Complaints
This profile includes complaints for SalvageData Recovery Services's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see
Customer Complaints Summary
- 27 total complaints in the last 3 years.
- 10 complaints closed in the last 12 months.
If you've experienced an issue
Submit a ComplaintThe complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.
Initial Complaint
Date:02/12/2025
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
The company is trying to play mob bully refusing to provide anymore samples or confirmation of the file requested being recovered. Also refusing to return my property to me unless I pay but they are refusing to show me what I’m paying for. Extortion.
Business Response
Date: 02/14/2025
Service has been performed to the full extent and prove of recovery has been provided to the customer. The hard drive and data will be released as soon as the full payment is provided for the service we were contracted to perform.Customer Answer
Date: 02/14/2025
told me there was a “bad sector” of data and refused to tell me or show me which sector or files were bad but is still expecting full payment of a “service” they seem to have not been able to completeBusiness Response
Date: 02/17/2025
Our support department is more than happy to explain you the details of your recovery.Initial Complaint
Date:12/19/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I am submitting a formal complaint against SalvageData Recovery. I entrusted them with recovering personal photos from my water-damaged iPhone. The company assured me that the recovery would be completed by September 6, 2024, as stated in my case details. More than three months have now passed since that deadline, and I have neither received my recovered data nor any meaningful updates. Details of the Complaint: 1. Missed Deadline: My data recovery was due on September 6, 2024. Despite this, the company has not provided any revised timeline or explanation for their delay. 2. Lack of Communication: I have repeatedly attempted to contact my assigned representative, Dominic, at (212) 420-6890 and the company via [email protected]. All recent inquiries—both by phone and email—have gone unanswered. I can provide records of multiple calls and messages that received no response. 3. Failure to Return My Property: Given the prolonged silence, I requested the prompt return of my iPhone if they are unable to recover the photos. SalvageData Recovery has not acknowledged this request, leaving me without both my data and my device. 4. Financial Concerns: The quoted cost for the service was approximately $1,432.00. I am concerned that I may be charged despite no completed service and no confirmation that work is even underway. Desired Outcomes: 1. A detailed, written update on my data recovery status, including a realistic and binding completion date. 2. If recovery is not possible, the immediate return of my water-damaged iPhone at no additional cost. 3. If the service cannot be completed as agreed, a full refund or a written assurance that I will not incur charges. I have lost confidence in SalvageData Recovery’s ability to deliver on their promises or communicate professionally. I am seeking the BBB’s assistance in facilitating a fair and timely resolution to this matter.Business Response
Date: 01/02/2025
The customer is unable to provide a correct passcode in order for the data recovery to be completed. Our support team will reach out with options to resolve current predicament.Initial Complaint
Date:12/19/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Stole my hard drive and is refusing to return it unless $780 is paid but I have no indication/verification of the specific file requested on the hard drive being recoveredBusiness Response
Date: 01/02/2025
We have no record of this customer. Please provide your case IDBusiness Response
Date: 01/02/2025
Client approved a recovery service and failed to provide payment upon completion. Once the payment is received, data and media will be sent to the customer.Customer Answer
Date: 01/03/2025
I Never agreed. Was told we could do a team view session or screen share to show the file had been recovered. The original hard drive sent is 100% full and also does not belong to you. Whatever “work” that had been done by you guys would have to be placed onto and sent back to me on an entirely new/different drive. Telling me to pay for my own property is extortion. I’m requesting for my original hard drive to be returned to me. Not the “work” you claim is completed and placed on an entirely different drive.Business Response
Date: 01/09/2025
Since you have authorized service to be performed on your device, you are responsible for the payment for the said services. You can review all relevant information on our website.Customer Answer
Date: 01/09/2025
You are also responsible for returning the original hard drive to whom it belongsBusiness Response
Date: 01/09/2025
Unfortunately we are not able to provide any additional solutions at this time. A payment for the services rendered is expected before we can proceed further.Customer Answer
Date: 01/10/2025
Was also told a team view session would be provided so I could confirm the specific file had been recovered. You failed to do so. Payment will be made for what you claim to have recovered once I see it. However I am requesting for my original hard drive to be returned to me.Initial Complaint
Date:10/31/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
In February 2024, I paid $1,016 for SalvageData to recover some lost data/files on an old external hard drive. They successfully recovered the data and returned it on a NEW Western Digital external hard drive. Upon receiving the new hard drive, I plugged it into my computer and confirmed that the files were there and working. I then set the new hard drive aside on my desk for the next 7 months, where it sat unused until October 2024 when I needed a file on the hard drive. Upon connecting the new hard drive to my computer, I determined that I was able to see the files but none of them would actually open or play. Upon contacting SalvageData, they asked me to send the hard drive back in for analysis, which I did. I received a phone call on 10/31 saying that the "headers on the new hard drive" that they provided have gone bad and I'd have to pay another $1000+ to recover the same data. I voiced my concerns about this given that this was a brand new hard drive that THEY provided, but they continued to argue that they were not liable and they only provide a 30 day warranty period. Given the large amount of money I initially paid to recover the data and the fact that the new hard drive they provided the recovered data on has failed, I believe I am entitled to a replacement of the hard drive and lost data.Business Response
Date: 10/31/2024
Unfortunately as per terms of our service we only offer 30 day warranty period on any external devices. We are more than happy to offer a partial discount which you can discuss with your sales representative.Customer Answer
Date: 11/05/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
After further research about the company and their business practices, I have learned that they known for shady business practices including using old refurbished hard drives for backing up their customer's recovered data. I suspect that's what happened here and why they don't warranty their work or devices past 30 days.I would like proof that the hard drive they provided for my recovered data was brand new / previously unused.
