Scammers are looking more and more legitimate every day. The following is a “Contract” that was presented to a customer for services rendered. I ran the “contract” though AI and asked if it looked legit. (Full disclosure: I changed the name of the expert to protect the closely similar innocent.) It came back with several RED FLAGS, several of which I missed. How many flags can you find? Answers at the bottom.
SERVICE AGREEMENT, REFUND POLICY & PAYMENT AUTHORIZATION
This Service Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into between:
SCUM-BAG Expert
United States (“Service Provider”) and
Client / Customer (“Client”).
This Agreement establishes the terms under which SCUM-BAG Expert provides device services, installation services, maintenance services, and assistance for computers, printers, so ware, networks, and related devices.
By signing this Agreement or authorizing services, the Client agrees to the terms contained herein.
- CLIENT INFORMATION
Client Name: ______________
Phone: ___________________
Service Description or Plan Purchased:
UNLIMITED CARE PACK & SUPPORT FOR ALL DEVICES
Billing Address: __________________________________ - DEVICE INFORMATION
Device Type: Windows - DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
SCUM-BAG Expert provides device services for hardware and so ware systems including but not limited to:
• Device setup and installation
• Printer setup and configuration
• Software installation on and updates
• Malware or virus cleanup assistance
• Device troubleshooting and issue resolution
• Network and internet connectivity troubleshooting
• Email configuration and setup
• Data transfer assistance
• Data backup configuration
• System optimization and maintenance
• Security software installation
• Device diagnostics and performance improvement
• Opera ng system updates and configuration
• Hardware troubleshooting and replacement assistance
Services may be provided:
• Remotely via secure connection
• By phone or online session
• On-site at the client location when applicable - PAYMENT AUTHORIZATION
By signing this Agreement, the Client authorizes SCUM-BAG Expert to charge the payment method provided for the services purchased. The Client confirms they are the authorized user of the payment method.
Payments are processed through secure third-party payment processors. SCUM-BAG Expert does not store full card information. - REMOTE ACCESS AUTHORIZATION
For services requiring remote access, the Client authorizes SCUM-BAG Expert representatives to access the device using secure remote software.
The Client acknowledges that:
• Remote sessions occur only with approval
• Technicians may view system settings and installed software
• The client may terminate the session at anytime
• - ON-SITE SERVICES
Certain services may require an on-site visit.
On-site services may include:
• Device installation
• Hardware troubleshooting
• Network setup
• Printer installation
• Device configuration
Travel or additional service charges may apply depending on location. - CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
The Client agrees to:
• Provide accurate information regarding device issues
• Maintain valid software licenses
• Maintain backups of important data
• Follow technician instructions during service sessions
Failure to cooperate may affect service results. - DATA PROTECTION DISCLAIMER
The Client is responsible for maintaining backups of important data.
SCUM-BAG Expert shall not be liable for:
• Loss of data
• Corrupted files
• Deleted programs
• System damage Occurring before, during, or after services. - SECURITY SOFTWARE
• Certain service plans may include antivirus or security software installation.
• Security software reduces risk but cannot guarantee full protection from all cyber threats.
• Software licenses remain subject to the terms of the software vendor. - Taxes
The Client is responsible for paying any applicable sales taxes, duties, or government charges related to the services provided by SCUM-BAG Expert. Such taxes, if applicable, may be added to the service invoice. Taxes based on the Service Provider’s net income remain the responsibility of SCUM-BAG Expert. - REFUND POLICY
Digital Software Licenses
Due to digital distribution, license keys cannot be refunded once they have been:
• Accessed
• Displayed
• Emailed
• Retrieved
Refunds may be requested within 7 days only if the license key has not been accessed.
One-Time Device Services
Single incident services are non-refundable once work has begun.
Device Care Plans
Care plans may be refundable within 7 days only if:
• No service session has occurred
• The plan has not been activated
Par al Refund Policy
For long-term plans cancelled within 7 days:
• 25% retained by SCUM-BAG Expert
• 75% refunded to the client
Refund eligibility depends on service usage. - PAYMENT DISPUTES & CHARGE BACKS
The Client agrees to contact SCUM-BAG Expert first to resolve billing concerns before initiating a payment dispute or chargeback.
