Menu
DirecTV

DirecTV review: directv sucks 820

B
Author of the review
9:19 am EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

I had DirecTv at my last rental property. I had the service from June 2007 till I put the account on hold for 6 months, in October of 2009, with a $68 credit on my account. Even tho I spent big $$$$ on the 3 boxes I had at the house, one a DVR, I was told I had to send them all back or get charged for them upon cancelation. (thought I was already charged for them?) So March I called to cancel the account (making constant reminders so I wouldnt forget, cause they didnt call)

So I was on Vacation at the time and didnt get home for a couple of weeks. Called and asked if that was ok to wait to send the boxes and it was, according to the lady I talked to. They sent me return boxes, and when I got home, there was only a return box for one box. So I called. They said now I only owed one box, the DVR. (yay, small victory) So I sent the box when I got home.

In the meantime they charged me for a month of service at a house that I dont live at anymore. They also charged me $175 for the box I "never" returned. With FedEx tracking number in tow, I called, they finially reversed the fee for the extra month, and said that eventually the charge for the box would get removed. HA.

So then, I think because I had that pesky little credit on my account, they charged me $60 for an early cancelation fee. But I have had my account for 2+years you say?, even over and above the 6 month suspension? But that loyalty does not count. Cause in June 2008 I purchased another box and paid for another room and I canceled the account in October 2009, 2 months shy of the December contract which aparently got renewed with the new box. Now they NEVER told me I had a new contract, cause I had planned my move out date accordinly not to have these charges, with any of my uitilities. So after 3 years with DirecTv, they still wouldnt help me out.

"Well it is now our policy to inform our customers of that." said the lady.
"Well what about people who you did not tell?" Says I
"Well we should have told you." says the lady.
"Huh? So you should have?" says I.
"Yes Mamn." Says she.
"but you didnt?" Says me.
"No Mamn."
"So I still have to pay the fee.
"Yes mamn."

"Best in Customer Satisfaction" my rear end! So you pay if you do and you pay if you dont. Please look elsewhere for TV service. I know that DTV has all the good chanels, but you pay dearly. THey have sooooooo many fees, it is rediculous. Better yet, buy some books! Or some movies! Or a good internet connection so you dont need those greedy ### at all!

Update by Becky hates DirecTv
Mar 31, 2010 9:20 am EDT

PS: I was paying $120 a month for service. Which was not the best, if a bird flew buy or hevens to betsy it rained, NO service!

Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

More DirecTV reviews & complaints

820 comments
I
I
iimrbob
San Diego, US
Aug 15, 2010 3:02 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I may be a 70 year old senior, Italian but I'm not stupit. I started with Directv April 10, 2010 and have had nothing but a run around from day one. I been being given nothing but double talk from customer services and a total unconcern to assist in solving any problem including incorrect charges and billing. So, here is what I decided to do and did --
I emailed customer services and told them that I had lost my bank ATM card -- I called my bank and told them the same -- I did this so that Directv no longer had control of my bank account. I than requested to cancel my paperless online billinb and directed them to send my statements. I now will correct all incorrect charges and errors on my statements and when I make a payment it will now be by money-order only and should they decide to interrupt my veiwing -- I will email them and tell them to send me boxes to return their equipment and I'll also them I'll see you in court -- and go back to cable. I may be Italian but I'm not stupit!
signed: ijohnwiseman@aol.com

A
A
Armagels
, US
Jun 02, 2010 2:08 pm EDT

I am hoping customers will read this before they choose a less than satisfactory company such as Directv . I had to move and I had always paid my bill on time. At my new address this company could not find a site. They did not even bother to look. I had to request a supervisor to come out and confirm. He confirmed there was no site at the new address. So I have to wait for 3 months for this company to return my money. They send me statements stating that my refund due was $52.70. I have 3 statements to prove this. I also called 3 times to confirm that my refund in that amount was being sent. They would disconnect my service if my bill was not paid on time but make me wait for 4 months to get my refund. When it gets here it is for $5.81. Little bit of difference here isn't there? Then they give you a line a bull. I will never use this company again and I will make sure everyone I know does not either. I know you think this may not amount to much but you keep doing customers this way you will certainly see the difference. This is a totally defunct company stay away! By the way another company was very capable of finding a site and the bill is half of what this company wants to charge! Beware! By the way I sent you piece of crap back to you. Mistreating customers is not the way to stay in business!

