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DirecTV review: very poor service and unacceptable contract 1397

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Author of the review
12:00 am EDT
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I have had direct TV now for about three months and have had one problem after another. I had initially switched from cable to DirectTV because I thought that their high definition service would be superior. Big mistake. Since the time of install I have been through 4 high definition receivers, each one failing for a different reason. When your service goes out with DirectTV your only option is to wait for a replacement box or for a service tech which in my case has taken close to a week each time. My service has been so spotty that I have had to retain my cable so that I have a backup. Talk about spending too much for T.V. service. Now that my experience with these buffoons has soured to the point it has i decided that i had had enough. Unfortunately their two year contract insulates them from having to provide any level of acceptable service at all. Even though my experience has been a nightmare and I have spent countless valuable hours trying to resolve issues they will not offer to terminate my contract no matter how many times I have requested this. I am currently without any service again and I have decided that I am going to bite the bullet and pay the termination fee. I am not litigious person but have considered taking these bullies to court. I can't imagine that I am the only person that has had these issues. I would avoid doing business with this company at all cost. I wish good luck to all those that are in the same boat as me.

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1397 comments
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Sam
, US
Mar 12, 2010 9:37 am EST

The Direct TV website said to pay "X" amount. I did that. When it posted, my account said balance was $0.00. My service did not re-instate. Now they said to re-instate my service I have to pay an additional $29.00 because that will be how much my balance will be when it is turned back on. I don't have a problem with paying the bill, it shouldn't have said that my balance was zero. Very misleading. Then trying to speak with somebody on the phone is ridiculous. I am in Ohio and I am speaking to someone who knows where. Definitely not in the US. Makes you want to cancel service and just deal with regular stations.

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Michael E.
,
Mar 14, 2008 7:32 am EDT

Simple, they advertised if you signed with direct tv you would get a free DVD player. This ad was in 2007. I signed up, its march 2009 and still no DVD player. I called about it, they brushed me off to customer service in the phillipines, they were like "we don't remember having an ad". I laughed, hung up the phone.

They upgraded the software in my SET one day, the set didn't work, I called about it, they CHARGE FOR ASSISTANCE. They don't back up their product really.THEY CHARGE YOU FOR EVERY BIT THEY CAN! BEAUTIFUL, I LOVE GIVING AWAY MY MONEY!

Any who, being that I am to tired to get into details, direct tv works when it wants to. I cant wait to get TIME WARNER AGAIN where they come to your house, fix your problem and don't charge you for it!

DIRECT TV, I d rather put an empty box of cheerios, 2 ice cream sticks with glue together and pray to the antenna Gods to give me reception before I extend my plan with DIRECT TV.

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foxfire
St. Louis, US
Mar 22, 2011 10:39 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Over a year ago I began looking into the possibility of changing from my local cable company to satellite tv. I thought Direct TV offered the best price AND service. At first they were fine to deal with and only minor problems arose. I was given the initial 6 month promotional package and then I expected the price to go up, but definitely not 3X's higher. Then when I went to speak to the company I was treated rudely and without any concern for what I was experiencing. This let me know clearly that all they wanted was my money and service or assistance to me the customer is of no value. Then I got another shock. I was told that I actually had a two year contract (which is how they can stick you with these exorbitant raises in prices) and if I cut the service, they would charge me $150.00 cancellation fee! I could not believe that I was being robbed in this manner, or treated so badly! These are incredibly hard times for everyone and I am no different. I lost my full time job and cannot afford either the "cancellation fee" or the increased monthly price. This has to be some type of "bait and switch" thing and has to be illegal. What's to say that they couldn't raise the price to $100.00 a month? This is wrong and I am amazed that the company CEO would allow this type of attitude and behavior. Don't be fooled by their advertisement as I was; they will get you in and then lie about things or place them in very small print and cheat you every step of the way!

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Fred Tup
North Plainfield, US
Jan 29, 2011 10:51 am EST