Chargebacks may result in:
• Suspension of services
• Termination of service plans
• Recovery actions for unpaid balances - INDEPENDENT SERVICE PROVIDER
SCUM-BAG Expert is an independent device services provider and is not affiliated with any technology manufacturer unless explicitly stated.
Brand names are used strictly for identification and compatibility purposes. - LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
To the maximum extent permitted by law, SCUM-BAG Expert shall not be liable for:
• Data loss
• Business interruption
• Loss of profits
• Indirect or consequential damages
Total liability shall not exceed the amount paid for the service. - CONFIDENTIALITY
Both par es agree to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information obtained during the performance of services. - FORCE MAJEURE
Neither party shall be liable for delays caused by events beyond reasonable control including natural disasters, government restrictions, network outages, pandemics, or similar events. - DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Disputes shall first be attempted to be resolved through good-faith negotiations.
If unresolved, disputes shall be submitted to binding arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Association. - GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas, United States. - SERVICE AUTHORIZATION
By signing this Agreement, the Client confirms that:
• The Client requested the services described
• The Client understands the scope of work
• The Client authorizes SCUM-BAG Expert to begin service
• The Client authorizes payment processing
• The Client accepts the refund policy - ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the Client and SCUM-BAG Expert and supersedes all prior communications.
SERVICE COMPLETION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
By signing below, the Client hereby confirms that the requested services were clearly explained, the payment authorization provided is valid, the service terms and refund policy have been read and understood, and that the services were authorized by the Client.
CLIENT SIGNATURE: _______________
09/21/2026
Date: ___________________
RED FLAGS:
When I asked AI to evaluate the contract, this is what it said:
This agreement has several hallmarks of a tech support scam, and I wouldn’t treat it as a normal service contract. I can’t verify the company, but here is what stands out.
Red flags in the document
- The provider is anonymous. “Scum-Bag Expert, United States” has no legal entity name, street address, phone, email, license number, or signature. The “independent provider, not affiliated with any manufacturer” clause is boilerplate used by firms that imply they’re Microsoft, HP, or similar.
- The product is vague and expensive. “Unlimited Care Pack & Support for All Devices” has no term length, no itemized scope, and no definition of “unlimited.” $1,299 is far above what legitimate consumer support plans cost.
- It’s a generic template. The services list covers everything from printers to malware cleanup. Section 3 mentions an on-site option, but a stray “WINDOWS” appears in the text, which suggests copy-paste.
- The terms are one-sided.
- Disclaims liability for system damage “before, during, or after” service, which would cover damage they cause.
- Caps liability at the amount paid.
- Lets them add taxes later.
- Allows undefined travel charges.
- It’s built to block chargebacks.
- Threatens suspension and “recovery actions” if the client disputes the charge with bank.
- The signed acknowledgement says services were “clearly explained” and the payment authorization is “valid.” That language is meant to undercut a later fraud or “not as described” claim.
- The refund terms are mostly illusory.
- Care plans are refundable within 7 days only if no session has occurred, and one-time services are non-refundable once work begins.
- Refund eligibility “depends on service usage,” so they decide.
- Remote access is open-ended. There is no duration, no named software, no logging, and no credential-handling terms.
- The legal terms are inconvenient. Texas law and AAA binding arbitration apply with no stated Texas connection, which makes recourse harder.
- Timing matters
- The payment and signature are both dated 09/21/2026, so the contract’s 7-day refund window closed around September 28. Don’t rely on the contract’s refund process anyway. Card issuers generally allow fraud and “services not as described” disputes well beyond 7 days (often 60 to 120 days from the statement date), and the contract can’t waive those rights.
If you’re evaluating this as a legitimate vendor rather than responding to an incident, I’d ask them for their registered business name, address, and a verifiable service history before going further. Everything above suggests that won’t hold up.
I’m not a lawyer, so for anything beyond the card dispute, a consumer protection attorney or the state AG’s office is the right place to go.
Stay Safe,
Janet