Regards,
***** *****
Business Response
Date: 11/06/2024
All our destination media is purchased brand new from Amazon. There is no registry of serial numbers that ****** provides for each HDD purchase, thus we're unable to provide you with any additional information.Customer Answer
Date: 11/06/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.If the drive was in fact new, then SalvageData should have no problem fixing the issue with the "brand new" drive that they provided my recovered data on. Drive headers don't just fail after being used 1 time.
Regards,
***** *****
Business Response
Date: 11/06/2024
As originally stated, our obligation of service was over once the recovery was complete. We offer 30-day warranty after service was completed and that is the extent of the service we offer. We are unable to provide any additional help on this subject.Customer Answer
Date: 11/07/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.
Regards,
***** *****
Initial Complaint
Date:10/03/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I had a malfunctioning external hard drive. Local repair services were unable to repair it ***********) and returned the drive in original condition to me, referring me to data recovery services. A trusted local computer hardware expert reviewed their work and inspected the drive. He agreed that data recovery experts were needed. I selected SalvageData and sent them the hard drive (*******). They acknowledged receipt 9/5/24. Their email stated 24-48 hour standard evaluation. On 9/18/24 SalvageData called leaving a message requesting information on a missing part (ROM) from the drive. They asked to confirm that the original repair attempt did not remove or replace parts. I spoke with the manager of UBreakIFix who confirmed they opened the external housing and found it was beyond their ability to recover data. Thus, they returned it to me in the original condition without any missing parts. I relayed this information to SalvageData promptly. On 10/1/24 (almost 1 month later) I received a notice that the drive is not recoverable because original parts were missing (ROM). They allege that I or the previous removed the parts and that it can not be repaired as a result. There is no explanation from SalvageData how these parts can be missing or non-original when it was never repaired in the first place. My suspicion is that they or their contracted workers took it apart, lost a piece, and are now blaming me for their error.Customer Answer
Date: 10/11/2024
RECEIVED VIA EMAIL BY BBB STAFF MEMBER:
Thank you for your response. For your information, the company told me on 10/3/24 that the drive will be kept for 2 weeks (until 10/17/24) then it will be destroyed or returned to me, depending on my response. Please reach out to them before that time and have them hold off from destroying the device before you have a chance to interact with them. Thank you.
Sincerely,
****** ****Business Response
Date: 10/11/2024
The customer was fully explained the situation and there is nothing else we are able to assist with. Customer can either pay the shipping fees to have their media returned to them or it can be disposed off free of charge.Initial Complaint
Date:08/30/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Salvage Data provided me with a file list, which I approved. Unfortunately, the recovered files I received were still corrupted. Subsequently, they sent me a second hard drive with the corrupted files removed, only to inform me that the files were unrecoverable. It is clear that these corrupted files should never have been on my approved list. When I requested a full refund, they offered only $500, which is unacceptable. This is an unacceptable practice. Before accepting payments, there should be a thorough verification process to ensure that the files are not corrupted. I was informed that the payment was non-refundable, but this situation calls for a fair and just resolution.Business Response
Date: 09/03/2024
Due to nature of data recovery it is not possible to verify each individual file for corruption. Upon reviewing the recovered information, we believe that the offered discount is adequate in proportion to the recovered data.Initial Complaint
Date:08/12/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I mailed in my hard drive about a month ago and have gotten ZERO updates from them since they confirmed receipt on progress or timing of the repair. I want my drive sent back to me ASAP at this point.Business Response
Date: 08/14/2024
We're sorry to hear that your experience wasn't up to the expectations. Our customer support has reached out and working diligently on resolving your issue.Customer Answer
Date: 08/14/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
You still have my memory card and have given ZERO indication of IF or WHEN I can get it back.Regards,
**** ******
Business Response
Date: 08/14/2024
We're sorry to hear that your experience wasn't up to the expectations. Our customer support has reached out and working diligently on resolving your issue.Customer Answer
Date: 08/14/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
The business simply cut and pasted the same previous response without any addiitonal information. As I said before, the business still has my memory card and has given ZERO indication of IF or WHEN I can get it back. Customer service simply said it is lost and has no plan for recovery and I have not heard back from them on that.