In August 2010, we received an advertisement from Verizon for their Freedon Essentials Package which was to include Verizons Internet Service, Phone Service and TV service (which was provided by DirectV), all for $119.00 plus all applicable taxes. We were told that Verizon is just providing the billing for Directv and we would have to make the arrangements with them directly. I contacted a Directv sales representative to get started. I was told by the salesrep that we needed to get the NFL Sunday ticket in order to get the premium channels. I explained that I did not watch football, but was told that we could not get the premium channels without this other sports package. I agreed and was told that the sports package would stop after 5 months. I asked the salesman if that would change our pricing and was told "No, because it would resume thereafter, basically stop and restart as to not change our pricing structure for the remainder of the year (which would expire 8/2011). I also asked about a possible price structure if we decided to continue with their service once the year was over and was told to call the retention/renewal department and "most likely", the pricing would not change.
We received out bill from Verizon with a due date of 1/31/2011, but was puzzled by an additional partial month charge from directv for 41.39 in addition to our other billing from them. The Verizon rep said that she did not know what this was and I would have to call them directly, which I did on 1/28/2011. I contacted directv at [protected] and was told by the first rep that I needed to speak to a "movie specialist" and was transfered to a "dead line" and had to call back. Once I finally got thru their conversant system, I again reached a rep who said I needed to speak to a specialist and she was going to transfer me. I spoke to Moses, who tried his hardest to help, but that is when the professionalism ends. Moses said that my NEW pricing would be $133.69 for just the satelite portion of my bill...which them took my verizon essential package from $119.00 plus taxes to well over $250.00 a month. I asked to speak to a manager and was connected to a manager named "Joe" who told me that my pricing would $133.69 for the tv portion of this promotion, that this ONE YEAR promotion was actually for only 5 months and I was actually obligated for 2 years, not one. This was now very upsetting and I asked to speak to HIS supervisor when "Melissa" got on the line. She said that she could deduct $5.00 a month, bringing my directv portion to 128.69 plus taxes. I told her that that was absurd and I was not going to agree to that pricing, since it was never disclosed to me when I first entered into this agreement. She INSISTED that she conference Verizon into the call, which I told her that Verizon was a separate company and had nothing to do with Directv pricing (I had asked Verizon to assist me when I first called on 1/28/2011 and was politely told that they could not help with a directv issue, that I had to handle it myself). I explained this to directv's Melissa several times that Verizon was out of this mix. She insisted that SHE call Verizon and conference me right back. I told her to call me back at "908" and she finished the number by telling me my phone number on the account, which I confirmed as correct and told her that I would wait for her return call. At 7:25pm on 1/28/2011, I called directv back to speak to a manager named Michael. He informed me that I should have known about the pricing change and Melissa stated in her notes that I had not given her my return number, so she could not contact me back. This documentation was fraudulent. Melissa never contacted Verizon and commit fraud by putting false documentation into my customer record. I was also told by Michael that I would be responsible for an additional charge of $360.00 for early cancellation. I explained that I was mislead by the sales rep in August 2010 and since he was on commission, he said anything to get me to agree to a one year contract, which he put in as a 2 year contract. My initial agreement with Verizon Essentials was a ONE YEAR committment, not two years. Verizon cannot now help me since they only partnered with directv for the purpose of billing. Please help me resolve this issue with directv, which has scammed me. I went for this package deal to save money. I had been a customer of Comcast for better than 20 years and was just looking to save some money by combining three services on one bill. Now, it looks like this not a savings, but going to costme more than $100.00 plus per month.

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tootoo68
Port Charlotte, US
May 30, 2009 3:08 pm EDT

See if this makes sense? I complained about my bill being FULL price, and questioned where were my
rebates that were promised for when year if I signed up for two years..

Thanks for writing. As one of our new customers, I want to welcome you to the DIRECTV family. I understand your questions about the rebate. For reference, once the new customer submits the rebate online, it takes 6-8 weeks for the first credit to reflect on the account. Upon review, I found that you're eligible for a 12 month $16 and $5 rebate. These rebates will reflect on your account as a $16 and $5 credit. The first credits already applied to your account on 05/19/2009. The credits to your account is reflected on your latest DIRECTV bill dated 05/22/2009. You can also see them immediately by signing into your DIRECTV account online and following these steps: - Click on the View Bills link to the right of the Paperless Billing status under My Billing Summary. If you haven't signed up for paperless billing, you'll need to click on the link to sign up and accept the Terms and Conditions. - Click on the date for the bill statement you'd like to see, in this case select the statement dated 05/22/2009 (at least 24 statements are stored online) - Click the "Print" link at the top of the page should you want a copy of the statement. Just a reminder, the credits will apply to your account as promised provided it remains active and in good standing. Sincerely, Noel V.Employee ID [protected]

WHAT? Are you kidding me... Take me to court.. back to Comcast which isn't any better, but at least they screw you with a rubber glove instead of gobblegook.