Valerie
Valerie
, US
May 04, 2008 2:11 pm EDT

After nearly two years with this company, I was ready to move and therefore cancel with them. So in order to get my ducks in a row, I called ahead of time to see what I should do. So I called; I was navigating the phone tree when I realized that the best category for my question was the cancellation people, so I eventually spoke to one of them.

That was a mistake.

The people in this (cancellation) department were nothing like those in any other dept. These are your typical collection-type people. They no doubt are put in this department due to their dirty, ruthless personalities.

Anyhow, I told the person I was thinking ahead to my cancellation and that’s when the lies began. The lady put me on hold, and when she returned she said that although I had the service for nearly two years, the fact that I moved, meant that the two year contract (which is in the small print and never mentioned, ever - I was under the impression I had a one year contract) had been reset from the date of my move, one year earlier. That is, that because in the middle of the 2 years, I moved, it meant the clock had been reset for the contract. Again, no one ever mentioned this to me, and no paper stating that was sent to me.

So I called them on the ###... told them I never was told by either a representative (when I called), nor by the installation representative (who moved my equipment) of this rule.

The lies: First they said I had agreed to this new contract on the piece of paper that the installation rep had me sign (except I did read this carefully). So I told them that I did read the paper and it did not say such a thing. She put me on hold, and hung up. [I think that by hanging up on you, they let it sink in and you may believe it, it gives them time, and if you didn't get their name and number they can deny the lies].

I call back, new girl tells me a similar tale. I tell her I read the installation papers carefully and that it does not say that the contract starts anew. She recommends that I get a copy of this contract to verify [I smell the ###]. She now adds that when I ordered the move to a new address in the middle of my contract, that I verbally agreed to reset the beginning date of the contract. She asks to put me on hold and hangs up on me too.

I call back, they agree to review. Meanwhile to get it on paper, I start asking if what I was told over the phone about the verbal agreement and the installation paper are true. I get blown off several times, but I demand to speak to someone and I eventually get a call.

The person is apologetic, but never admits that those are lies, she simply agrees to review the whole thing.

If I had simply paid them, I would be out over 200 dollars.

At one point, I failed to mention, that one of the first two people I spoke to added that I could instead pay 99 dollars for the installation and keep my original start date.

Later, while waiting for their decision, and to seem on top of things, I call them again. I am told I am correct on all counts. I ask the girl to send me what she just said in writing. She says they do not do that. I was afraid that they were just saying it and going to screw me in the end anyway. She says that because 2 months are left on my contract, I can cancel for 50 dollars. I tell her to cancel my acct.

Predictable, they charge 280 on my credit card without asking.

I begin a new campaign and after over one week they return all but the $50 plus tax. And when I complain about the 280, I had to put up with more reps hanging up on me by accident, and a few of them told me that the charges were correct (like starting from the beginning.

The lesson: When dealing with Direct TV Always take names and their numbers at the beginning of the call, if legal I would record these liars, fight back, tell everyone you know about their tactics, etc, or better yet never deal with DirecTV, like me.

Knowledge is power

A
A
angry grammy
, US
Jun 11, 2013 6:55 pm EDT

Do not do business with Directv. I had a bundle pkg with them and Verizon. Had no complaints with Verizon, but Directv has the worst customer service I have ever encountered. I tried calling the number listed on the bill, but the automatic system would say it was transferring me and then it would hang up. I had to go on the internet and find a complaint where someone had listed another number. I had to discontinue my service with them early as I could no longer get a signal due to trees that got too big. I was told I would not have to pay a early termination charge, but the charged me one anyway. They sent me a final bill saying I had a credit balance of $16.45 and they even sent me a check. Now they are telling me I owe them $70.75 for service covering 5/19-6/18/13. Service was cancelled 5/21/13. They tried to tell me that I owed for "uncollectable debt" with Verizon. I called Verizon and all I owed them was $15.10 that was due today. I have always paid my bill with them on time. The one person I talked to at Directv told me to "listen and understand" when I asked how I could owe for service after the cancellation date. I will tell everyone I know to not do business with Directv, nor to take a bundle package with Verizon if it includes Directv.

J
J
Jedy
, US
Jun 23, 2010 12:51 pm EDT

DIRECTV, with whom I have a contract, has attempted to knowingly charge me for services that were included in my service agreement. Only because of my refusal to pay do they acknowledge that I am not required to pay. These continued attempts to force payment from customers is surely not isolated to my situation.

I am sure that I am not the only one. Don't be afraid to challenge DIRECTV if they attempt to charge you for service calls that are their fault. They must fix the problems that are their fault and restore your service.

Also, don't be afraid to challenge uneccesary charges to your account and get a full explanation from DIRECTV on why they are charging you.

S
S
Strizhnikov
, US
Jun 10, 2010 8:34 am EDT

DON'T BELIEVE in anything customer rep says, they will say anything to get you sign-up and deny it later. They offered me a free DVR upgrade and said there would be no change in the contract, I signed up for it only to find out later that my contract got extended by one year. I could not cancel my service because of the extra one year and I was told I'll be charged $475 for early cancellation ... I even asked them to check the phone conv (since they say they usually record it), but the customer rep's say they don't have them and are rude and reply as if they don't care (since you are in a contract anyways) ... and on top of it, price goes up when you are in the middle of the contract ...

They offered free HBO for 3 months when we moved, customer rep clearly told me that it will come off after 3 months and I didn't have to call or do anything ... guess what .. they never took it off and charged me for it for one extra month ... and the customer rep's deny saying that it would come off automatically, apparently I had to call and cancel ...

Price: I had their choice package ($55 orginially, raised to $59 now) ... they charge $7 for DVR service, $7 for monthly protection plan (which if you don't take you will have to pay $75 for the service call if you have any problems/issues) ... total comes to around $79 including taxes/month, WHICH IS NOT WORTH THE PRICE!

I cancelled my service as soon as I was out of contract.

Pros: Gave them 2 stars because I rarely had any issues with reception but not worth the price, I'm sure you would get similar/better reception with other providers.

Cons: Everything. Expensive compared to others. Rude customer reps. Lying customer reps.

Verdict: WORST SERVICE I EVER HAD, DON'T BUY. Recommend going with other providers if you are shopping, where you can get better service for less price.

If you still want to go with Direct TV (not sure why), make sure you read and have them send you the terms and conditions.

S
S
S Curto
,
Jul 31, 2007 12:00 am EDT

We ordered and prepaid for Direct TV to install an additional TV outlet. The installer came out and demanded money be paid to him, IN CASH, or else he wouldn’t complete the order. We canceled Direct TV because of this. They now refuse to refund our prepayment. Fleecing customers is their policy! Beware!

M
M
MANDYVN
Fontana, US
Feb 15, 2011 6:37 pm EST

Totally agree ...BAD DECEPTIVE BUSINESS! After 4 years with them I decided to end my service with of course no strings attached, revised my contract, no obligation to stick to them, paid last bill, shipped equipment on time, received last statement showing a $0.00 balance with a $ 2.85 refund. The following month received a hideous billing statement for $ 4.99 according to them a PPV Movie fee for July of the previous year. Called to see if this fee pertained to any unathorized charge, considering the fact every PPV service fee was paid on time..was concern if this was perhaps a replica or an internal SCAMMED DIRECTV HIDDEN fee. Customer service refused to help, got hung up, but then again what can we expect from unproffesional staff whom gets paid a buck or two. If you are deciding to purchase service with them please consider other options, I know this is minimal comparing to other situations, DIRECTV is subsiding with loyal customers for various reasons. Hope everyone resolves their issues. best of luck. UNSATISFIED CUSTOMER FROM LOS ANGELES.

R
R
RRDSG
Encino, US
Dec 23, 2012 1:19 pm EST

If you are thinking of signing up for Directv, DON'T. I have had multiple problems with Directv service and equipment. If you complain, they send form letters and refer you to the web site. I have been a customer for a very long time and they USED to be great. Now that they are so big, the service has disappeared. I have no satellite signal and it will take 3 days before any one will come to service it. No one in the call center knows any thing. All they ever tell you to do is disconnect everything and reset your receiver and waste your time. I can't wait to change to a different service.

Valerie
Valerie
, US
Apr 17, 2008 1:08 pm EDT

I had Direct TV for 2 years and not once did I get what I paid for. I cancelled the service because I started receiving no service at all. After spending HOURS on the phone with DirecTV after cancelling because I was not able to watch TV. Direct TV used a debit card (they stored card holder data) that I took off the account and stole $490.00 out of my account. DirectTV has said I do not owe this money but refuses to put back in my account. Every time I call it is always a different time span that they are going to but it back I have heard everything from 3 days to 8 weeks. The Money was taken out of my account in Jan 08, it is now April 08. ALSO, since cancelling DirecTV has called and asked what they could do to get our business back. ALL we originally wanted was to watch the TV Service that we were paying for. We were laughed at and hung up on prior to cancelling because we had no reception. WE NOW HAVE DISH AND SERVICE IS MUCH BETTER.

J
J
joey deman
Matthews, US
Jan 24, 2010 12:21 pm EST

ordered a tv, internet and phone bundle from directv.tech came out and installed the satelite potion of my order and was told the rest would be installed on a different day on 1/19/10 my phone and internet were supposed to be installed, no one showed called and complained to the installer and was promised they would be here first thimg in the morning. again no show.called directv to cancel du to not geting my full package and was told they are going to charge a $480 early cancelation fee.they tell me the satelite portion works so they are not responsibledu to theyuse other providers to complete the package they sell.this is not fair I ordered it through them so they should be responsible

V
V
Veivore
, US
Jun 29, 2010 12:55 pm EDT

DIRECT TV IS HORRID! BEWARE! for the last several years I have had Comcast Cable Tv. Anytime there was a problem a service man arrived promptly and a quick free friendly fix occured. About 4 months ago my girlfriend and I moved in together and she decided to to with garbage DIRECT TV. What an aweful company. Full of lies, scams, hidden fees, etc. The signal is totally unreliable save local channels. Its literally a roulette game which satellite channels will come in that day. Given our busy lifestyles it took 3 months for us to finally call and complain. The result of the call was DIRECT TV wanted to charge us $70 to send someone to fix the issue. This was ludicris to me. The service is not giving us what we are paying for. Then they said we could sign up for a service plan for $5 month. What a scam. Then we said we wanted out of our contract because they are not providing what we are paying for. They said it would cost $75 to break our contract even though the service is faulty. We are considering a small claims court complaint against Direct TV if we can do it. NE one have any feed back at how to get back at this Dog Lunch of a company would be appreciated. DIRECT TV IS GARBAGE!

D
D
Dan Carlson
Boynton Beach, US
Dec 22, 2010 4:28 pm EST

Received statement date 12/15/2010 for charge dated 11/10 for PPV:Daddy Day Care on an old RCA receiver which had been in the closet for many years. Directv claims that this movie was ordered from a receiver listed in my sons room in 2003 and it was never paid. We don't recall ever ordering this movie 7 years ago, but directv refused to credit the charge.

Spoke with Directv supervisor Josh 12/20/2010 but stated there was nothing we could do about it and had to pay the fee from 7 years ago. He stated that if my son ordered a movie, then it was my responsibility. I had parental controls set so he couldn't have ordered the movie in his room. Josh also mentioned that Directv has a general policy of collecting access cards after service cancellation, then billing customers regardless of how many years have passed.

K
K
Kenitha Caldwell
Leesburg, US
Nov 01, 2013 12:54 pm EDT

I am filing a complaint through directv for the unauthorized billing charges taken off my estranged husbands debit card for a bill in my name. Directv was notified that the card on file would no longer be available for billing on that account that i would return equipment and pay final bill myself. He did not authorize the payment and wants his funds returned to his card.

N
N
NotTooHappyAlso
Fairfax, US
May 28, 2008 12:54 pm EDT

I ordered service with a DVR, to record programs. I never got the DVR. One of the standard receivers has never worked. When I call Directv to get these problems fixed, they try to sign me up for an additiona two year commitments, and tell me they are saving me money! I will never deal with this company again. Avoid them!

Valerie
Valerie
, US
Sep 02, 2008 9:33 am EDT

I am having the same problem with Direct TV. I am trying to cancel my service and am getting the same $300 cancellation fee for the supposedly "2-year" agreement. When I contacted them to see what they could do to keep my as a customer, they said to check my email for promotions. However, the day I tried to cancel, the offered me $50 off my next bill, $10 off each bill for 12 months and free HBO and Starz. It's too late, I already signed with another service. Had I been offered these services before, I wouldn't have shopped elsewhere. My new provider HONESTLY told me about their 2-year agreement up front!

Now I am in a fight with Direct TV. I will contact my bank and dispute this $300 fee as well.

M
M
Mrinks
, US
Jun 16, 2010 10:07 am EDT

I called Direct TV in August 2009 to disconnect. At that time they offered me a better package for a lower price. When I received the bill in September it was significantly higher. The Direct TV rep said it was a one time charge because the billing cycle was reset. I explained I continued with Direct TV based on a lower price not a higher price. After several transfers and an hour later they promised to fix the bill. Every month I went thru the same ordeal. When you ask to be transferred to a manager you somehow get disconnected. By January I was tired of calling so I called to cancel. The rep explained they had me on the wrong package that I should have never been offered the package I had at that rate. I told him they needed to honor what was promised me. He threw in Showtime along with extended Starz & Encore for free plus 3 free movies a reduced bill for January, but I had to down-grade my package and he promised my bill to be correct in the future. Next bill still wrong. I heard the same excuse again of the billing cycle being reset and the bill was correct. How can the bill be correct when the amount on the bill was not what I was told it would be? I wonder how many times they “reset” someone’s billing cycle. Now we sit in May and I receive 2 – 3 calls a day from Direct TV. One call wanting to come to the house to check my box, another wanting to pay the bill before they cut service off. What is funny is service has already been disconnected and they have their box back. I have even confirmed Direct TV has a record of the box being delivered to them. Of course they keep billing me. I have had a bad experience with Direct TV in the past. I should have known better than to sign with them. Fortunately I kept records this time around. I have asked them to stop calling and told them I will pay what I owe but I will not pay the bill they sent me which at this point is a whopping $77. So not worth my time but I am not letting Direct TV get by with it this time around.

The experience with Direct TV has been horrific. If you do sign with Direct TV get the details in writing and keep records of every call and the person’s id number. If they offer you a great deal I am most certain they will not honor it and you will be spending valuable time trying the straighten it out and then taking your frustrations out to the net as I have done here! As of this week I contacted the BBB. Not sure if that will be of help but it is worth a try.

Valerie
Valerie
, US
Jun 13, 2008 7:41 am EDT

FYI - All of Direct TV's HR-20/21 model HDTV DVR receivers are defective. Customer service will lie and deceive the user about this, but I found out the truth - ALL are unstable and contain program bugs. The company is working on a downloadable software fix but NO date. They will do what they can to keep you from knowing this and will send you a remanufactured defective receiver. While you can usually watch HD, you won't be able to record it. I called for weeks and was endlessly told to reset the box, got a replacement receiver, up converters, endless tech instructions. But it was all while DIRECT TV knew that ALL receivers were defective. They said "A new download was coming" and asked what time zone I was in and that it was coming soon. NO. There is no current download. They have NO idea when there will be one.

