Last updated: April 2026
The short version: data recovery is an unpredictable process and we cannot guarantee miracles, but we will do everything technically possible to recover your data. You are responsible for shipping costs and any agreed-upon fees. If we encounter illegal material (especially involving children), we will stop work immediately and notify law enforcement.
By submitting a device to Cumberland Data Recovery (whether in person, via drop-off, or by mail), you authorize us to conduct an evaluation and attempt data recovery on your storage media. You represent that you are the legal owner of the device and the data it contains, or that you have the explicit, lawful permission of the owner to request these services.
Data recovery is inherently risky. Devices that have already failed are highly unstable and can degrade further during the diagnostic or recovery process.
We will use industry-standard tools and techniques to attempt recovery. We do not guarantee successful data recovery. You acknowledge that our attempts to evaluate or recover your data may result in further damage to, or permanent loss of, the device or data. Cumberland Data Recovery is not liable for any further degradation of the media.
We respect your privacy, but we draw a hard line at illegal activities. If, during the normal course of the data recovery process, our technicians inadvertently discover clear evidence of illegal activity (specifically including, but not limited to, Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) or the exploitation of minors), our policy is absolute:
IF ILLEGAL MATERIAL IS FOUNDall recovery work will halt immediately. The device and all associated data will be secured. We will report the discovery and turn the materials over to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and/or local and federal law enforcement agencies. You will forfeit any right to a return of the device, and no refunds will be issued for work already performed.
Outside of the circumstances described in Section 3, your data remains strictly confidential. We will not browse, copy, or retain your files beyond what is technically necessary to verify a successful recovery. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for full details on how we handle and protect your information.
Evaluation and quotes: we will provide a quote after initial diagnosis. No major recovery work will begin without your approval of the cost.
Payment: payment is due in full upon successful recovery, prior to the release of your data. If we cannot recover your target data, you will only be responsible for any pre-agreed diagnostic or shipping fees.
Abandoned devices: if we notify you that your recovery is complete, unrecoverable, or requires your authorization to proceed, you have 60 days to respond and arrange for payment or return shipping. Equipment left with us for more than 60 days without communication will be considered legally abandoned and will be securely destroyed or recycled.
If you are using our mail-in service, the following applies:
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Cumberland Data Recovery, its employees, and its contractors shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from the use of our services. This includes, but is not limited to, loss of data, loss of revenue, loss of profits, or business interruption. Our total liability to you for any claim arising out of our services shall not exceed the total amount you paid us for the specific service in question.
These Terms of Service shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any legal disputes shall be resolved in the appropriate courts located in or near Allegany County, Maryland.