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Sandra Jennings
Las Cruces, US
Sep 05, 2011 5:41 am EDT

My husband and I have had our Direct TV account for several years, with few major complaints. Now we have a MAJOR complaint. I agreed to have my name placed on a new account for my son and daughter-in-law (and we did not take advantage of the promotion to get $100 for signing a new account). They have had several marital issues, moved twice, and had suspended service as well as unemployment and financial issues. Each time they moved, they were told they needed to get a new receiver, so they had to pay $100 in cash to the installing technician each time. This is not what they state in their nationwide TV propaganda. Then, when they thought everything was looking up, they worked out a deal with Direct TV. They signed a two year contract to get a smaller package they could afford in Apr 2010. After another time of unemployment, they suspended their account for three months, in order to keep it after getting finances settled. Now, they are going through a divorce and my son may be facing jail time, so their service will have to be cancelled. Since my name is on their account, Direct TV has sent this account to collections (Aug 2011). My discussions with their “Customer Service” Dept have proved fruitless. It does not matter to them that I did not sign the contract (my name and social is just on the account). When they suspended the account for three months, they suspended the time of service for the contract, resuming it after service was restarted, but they did not suspend the rebates that were attached to the payments. The result is they had three months added to the length of their contract, but lost three months of rebates they were entitled to receive. We asked Direct TV to allow us to pay the past due amount and cancel the account without further charges added. They said it was against their policy and they could not do it. They are sending this account to collections. I am sending this complaint to as many web sites (and there are many) as I can, as well as all my friends and family, many of whom have Direct TV accounts. I am also canceling my Direct TV account and will go out of my way to inform anyone I can about the underhanded, self-serving policies of this forgettable, blood-thirsty company.

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Lossmer
, US
Feb 16, 2010 1:30 pm EST

I have had DTV for over 10yrs. they slowly decreased quality programs, in the past 2yrs. have shifted to a blunt total disregard for there customers with the most horrible programs, reality shows that monkeys wouldn't watch, they must have the support of the Govt. in order to steal our money, and give nothing in return, this is robbery, simply, when we 1st. signed with DTV a payment date was established, the 3rd. of the month, and for over 10 yrs. have called before, and at unspeakable hours, like today, Sat. 8:15am, we tell them every month not to call period, and they call for payment, and to thanks us for payment, this company has to be the biggest ripoff in US history, they should be t by the Govt. and be seriously warned straighten up or loose there license to steal.

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Stephen Ogletree
,
May 28, 2007 12:00 am EDT

In 1991 I became a customer of Direct TV. At that time it was an excellent satellite service provider. A few years ago that all changed. On my bill I had noticed that rates were being increased by $3.00. That doesn't sound like much and I understand from time to time companies have to increase there rates. However, this became a six month practice with Direct TV. In the past two years my satellite bill increased by $15.00. The reason said Direct TV was due to the fact HBO increased their rate. I didn't have HBO. This past April I switched to Dish work and canceled my account with Direct TV. The rude agent informed me I could keep the equipment even tho I had bought the equipment and installed it myself. The agent also said a final bill would be sent. I asked the agent if my service wasn't prepaid a month in advance and he said it was and I had a credit of $14.95 which would be mailed to me in six weeks. That was two months ago. Since that time I have been called no fewer then four times offering me the world if I come back. Fat chance of that. This is a company you really need to take a hard look at before signing. Customer service doesn't exist. They could care less about the customer. With Dish network I have talked to some of the nicest customer service folks. Always had an answer for my questions the few times I have called them. For any considering a satellite service provider consider dish network and see what they offer. They are miles above Direct TV in both service and programming packages.

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HoustonGirl
,
Jun 14, 2008 1:56 pm EDT

This has been a NIGHTMARE! I waited until after 2:30 for them to arrive for an appt. bwtn. 8am & noon. The installer drilled 2 sets of holes in my NEW roof - and then tells me that he can't get a signal, my neighbors tree will have to be taken down?! He packs up his truck and leaves. EXTREMELY rude and unhelpful! I called to complain and they told me there was no one available to speak to me and they would put my name on a list to be contacted later. Unbelievable!
I agree that some sort of action needs to be taken against them.

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Gloria pierce
, US
Jun 04, 2009 3:10 pm EDT

I disconnected my directv on May 4th, 2009. On May 5th, 2009, a directv agent call me asking me to try directv for 2 months at no cost at all, no strings attach.
I happen to call directv to pay the balance that I had before I disconnected the service, and I find out that I supposed to stay with direct tv a year in order for them to give credit if I didn;t then I had to pay for a premier package that I didn't even ask for, so know I have to pay for that.
They say they were sorry but I don't think it's fair that they call you and make to an offer that, and then things change and you get stuck paying for something you didn't ask for.
I cancelled my service today.https://www.amazon.com/gp/css/account/forgot-password/redeem-forgotten-password-token.html?token=jj1MHFWAU07K34CHpRvmfdqVwLHfll3E9w%2F%2BMadZIc%3D

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TickleMeElmo
Nottingham, US
Dec 24, 2010 6:33 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

You would think that a good company would let you know that if you don't return the forgotten about equipment in your home that they would contact/warn you. Not Direct TV. Wham! They put a $400 charge against our debit card and we had to scramble around to cover our usual monthly deductions. It's obvious that they don't care about their customers. I'm happy to say that when we promptly returned the equipment (alhough they made us wait for the shipping boxes to arrive) they did give us our money back. They must have been sued one too many times to keep our money.

