Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

By engaging the services of GSC Investigations ("Company," "we," "our"), you ("Client," "you") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. These terms constitute a legal agreement between you and GSC Investigations.

GSC Investigations is a licensed private investigation company operating under the authority of the Texas Department of Public Safety pursuant to Chapter 1702 of the Texas Occupations Code.

2. Services Offered

We provide the following professional investigation services in compliance with Texas law:

• Skip Tracing: Locating missing persons, debtors, heirs, witnesses, and family reunification
• Surveillance Operations: Mobile and stationary surveillance, activity documentation
• Computer Forensics: Digital evidence analysis, data recovery, cybercrime investigation
• Security Assessments: Physical security audits, vulnerability analysis, risk management

3. Client Eligibility and Authorization

3.1 Age and Legal Capacity

You must be at least 18 years of age and have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract.

3.2 Legitimate Purpose

You represent and warrant that you have a legitimate, lawful purpose for requesting our services and that you will not use our services for any illegal or improper purpose, including but not limited to:

• Stalking or harassment
• Identity theft or fraud
• Violation of privacy laws
• Discrimination based on protected characteristics
• Any other unlawful activity

3.3 Legal Authorization

You warrant that you have legal authority to request the investigation and that you have obtained all necessary consents, authorizations, or legal permissions required for the services requested.

4. Engagement Process

4.1 Initial Consultation

All engagements begin with an initial consultation to discuss your needs, establish scope, and determine whether we can assist you within legal and ethical boundaries.

4.2 Written Agreement

Services will only commence after:

• A signed client agreement/engagement letter is executed
• Required retainer payment is received
• All necessary authorization forms are completed
• Conflict check is completed

5. Fees and Payment

5.1 Fee Structure

Our fees are based on:

• Hourly rates (varies by service type and complexity)
• Flat fees for certain services (e.g., database skip traces)
• Per-device fees for computer forensics
• Expense reimbursement (mileage, court fees, database searches, etc.)

5.2 Retainer Requirement

A retainer is required before work begins, typically 50% of estimated total cost. The retainer will be applied to your final invoice, and any unused portion will be refunded. Additional payment may be required if costs exceed the retainer.

5.3 Payment Terms

Final invoices are due within 30 days of issuance. Late payments may incur interest charges at the rate of 1.5% per month or the maximum allowed by Texas law, whichever is less.

5.4 No Guarantees

Fees are charged for investigative services rendered, not for specific results. We cannot guarantee any particular outcome.

6. Scope of Services and Limitations

6.1 Lawful Methods Only

All investigations are conducted using lawful methods in compliance with federal and Texas state law. We will not:

• Trespass on private property
• Use illegal surveillance techniques
• Hack into computer systems without authorization
• Impersonate law enforcement or government officials
• Engage in any illegal activity

6.2 No Guarantee of Results

Investigative work is unpredictable. We cannot guarantee:

• That we will locate a subject
• That surveillance will yield specific results
• That digital evidence will be recoverable
• Any particular outcome or finding

You are paying for our professional time and expertise, not for guaranteed results.

6.3 Right to Decline Services

We reserve the right to decline any engagement or terminate services if:

• The requested services would be illegal or unethical
• A conflict of interest exists
• Client provides false or misleading information
• Client requests illegal activities
• Payment issues arise

7. Confidentiality

7.1 Our Obligations

We maintain strict confidentiality regarding:

• Your identity as a client
• The nature of the investigation
• All information you provide
• Investigation findings and reports

Exceptions include disclosures required by law, court order, or with your written authorization.

7.2 Your Obligations

You agree to maintain the confidentiality of our investigative methods and not to disclose proprietary techniques or procedures.

8. Reports and Evidence

8.1 Investigation Reports

Upon completion of services, we will provide a written report detailing our findings. Reports are the property of the client but we retain copies as required by Texas law.

8.2 Evidence Retention

Physical and digital evidence will be retained for a minimum of 4 years as required by Chapter 1702. Chain of custody will be maintained for all evidence.

8.3 Court Testimony

If expert testimony is required, additional fees will apply at our standard expert witness rate. We require advance notice and preparation time for court appearances.

9. Client Responsibilities

You agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information
• Respond promptly to requests for additional information or authorization
• Pay all fees when due
• Use investigation results only for lawful purposes
• Notify us immediately if circumstances change that affect the investigation
• Comply with all applicable laws regarding use of investigation results

10. Limitation of Liability

10.1 Professional Standards

We will perform all services in accordance with professional standards and applicable laws. Our liability is limited to the fees paid for services.

10.2 No Consequential Damages

To the maximum extent permitted by law, we are not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from our services or inability to perform services.

10.3 Insurance

We maintain professional liability insurance as required by Texas law and our insurance certificate is available upon request.

11. Termination

11.1 Client Termination

You may terminate services at any time with written notice. You will be responsible for all fees incurred up to the termination date.

11.2 Company Termination

We may terminate services with written notice if continued services would violate law or professional ethics, or if payment obligations are not met.

11.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, we will provide a final invoice and deliver all work product completed to date. Unused retainer funds will be refunded.

12. Dispute Resolution

12.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas. Any disputes will be resolved in the appropriate courts of Texas.

12.2 Informal Resolution

Before initiating formal proceedings, parties agree to attempt good-faith resolution through direct communication.

13. Regulatory Compliance

GSC Investigations operates in compliance with:

• Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1702 (Private Security Act)
• Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 1, Chapter 35
• Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
• Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLB)
• Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA)
• All applicable federal and Texas state laws

14. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be posted on our website with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of modified terms.

15. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any signed engagement letter, constitute the entire agreement between you and GSC Investigations. Any modifications must be in writing and signed by both parties.

16. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service: