Privacy Policy

Effective May 12, 2026

ScottForge is a one-person IT shop in Youngstown, Ohio, operated by Tom Scott. This policy explains what information I collect when you visit scottforge.ai or contact me, how I use it, and what your choices are.

I've tried to write this in plain English. If anything is unclear, email me at tom@scottforge.ai and I'll explain in fewer words.

The short version

  • I collect your name, contact info, business name, and what you tell me about your situation — only when you give it to me through the contact form, email, or a phone call.
  • I use that information to respond to you, follow up on our conversation, and (if you become a client) do the work you've hired me to do.
  • I don't sell your information. I don't share it with anyone for marketing. I don't run ad tracking on this site.
  • If you text my business number, that data is handled by OpenPhone, my texting service provider. It is not shared with anyone else.
  • You can ask me to delete your information at any time by emailing tom@scottforge.ai.

The longer version follows

What I collect

Information you give me directly. When you fill out the contact form, email me, call me, or text me, I receive whatever you choose to share — typically your name, business name, phone number, email, and a description of what you're trying to figure out.

Information collected automatically. When you visit scottforge.ai, my web host logs basic server information (IP address, browser type, pages visited, timestamps). This is standard for any website and is used only to keep the site running and secure. I do not run third-party analytics or advertising trackers.

Information from phone and text. When you call or text my business number (330-333-7969), call records and message contents are stored by OpenPhone, the service that provides my business phone line. I can read this information; OpenPhone cannot use it for any other purpose.

How I use it

I use the information you give me to:

  • Respond to your message and schedule a conversation.
  • Prepare a proposal or scope of work, if relevant.
  • Do the work you've hired me to do.
  • Send follow-ups, appointment reminders, and project updates while we're working together.
  • Keep records of past work for reference (in case you call me again in two years asking what we set up).

I don't use your information for marketing to other people, sell it, or share it for any purpose besides delivering services to you.

Who I share it with

I work with a small number of service providers to run the business. They have access only to what they need, and only to do their job:

  • OpenPhone — provides my business phone and texting line. Stores call and message records.
  • My website host — serves scottforge.ai. Logs basic visit information.
  • My email provider — sends and receives email through tom@scottforge.ai.
  • My accounting and invoicing tools — for clients only, to send invoices and track payments.

I don't share your information with anyone else. I will share information if required by law (a valid subpoena, for example), but I'll tell you about it unless I'm legally prohibited from doing so.

Text messages (SMS)

When you give me your phone number — by filling out the contact form, by telling me during a call, or by texting me first — I may text you about your inquiry, your project, or scheduling. Here's how that works:

Who's texting you. Messages come from ScottForge at (330) 333-7969.

What I'll send. Replies to your messages, appointment reminders, project follow-ups, and occasional updates related to work I'm doing for you. I do not send marketing or promotional texts.

Message frequency. Message frequency varies based on what we're working on together. There's no set schedule.

Cost. Message and data rates may apply, depending on your mobile carrier and plan. I don't charge anything for texts — but your carrier might.

How to get help. Text HELP to (330) 333-7969 and I'll get back to you.

How to opt out. Text STOP to (330) 333-7969 at any time and I'll stop texting you. You can also just tell me on a call or in an email.

What happens to your texting data. Your phone number and the contents of our messages are stored by OpenPhone, my SMS service provider. Your SMS opt-in information and consent will not be shared with any third party or affiliate for marketing purposes. It's used only to deliver messages between us.

All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

Cookies

scottforge.ai uses only essential cookies needed for the site to function (things like remembering your form input if you reload the page). No advertising cookies, no cross-site trackers, no analytics that follow you around the internet.

How long I keep your information

I keep contact and project records as long as we're working together, and for up to seven years afterward — long enough to handle tax records, reference past work, and respond if you reach back out later. After that, I delete what's no longer needed.

You can ask me to delete your information sooner at any time. The exception is anything I'm required to keep for legal or accounting reasons (like invoices and tax records).

Your rights

You can:

  • Ask me what information I have about you.
  • Ask me to correct anything that's wrong.
  • Ask me to delete your information.
  • Opt out of text messages at any time (see the SMS section above).
  • Unsubscribe from any email I send you that has an unsubscribe option.

To do any of these, email tom@scottforge.ai. I'll respond within a reasonable time, usually within a week.

Children's privacy

ScottForge serves businesses, not children. I don't knowingly collect information from anyone under 13. If you believe I have, contact me and I'll delete it.

Changes to this policy

If I update this policy, I'll change the "Effective" date at the top and post the new version here. Material changes (new types of data collection, new sharing partners) will be noted clearly at the top of the page for at least 30 days.

Contact

Questions about this policy, or want me to delete your information?

Tom Scott
ScottForge
Youngstown, Ohio
tom@scottforge.ai
(330) 333-7969