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karen gmccaleb
Arlington, US
Nov 14, 2010 9:05 pm EST

I am doing this for my mother she was using direct tv and could not pay for any more and she cancel it and sent the stuff back to them when she got her bill she went to the bank to see how huch she had and found out that direct tv went in her account and took money out with out her known it they did not call her to let her and they did this three time`s and she did call them and told her that there had to get there money when some one does that don`t trust them they will take every thing in your bank account don`t give your bank card number out on the phone to no one my mother has learn a lot by doing it she will never trust any one on the phone that it trying to sell thing i am doing this for my mother because she does not have a computer

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escheva
Farmington Hills, US
Apr 23, 2011 4:48 pm EDT

Left Dish Network after many years use at our summer cottage due to service issues and signed up in March, 2011 for Direct TV; great rebate offer and initial installation service. Also, referred you neighbor. Of course we had already alled for intallation prior to telling them about the referral, so no rewards. That as not an issue fo us. Told to call rebate line to activate before installation after account # given to us. Did that - Direct TV claims we didn't. Then went on-line to claim rebate. Website not functioning properly for that function for 3 weeks until today. Finally got to correct page to sign-up for rebate (already received first full bill) and rebate states $31 rebate for 12 months, not the 2 years we were led to believe at time we signed up for service which is a mandatory 24-month contract. This is a cottage...we do not want to spend $100 a month for TV for limited days usage. I called to complain. First put on hold waiting for a supervisor, then disconnected. Called back and got a supervisor, Max, who did not listen and talked over me continuously. His only comments were that we should've looked at the ads they send in mail to customers...we weren't customers until after locked in, and we should check-out website for terms...no internet access at cottage to see their website prior to signing up. We got number from yellow pages.
If we sign the agreement for the rebate, we are agreeing to only 12 months. If we don't, we are stuck with $100 a month bill before we really start using it.
We are totally stuck with this mess.

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KEVIN 14
Carol Stream, US
Sep 06, 2009 6:33 pm EDT

Unbelievable ! Rude, ignorant customer service represenative, supervisor, & managers !
I've been with them for 20 yrs. Due to nfl ticket. After 35 min. On hold i tried to explain my situation to them, ( my bank confirmed pymt to them 5 days early ), however since they didn't show that it posted they couldn't activate my replacement receiver. Although my
Service was not disconected yet ( 5 days prior to ) they said they could not activate my new receiver for which i am paying for, until they're computer says it went through - even though i gave them a confirmation # from my bank. Their unwillingness to accomodate a 20 yr. Customer of theirs, shows they do not know what customer service is ! I would never treat my customers as their "outsourced", non-american so called customer service ###s treated me.
I will immediately discontinue my account with them, and will do everything i can to inform all my collegues and clients to do the same.

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krg1983
Kennett Square, US
Jul 07, 2011 4:38 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

When I moved, I signed up with Verizon to for a 3 package deal, which included satellite through Direct TV. After a year or so of spotty service due to poor reception, I called Verizon to end my contract and go to a internet/cable deal. We made a 3 way call to Direct TV to tell them I was unhappy with my service and was going to end my business with them. After hours of phone calls to switch my service, I received a bill a few months later for hundreds of dollars of Direct TV fees. I called Verizon, who I was also paying for cable now, and they made a 3 way call to Direct TV to inquire about the charges. A very rude and apathetic employee argued with me that I was still signed up and had never officially ended my service, despite my telling the operator for Direct TV (with a Verizon operator listening in on the conversation) that I wanted to end my business. I demanded to speak to the manager of Direct TV, who was even ruder and less accommodating. The Verizon representative intercepted and also argued with the manager that what they were doing was unethical, and yet the manager would not relent. After at least an hour of angrily arguing with this person, we finally ended the conversation. For months now I have been trying to pay off this massive illegitimate bill and now have collection agencies calling me, which is definitely ruining my credit. I have no idea how to argue against this cooperate bully and am also frustrated that Verizon could do nothing to fix the situation, even though they included Direct TV in their 3 package plan. There seems to be no victory for me, the poor, lowly consumer against a bully corporation. I would not recommend Direct TV to anyone who demands quality consumer service and ethical practices. If anyone knows of a lawsuit against Direct TV for unethical billing like my situation, I would appreciate any information. This type of uncontrolled corporate thievery is completely unacceptable.

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Foogale
, US
May 01, 2012 8:27 pm EDT

I feel as though I have been scammed. Direct TV installed last week. The equipment never worked correctly. I called and they troubleshooted for me but it still would not work. They made an appt. for a tech to come over on a Friday he never showed up. I called and was told they “got hung up at another appt.” and that I would be the first appt. on Monday. They still did not show up at 8 am. I called and they said he would be here at 10. I called again. To say this is not working and I don’t want it…I was told I would have to pay a cancellation fee of $480.00. I feel scammed. I will follow through with the attorney generals office.

In october of 2010, i had moved into my new house and got set up with direct tv, but in november we were robbed, loosing all of out electronics and etc. including the direct tv box and remote. my insurance company wanted a statement from direct tv, showing what it would cost to pay for the box that was stollen, and how much it would be to put another one in the house. the total was around $530.00 (and the insurance that i signed up for through direct tv, covered nothing).

I was on the phone with them for 4 days straight, once for over an hour, trying to get them to send, or fax me a statement showing what this was cost. i pretty much got the runaround. one lady said that they didn’t have a fax machine and she would turn me over to the department that did have one, i was on hold for 45minutes, before someone got on the phone, and claimed that they didn’t have one either. another lady told me i could go ahead and pay up front for the next box and then i would have a statement telling me how much it cost.

I didn’t end up getting anything from them, and my insurance would not cover it because they had to have something on paper.
i ended up paying $450.00 just to brake my contract with them, thier services, was the worst i have ever had with anyone.

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grapekitten2011
Lebanon, US
Jul 03, 2011 11:49 pm EDT

This is my first ever public online complaint. Direct TV is the worst company in the US to do business with. I actualy expect a future class action suit to be filed by customers against this company as I am sure that they are violating contract laws. First off you pay for all equipment up front. A standard receiver box costs $100 dollars & they say that you will receive a $5 dollar refund per month which you will never receive. Secondly I was offered free movie channels for three months which I w5as billed at $45 dollars a month. When I called I was credit for one month only. Secondly I was quoted a price of $35 dollars a month and was billed $80 dollars a month. When I called I was informed that I needed to fill out a online rebate form which apparently they forgot to tell me about when I ordered or was installed. I am still waiting to see this rebate. These people are crooks. When you call they are rude. You will be treated like you are asking for a government run welfare program and that they are giving you free monthly tv service. I told them as much that they needed to treat me like a customer and that I was paying alot of money for a luxury service. For three months of tv service I have paid $500 dollars plus the movies that I odered which I have not stated. The commercials that you see on tv stating free upgrades to HD DVR service do not exist. A HD DVR costs $299 dollars plus a fee of $50 dollars to upgrade plus $19.99 shipping plus a $10 dollar a month charge for HD service. I currently do not owe this company any money. I hate them & I am actualy goin to seek advice to terminate the contract.

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sabiha_a
Nashua, US
Jul 12, 2011 11:30 pm EDT

I had subscribed for Select montlhy costing 44.99, however they included HBO/STRX/SHOWTIME/CINEMAX, costing $45.00. These channels where not authorized by me. They say that they had given these cahnnels free with my previous package, and since I cancelled the pervious package they are now chan=rging me for the special channels. I was not informed about this before. I have called direct TV for immediate cancellation, however they are not going to credit me the chan=rges for the past month.
Since I have not subscrbed for this service, I think, they have charged me un ethically.

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Celtic Warrior
Ocala, US
Dec 27, 2011 5:26 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

My husband & I have been Direct TV customers for years but in the last few months their customer service has been less than desirable. Speaking several times over a period of months with reps all we get is trying to sell us more packages, or channels
when they are not handling the problems with credits to our Invoices as promised. They never do as promised.

So I decided to share the problems with those even considering Direct TV as a satellite provider. There is nothing worse than zero service behind the sale and Direct TV has managed to turn their customer service over to those taught only to sell, sell, sell.

Instead of reconciling billing problems you get the run a round as if to say well this is the packages take it or leave it attitude.

Credits are either not done at all, or if issued end up being put back on the next invoice 2 months later thinking you will not notice or forget what was promised. Their prices are absurd for the services not rendered. For anyone considering Direct TV look elsewhere or you will also fall prey to this its our way or the highway attitude.

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Tracy5465
Port Charlotte, US
Jun 22, 2011 6:37 am EDT

I recently canceled my Direct TV account after being with them for over 8 years. I paid my final bill and returned the one DVR they requested. Today I check my bank account and there's a $218 charge. I called and asked what this was about and was told 1. they didnt recieve the reciever I returned in their pre paid box. 2. They are charging me $25 for PPV moives supposedly ordered in 2005! I KNEW we did not order these movies since the rep said they were ordered through our main DVR using the remote and a phone line hooked up to the reciever. We NEVER had a phone line on the reciever and ALWAYS ordered PPV through the website. My next step will be to go to my bank tomorrow and file a dispute. How in the world can a company charge you without telling you. Shame on you direct tv :(

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Direct TV are crooks
, US
Jun 13, 2011 2:58 pm EDT

We had Direct TV for over two years. When we cancelled our service they congratulated us for never being late with payments. Two months after returning the equipment they billed us for over $156 for Pay for Views from over two years ago...that we never ordered. We never had the capability of ordering! When we discussed it with them they said they had no way of knowing we ordered them until they analyzed the memory chips in our units. ?

You've gotta' be kidding! Can't something be done about such crooked business dealings?

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Paulette
,
Aug 07, 2008 2:23 pm EDT

On July 26, 2008 there was an unauthorized debit taken from my checking account in the amount of $591.73. I have tried to resolve this with Direct TV by faxing my statement information showing the debit. It has caused 5 insufficient funds $25.00 each totaling $125.00 to be taken from my account because of their error. I am reporting this to the Better Business Bureau President Charles I. Underhill. I did inform Direct TV I will not be making any payments on my account until this error is resolved.
Paulette [protected] work [protected]

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Jason
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Oct 30, 2008 5:23 pm EDT

They Came out to Install my reciever box and it worked great for about a week, then it just died. I Called and the lady on the phone was very nice and said that she would have someone come out the next day. When the tech came out he said that the wiring in my house was bad and the reciever malfunction was my fault. I asked if that is something the guy that installed everything is supposed to check? He said " Yeah, but you signed off on the fact that the service was installed correctly" So I got back on the phone while he was standing there and I was talking to a guy at the call center place and I told him what was going on. He asked to speak with the tech and after a few minutes of "No's", "Yeahs", and an "I didn't Install it". He gave me the phone back and I was told I was going to be billed for the broken reciever and if I wanted another one it would cost $200...
WHISKEY!
TANGO!
FOXTROT!

I told the guy on the phone to cancel my acct, kicked the tech out of my house, and called Dish Network...

I had a buddy of mine come out and check my outlets (he's an electrician) He said there was nothing wrong with my wiring...

And the Guy that installed Dish Network for me said the same thing!

Screw DirecTV and every scheming lying jerk that collects a paycheck from them.

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Brj643
, US
Jul 01, 2011 1:19 am EDT

We changed from Dish to Direct TV November 30, 2010 because we had a package deal with AT&T and their personnel kept telling us we could get a big discount if we change to Direct TV which was a joke. When Direct installed their equipment one of the cables was bad and we started having audio problems. Everytime we called and reported our problems they would say it must be out TV. Well after seven months they finally sent a technician that knew what he was doing and he found the bad cable that was causing our problems. So far it seems to be working ok. I think Direct should make restitution for these seven months we have had this problem or let us out of this lease so we can go back to Dish.

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Khachik Shahinian
Simi Valley, US
Dec 12, 2010 9:21 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Direct Tv contacted me over my cell phone because I called them for a quote. When I got the call they had offered me the channels Dish Network has offered including my FSC (Foc Soccer Channel). Also, the reason I said OK because they offered also to install all of my other rooms at no charge including receivers. When the day of install came, obviously my house took a little more time to hook up the cables. From the minumim of three hours it took him 6hours and I dont blame him. He rushed out my house forgetting his wires, jacket and also mentioned the cable satilite is still uploading some channels. A couple of days later I had time to get to know my channels and found out FSC is not part of my package deal. They call it the Sports channel and it's an extra $10.00 a month. I spoke to three people on the phone till I got to speak to the Supervisor "JIMMY" ans said we are very sorry for the misunderstanding on my part. I said it's your CS who mislead me to buy this package so you own me my channel. The supervisor offered 6 months at half the price and I declined because they put me on a 2 year contract and it would cost me a little over $400.00 to cancel. In one week I'm already DISAPPOINTED with Direct TV. Shame on you Direct TV. You asked for my buisness and I gave it to you so honor your mistake.

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BHouse
Inver Grove Heights, US
Mar 22, 2011 12:57 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I was a Direct TV customer for years until fall 2010 which I terminated my contract with them. Returned the chips as instructed. Yesterday, March 2011, received in the mail a overdue balance $10.68 stating due upon receipt. Called and was told it was a charge for PPV movie back in November 2005. Can you believe this! I was told it was found as a missed charge on one of the returned chips. I was taken back by this and asked how this could be. PPV movies are paid at time of service if not on the monthly statement besides 6 years later after--- what if I was still a customer with them? I asked for proof from them. I definitely disputing--- Now I am finding complaints by thousands on this same issue. I will be contacting my attorney general.

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Stinker857
, US
Feb 04, 2011 1:38 pm EST

Why am I paying DOUBLE for promitions that you offer and conventely run out in the midddle of the month. If this is your way to make money than this is wrong! I have been a loyal customer for longer than 6 years. I left cable for this reason and now your doing the same exact thing. First I had to change my package because You no longer have the one I had.(at a higher charge) I will go back to cable even though I hate that company. At least they listen and fix all over billing. Fix This Practice!

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RichT85
, US
Jan 25, 2010 10:29 am EST

We have been trying to get our rebate since 12/29/09. We are referred to one place, then another. First, we got " sorry, systems error or permission denied -illegal parameter. Then we got invalid e mail address,

then we got we are not even eligible for the rebates. WHY? The email system is horrible. I have been working on this for almost three weeks.

I have been on the computer every day, called direct tv every other day

trying to fix this problem and get the twenty-six dollar ($26.00) rebate. Does any one actually get the rebate?

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FATMAN WALKING
, TO
May 03, 2012 3:25 am EDT

People want to know why there DirectTV receivers die...Easy.. They are made in Mexico..And use cheap chips..Just like junk made in China...Why do you think Zenith went down hill after they moved to Mexico..Like most electronics today nothing lasts due to real cheap parts inside...I like DirectTVs answer they said well it's old they do die...I have heard horror storys on there replacements I hope mine works that they are sending me that takes them 3 days to even ship it from there warehouse...I asked if I get a new remote..And she goes no your remote should work the one you have.Ok how much do you want to bet my remote does not work with the new receiver..So many of these companys are half assed now do to the govenment not doing anything to help consumers...

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Budd Lehman
,
Oct 19, 2008 1:13 pm EDT

When my Direct TV ceased to work, a call to their service department resulted in a statement that the control box needed to be replaced and one would be shipped to me. Nothing was mentioned that shipping a box would result in a new contract. When the box arrived and it was installed, the non-reception problem persisted. A second phone call produced a service rep who later determined that there was nothing wrong with the original box (some rewiring necessary) and the original box was reinstalled. I asked the service rep what to do with the new box and he replied "keep it." I moved later to a complex that did not permit disks and so I canceled service with Direct TV. They have billed me $400 for cancellation.

In order to maintain service, Direct TV ships boxes even if unnecessary so they may charge additional fees.

BEWARE of Direct TV.

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mikeblac
Commerce, US
Mar 11, 2010 8:36 pm EST

I spent almost the hours on the phone with COUNTLESS DirecTv representatives - asking for a copy of the contract I was interested in signing for a bundle service with them and Windstream. After being told that there was not a contract available, and being transferred back from the Phillipines, several times, I was told that the contract could only be delivered by the installation crew. ? Kinda weird that they want you to sign-up without seeing the contract? After being transferred back to the USA (I guess), I was told the same thing. "No agreement for bundled service - no preview of the contract. Simple as that!" It is a really bad situation that we are living in - if we can not even see a contract before we agree to it. The USSR got over this - but maybe we are next. Anyone speak Russian - I may need lessons!

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Dawn Humphries
, US
Aug 24, 2011 2:19 pm EDT

Mr. Chase,
Your company has had a hold on my funds since last week. I did not authorize any payments. My husband and I live on a fixed income and that is the only money we have until we get paid on the 3rd. I cancelled my service with Direct TV in May, my contract was up sent all of the boxes and remotes back like I should. I am begging you to take the hold off of my funds in the bank.
Acct# [protected] . This is not good business. I did not authorize any payments, I would consider that fraud. My sister had the same problem, she had paid her sons bill one time, one time and the company debited her acct and made her overdrawn.
The reason we cancelled because every time the weather was bad we didn't have the service and at that time we didn't have service more than the service. I was not credited from my bill than. I'm not trying to be rude I just want the hold taken off the money in my bank acct, please I'm begging you.
Sincerely,
Alan and Dawn Humphries
[protected]

"IN GOD WE TRUST"

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taken, but not overcomed
, US
Jul 09, 2011 4:02 pm EDT

Stay away from direct tv! We didn't have issues with direct tv until we no longer had their service. My husband speaks to them on a wednesday, then, without giving us enough time to receive their equipment shipping boxes, they pull over $300 from our account on friday! Not once did their rep even imply this would be done. When i call to demand they refund my bank account, i get the "nothing we can do " story. Save yourself stress and absolutely find a different company unless you don't mind unauthorized, deceptive practice!

