Business Profile

Data Recovery

SalvageData Recovery Services

Headquarters

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

28 total complaints in the last 3 years.
7 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

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The 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:10/06/2025
Type:Customer Service Issues
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.
My personal external hard drive failed and I sent it to Salvagedata to get it recovered. I communicated with a representative and sent it into them for a quote. They said that I could get my data recovered, and we agreed on a price. The timeline they gave me was 5-10 weeks, which I had no problem with. After about 3 months I attempted to contact them to get an update. From this point on I tried several times to contact them with no luck. Even their website number was not working. Once I finally got a hold of them they said that my data was unrecoverable. This has been a five month process that could have easily been taken care of quickly, but their customer service and support have been horrible and very unprofessional.
Business Response
Date: 10/07/2025
We apologize for your less than satisfactory experience. Due to the nature of data recovery processes, there is no way to estimate a solid recovery time and some cases may take longer than others. It appears that no adjustments can be made since we have not received any compensation for our services.
Initial Complaint
Date:09/27/2025
Type:Customer Service Issues
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.
They told me $300 minimum but that it can get quite costly and may cost up to $500 when I enquired about the service. I sent in my phone and they quoted me over $2,000!!! The went down to low-priority for $1,100! I of course declined to be ripped off. They then commenced to charge me $40 shipping fee to return my phone even though the misleadingly advertise, no-data, no charge and free shipping. I would call that deceptive advertising.
Business Response
Date: 09/29/2025
You received free inbound shipping and free diagnostics, as promised and advertised.
Initial Complaint
Date:08/13/2025
Type:Customer Service Issues
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.
Disposed of hard drive illegally after refusing to provide proof of completed service.Conversion. Theft.
Business Response
Date: 08/19/2025
Customer approved service.
Service was completed and customer was provided with the file list.
Customer refused to provide payment for completed service.
Media was disposed of as per our terms and condition.
Please see *******************************************************
Customer Answer
Date: 08/19/2025
They refused to show full recovery. Did not provide a file list until January 22nd although they claim it was sent 9 months prior. They did not follow their own terms of service upon me not approving of the file list and me requesting my drive to be returned within the 5 day time frame. I objected to the file list via telephone the same day it was sent to me (January 22nd) they made an excuse saying it has to be written even though their phone calls are recorded and the rule of the objection having to be written was not listed in their terms of service. You cannot legally dispose of someone elses property to force payment that is theft and conversion. You also said you would not further provide any samples of the files being functional meaning you didnt really complete the job. Could not further prove or verify that the file list was actually sent before January 22nd as they claimed either despite saying every step has been documented.
Initial Complaint
Date:06/14/2025
Type:Customer Service Issues
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 was having trouble with my laptop not working/turning on and sent it here to see if data from the hard drive could be recovered. They gave me a quote for how much it would cost, but I just can't afford that right now. I paid their standard fee of $40 for them to just ship it back to me, but all I received in the mail is the hard drive from the laptop. They still have the laptop and are ignoring emails I sent them asking about it and asking them to send it back. I paid the fee June 6, it was shipped June 9, and *** delivered it June 11. I sent an email that same day, June 11, in a reply to the last email I received from them asking where my laptop is and got no response. I sent a new email June 12 and still have not heard anything back, no email or phone call from them. I'm attaching the PDF receipts from the $40 fee I paid.
Business Response
Date: 07/02/2025
Customer received their Laptop on June 18th.
****************************************************************************************************
Customer Answer
Date: 07/02/2025
They did ship the laptop back, but did not inform me of that at all, which is why I filed this complaint. Also, it was shipped back with part of the CD/DVD drive broken and all of the screws on the bottom are missing.
Business Response
Date: 07/09/2025
All notifications are automatic. Please check your spam folder. The device has been returned to the customer and there is no additional information available.
Initial Complaint
Date:02/12/2025
Type:Customer Service Issues
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 complete
Business 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:Customer Service Issues
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:Delivery Issues
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 recovered
Business Response
Date: 01/02/2025
We have no record of this customer. Please provide your case ID
Business 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 belongs
Business 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:Customer Service Issues
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:Service or Repair Issues
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:Product Issues
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.

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SalvageData Recovery Services is BBB Accredited.