Last updated: September 23, 2026
This Services Agreement governs all investigative, cybersecurity, advisory, and analytical services provided by Countervail LLC, a veteran-owned Washington State licensed private investigation agency. It replaces and supersedes all prior versions of the Terms of Service published on this website.
Services and memberships purchased online or through an intake (such as those on our Services & Pricing page) are governed by our Services Agreement & Terms (Consumer Services), and Fraud & Scam Recovery is also governed by our Financial Recovery Services Terms. If these conflict for one of those services, the more specific terms control.
1. Who We Are
Countervail LLC is a Washington limited liability company licensed under RCW 18.165 to provide private investigation services. We provide cybercrime investigations, fraud and scam recovery investigations, threat intelligence, OSINT research, digital exposure and cyber threat reviews, social engineering training, and related services for individuals and organizations.
Contact: contact@countervailintelligence.com · Website: www.countervailintelligence.com
2. Scope of Services
All services are defined in a mutually executed Statement of Work (SOW). Depending on the engagement, services may include:
- Cybercrime and online fraud investigations
- Identity theft, impersonation, and account compromise analysis
- Business email compromise (BEC) and social engineering investigations
- OSINT research and digital footprint analysis
- Cybersecurity exposure assessments and hardening recommendations
- Timeline reconstruction, event documentation, and evidence preparation
- Briefings for executives, counsel, insurers, or law enforcement
- Scenario-based training and workshops
All investigative work is performed using lawful methods consistent with RCW 18.165, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (18 U.S.C. § 1030), and other applicable laws.
3. Legal Compliance
Countervail conducts all services lawfully and will not:
- Access accounts, systems, or devices without proper authorization
- Engage in unauthorized surveillance or illegal interception of communications
- Assist in locating or contacting individuals when prohibited by court order
- Provide legal, financial, or regulatory advice
Client represents that all requests are for lawful purposes and that no protective orders or restrictions apply.
4. Client Responsibilities
Clients agree to:
- Provide accurate, complete information and timely access to relevant records or personnel
- Obtain any required internal or third-party permissions
- Review deliverables within the specified timeframe
- Use all findings and deliverables only for lawful purposes
- Maintain responsibility for implementation of recommendations
Countervail is not responsible for delays or reduced service quality caused by incomplete information or lack of cooperation.
5. Fees and Billing
Fees are defined in each SOW and may include:
- Project-based pricing for defined scopes
- Hourly billing for advisory or out-of-scope work
- Retainers for ongoing advisory availability
Unless otherwise stated:
- Project engagements require a 50% deposit
- Hourly work is invoiced monthly
- Expenses (travel, records fees, etc.) are billed at cost with prior approval
- Late payments may result in suspension of work, withheld deliverables, or termination
6. Term and Termination
Either party may terminate an Agreement or SOW:
- With 30 days’ written notice (convenience)
- Immediately for material breach not cured within 10 business days
- Immediately if Client misrepresents the purpose of the engagement or requests unlawful activity
Upon termination, Client must pay for all services performed and expenses incurred through the effective date.
7. Deliverables and Intellectual Property
Upon full payment, Client receives a non-exclusive license to use deliverables for lawful purposes related to the engagement.
Countervail retains ownership of all methodologies, frameworks, analytical processes, and proprietary materials. Clients may not reproduce, commercialize, or reverse-engineer Countervail’s proprietary methods.
8. Confidentiality
Both parties agree to protect each other’s confidential information using reasonable care.
Confidential information includes:
- Personal, financial, or sensitive information provided by Client, and all investigative findings, evidence, and case records
- Countervail’s proprietary methods, pricing, and business information
Countervail’s obligation to protect Client information, investigative findings, and case records continues indefinitely, including after the engagement ends. Client’s obligation to protect Countervail’s business information lasts two years after the engagement ends, except for trade secrets, which remain protected indefinitely.
Countervail may disclose information when required by law or valid court order.
9. Data Security and Breach Notification
If Countervail confirms unauthorized access or disclosure of Client information requiring notification under law, Countervail will notify Client within 72 hours and provide available details.
Client is responsible for external notifications unless applicable law requires Countervail to notify directly.
10. No Guarantee of Outcome
Investigations and incident response depend on available evidence, third-party records, platform and institutional cooperation, and law enforcement decisions outside Countervail’s control. Countervail does not guarantee any particular outcome, including recovery of funds, identification or attribution of any person, criminal charges, or the actions of any bank, insurer, platform, or agency.
11. Limitations of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law:
- Services are provided “as is” without warranties
- Countervail’s total liability is limited to the greater of (i) fees paid in the prior six months or (ii) fees paid or payable under the applicable SOW
- Neither party is liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
These limitations do not apply to gross negligence or willful misconduct.
12. Indemnification
Countervail will indemnify Client for third-party claims arising from Countervail’s gross negligence, willful misconduct, confidentiality breaches, legal violations, or IP infringement (subject to exclusions).
Client will indemnify Countervail for claims arising from Client’s misuse of deliverables, unlawful actions, or failure to obtain required permissions.
13. Governing Law and Disputes
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Washington. The parties will first try to resolve any dispute through good-faith discussion and, if that fails, through non-binding mediation before filing suit. Any lawsuit will be brought in the state or federal courts serving Chelan County, Washington, and the parties consent to that venue.
14. Contact
For questions about this Agreement, contact:
Countervail LLC
contact@countervailintelligence.com · www.countervailintelligence.com