get clarity and closure.

Does it cost anything?

No. The Gumshoe membership is free. Paid behind-the-scenes memberships are coming later, and you can ask to be told when they open. Nothing is for sale today.

What are Leads?

Leads are points for bragging rights. You earn them by taking part, and they move you up the ranks. They have no cash value and can't be bought, sold or traded.

Do I need an account to comment on a case?

No. Anyone can still comment on a case with just a name. Members post under their account with their avatar and rank, can follow cases, start community topics and earn Leads.

Is this a place to send tips to police?

No. Chenzo Cases is not law enforcement and police don't read the forums. Every case page lists the official tip line for the agency working it. In an emergency call 911.

What do you do with my email?

It signs you in and stays private. It is never shown on the site, never sold, and nobody gets added to a mailing list without asking for it.

Join free Visit the community forum

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