Regards,
**** ******
Customer Answer
Date: 08/20/2024
My complaint has not been addressed at all. In the business' most recent reply, it simply cut and pasted the same previous response without any additional information. As I said before, the business still has my memory card and has given ZERO indication of IF or WHEN I can get it back. Customer service simply said it is lost and has no plan for recovery and I have not heard back from them on that. The memory card I sent them contains hundreds of pictures from our once in a lifetime safari trip to Africa and this loss is devastating to us!!!!
Regards,
**** ******Business Response
Date: 08/23/2024
We're sorry to hear that your experience wasn't up to the expectations. Our customer support has reached out and working diligently on resolving your issue.Customer Answer
Date: 08/28/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
The business still has no update or resolution of this issue. Their last email simply said "The search effort is still ongoing at this time."
Regards,
**** ******
Initial Complaint
Date:08/06/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I submitted my phone for evaluation back in March of 2024, they said there was a chance they could get the data so I went forward with the process and received an email on March 27th saying they were moving forward with recovery. The estimated completion date was April 26th 2024. I have called over 6 times since April to inquire on the status of my device. Each time i call, the representative say they have to reach out to the engineer to get an update, and each time they do they say “The engineer is on lunch I’ll call you back as soon as i hear anything”. I have never received a call back with a real status update other than recovery is ongoing. It is now August and i still have no idea what is going on with the device.Business Response
Date: 08/23/2024
This case was closed and returned back to customer ****************************************************************************************Customer Answer
Date: 08/23/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
Yes the case was closed, 4 months after it was estimated to be done. After receiving the phone and opening it up it is obvious ******* **** never opened the phone to attempt data recovery. So i paid and waited for them to not even attempt to recover the data. The only reason they closed my case and sent the phone back finally was because i told their customer service department that i filed a BBB complaint.
Regards,
****** *******
Initial Complaint
Date:05/28/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Solid State Computer drive died. 'The media' going forward, contacted Salvage Data to retrieve the data and sent the media to them. After a few weeks, they contacted me with a quote. They have a policy "No data, no charge guarantee.". The quote was *** ******* The quote was accepted. On May 8 I Received: We regret to inform you that despite our best efforts your device has been deemed unrecoverable. Please contact your case manager by phone or email at your earliest convenience for more details. If you would like to have your device returned to you, please log into your account and click the "****** *****" button. Please note: If no action is taken within 14 days the device will be considered abandoned and securely disposed of. Also on May 8, enter the site and pay USD 40 via credit card, so the media can be returned on a 2-day Fedex package. On May 23 contacted ***** *********Business Response
Date: 06/06/2024
Shipment sent to the customer: *************Initial Complaint
Date:05/03/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
In November of 2022, I created a case with Salvage Data to have my non-loading harddrive looked at to determine if it was worth it to recover what was on it. After chatting with a customer service rep, I was informed that apart from me paying for my own shipping costs, there was no cost to receive a repair quote. A month after mailing out my hard drive, I received an evaluation update summary via email, which did NOT include a price quote, which said a rep would follow up with a phone call soon with more details. Another month later, a phone call had never happened. By January 5th, I sent an email notifying them as such, and requested a price quote. I received an apology, and an updated evaluation with a price quote. The quote was far beyond what I had deemed was worth to spend on repairing the hard drive and retrieving data, and I informed the rep I can been in contact with of this. I requested the drive be returned and asked for further instructions, if there was anything I had to do on my end to initiate them mailing me back my hard drive. Between January and June of 2023, I sent a total of six emails, requesting the same thing with increased urgency : the return of my hard drive, and instructions if there was anything I needed to do (i.e. preemptive shipping payment) to initiate the mailing. There was zero response. I said I would have no choice but to report that Salvage Data had effectively stolen my hard drive, and still no response came. I lost steam and began to lose hope. In December of 2023 I began, out of the blue, to receive texts from a different rep at Salvage Data, requesting a consultation so we could "discuss repair of my hard drive." I responded by explaining everything that had happened months prior, and saying I had no desire to work with Salvage Data further. I requested, yet again, via text, that they return my hard drive to me. My request and message was never acknowledged. I still need my property returned to me.Business Response
Date: 06/06/2024
The drive was shipped to the customerBusiness Response
Date: 06/06/2024
The drive was shipped to the customer
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