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rosalindam
Los Angeles, US
Sep 10, 2011 5:47 am EDT

I am extremely upset with the service i moved in october of 2010 and direct tv customer service told me that i wasn't going to get charged because one move is free, however i was charged $90.00 for the move and an additional $60 for the technician. I had to move in july of 2011 and they charged me $200 to move again plus i payed the technician $40. My husband decided to cancel since our bill didn't get lowered and they didn't keep to their customer promise . I then told him to call back and see what was the minimum due and the representative said $100.00 and they would connect it back, i then payed the $100 and she said sorry but it's not gonna work u have to pay the remaining balance of $255.00 in order to connect the service back. So she made me pay $100 and i don't have service anymore we spoke to a manager and all he said was there is nothing we can do. Why do they lie ! They rather loose a customer and keep taking your money since they have your info on file.

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DB Fete
Jamestown, US
Jan 28, 2009 9:02 pm EST

I closed my account with Direct TV in October 2008 with a refund due of $32.74 for pro-rated days. I have been going back and for with Customer No Service for nearly 4 months. They have lied that a check has been mailed, then they lied they credited my credit card, then they lied another check would be mailed. I've received nothing from them except continued advertisements to come back. Isn't it interesting their ads continue to fill my mailbox, but the checks they claim they mailed never seem to make their way to delivery?!

I'm done dancing a dance of insanity with them and am refering my complaint to the North Carolina Attorney General's Office, Better Business Bureau and anyone else with authority to put a black mark on this company. I would never use their service again or recommend them to anyone looking for satellite service.

I just wonder what they would do if I owed them money and refused to pay?

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AlSharpton69
Schertz, US
Feb 20, 2011 3:52 pm EST

Let's say your bill is $76 per month, and you pay your bill on time every month, never late. But a customer service rep thinks that they deserve more money from your account, they just take it without asking. When you challenge this as an unauthorized charge, they then refer you to the convuluted, misrepresentative, one sided contract that you signed. So all of the customer service reps at Direct TV have total access to your checking account and can take whatever they want out of your account without asking for whatever reason. They can steal and the Federal Communications Commission does nothing.

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auntiemom
, US
Dec 09, 2010 1:48 am EST

Direct tv entices you at low prices, then on the first bill, you get all the hidden charges. They tell you you can exchnage your digital to hd, was told that by the installer as well, 2 months after i get subscribe i get a hd tv now they want $99, for the box $49 install, $49 for being a new customer, finally got them to give me the box for free but they wanted 3 months of bill up front and they will credit me for 3 months, told me cant do it any other way. Well i gave the the 3 months, i got the credit for three months got a an appointment for the install, waited all day, no call no show, called c.S, told me no order was placed, and my credit card was not billed, i had to show proof, i went on line ans sure enough my card was billed. Now they say they could redo it but i need to pay 3 months up front again. I spent 2 days and almost 4 hrs on the phone fighting with them, i hate direct tv, i want them out of my house, and i will never refer this worless company to anyone, the undercover boss needs to go back again...

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Louie Sigalos
Chicago, US
Mar 12, 2010 12:40 pm EST

I am a new customer with direct t.v. and right from the start 1st. month of billing my bill was incorrect they never gave me a 200 dollar discount for a referral as advertised and my rebates were never given to me because they have given me the wrong website to set up spent over two hours on the phone with a total of 8 people including supervisors have gotten different answers from just about all of them seems to me there employees don't have the answers and just end up making there own stuff up . my biggest dispute is my reception is very poor do to a three triangular flight pattern from O'Hara airport witch causes my TV to have glitches and now direct t.v. is telling me that's normal and i have to just deal with it and if i cancel i would be charged an early cancellation fee . I also have everyone's names and badge numbers is there anyone that can help me or guide me in the right direction thanks Louie S.

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GypsyLaura
Leb, US
May 02, 2011 10:14 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

My ex husband had direct in his name only as we were divorced. After the sale of the home I tried to turn in the receivers and they would not accept them saying they had to come from him. Now they say I am liable and was on the account for $489.57. How can I be on the account when trying to turn in the receivers they would not accept stating the account was in his name, we were divorced and I could just be trying to pull a fast one on him.
This company is full of it!

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ANDY679
Alford, US
Sep 25, 2011 11:23 pm EDT

Direct TV Customer Service is incompetent it usually takes two dim wits before you can actually talk to a supervior to handle a simple question. The so called cutomer service representative offer incorrect packages or service3s that are not offered in your area. Had three install technicians (2 diffrent one within a two week span) out to up-grade my sevice to HD receivers the technicians had to actully tell the direct tv reps how to do there job and the service was not offered in my area. Still don't have HD TV, will be leaving as soon as contract is up if not sooner. I would highly recommend using alternative source for satelite tv.