Valerie
Valerie
, US
Jul 01, 2008 7:53 am EDT

Good old DTV! I have read a lot of the horrors of DTV and am going through the same nightmare! I recently became a DTV sucker. The monthly charge was supposed to be 39.99 mo. My first bill was 75.00. Yes they gave me the run around. I also was supposed to get a $50.00 visa gift card. What happened to that? To make a long story short; I cancelled my service and charged me $330. I called and they said they would charge $280. Well that didn't happen. I called and asked to speak to a service manager. They told me couldn't contact one. I asked for a direct line and they said they don't have one. I am disgusted with them and they shouldn't get away with this!

S
S
Significant
Metamota, US
Jun 10, 2011 5:44 pm EDT

Just spent over 3 hours getting a "bundle" from a very optimistic salesperson. After the sale was done and money swiped from my account
turns out i couldn't get 2 out of the 3 services in the bundle? and all of a sudden in order to get the extra two services would've cost $140 extra a month, for less than what i have now.

After 2 in a half long very painful hours of trying to get my account canceled.
DirecTV tried to have us call and negotiate with our current phone/ISP service so they can be apart of their bundle.
would not for the life of them cancel our account, i think somewhere in there they tried to sell me dish soap? and other house hold products.

By far the worst experience in my life on the Entertainment Part.
The salesperson alone should be most to blame giving the fact that he just sold a bundle that isn't fully available to their future customers.

O
O
Omertone
, US
Jun 10, 2010 9:11 am EDT

I had the worst customer service from direct TV. Not only did they not have the right phone numbers after I placed my order. When they couldn't find my account they got very rude and 2 people even hung up on me. Every time I tried to talk to a supervisor no one would let me and they would not give me their names. And to top it off they also debited my bank account. I had not cussed at these people or done any thing else to cause this behavior I would hate to think what would have happened if I had a problem after everything was installed.

B
B
Big L_Orlando
Orlando, US
Jul 26, 2013 8:36 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

When I signed up for directv it was at the end of the NFL season. Since my subscription package included the NFL ticket at no additional charge, I specifically asked their representative if that meant a FULL year and not just the rest of the season. I was assured it was for one FULL year, so I signed up. A week later I referred my son in law, who also wanted to wait for the season to end so he could get a FULL year and not one week. He too was assured by the liars at directv that he would get the NFL ticket for one FULL year so he signed up as well, and I was supposed to receive a $100 credit for referring a friend. I foolishly also convinced a neighbor to sign up and she was told we would get the refer a friend credit as well. Needless to say I never received either credit, and just figured there was a mistake, but when my July bill was $42 and change higher than previous bills, I called and asked why. I was told the charge was for the NFL ticket, billed at $42 and change a month for six months for $250 a year. When I explained that I was told I would get this free for one year, not two weeks, I was told that to directv one FULL year really means two weeks and there was nothing I could do about it! I explained to directv's customer service supervisor that I was lied to and he couldn't care any less and said there was nothing he would do to help me. He suggested that I send an email to the Office of the President and explain the situation. When I did, the answer I received was that to directv one FULL year was actually two weeks for me and one week for my son in law. I was also told that I didn't qualify for the refer a friend credit because my friends didn't call a "special" number to register. They actually called the same exact number that I called when I signed up and I did get one $100 credit because a friend referred me. But I referred two friends and got cheated out of $200 and another $250 for the NFL ticket! To be fair, the office of the president offered me a $100 credit in lieu of the $200 I was promised for referring two friends, but they still cheated me out of $100!

I should have known not to trust directv since my initial experience with a directv installer was not so pleasant. When directv's first installer showed up at my house to run the wires, he told me that I would have to pay $270 ($90 per wire drop that I needed to have run). I explained that I was supposed to have a FREE VIP installation, and he said that didn't include running wires! He even called his dispatcher who confirmed his lie that FREE VIP installation did not include running wires! I wonder how many people have been conned by this liar! Needless to say, I threw the liar out of my home and contacted directv. I was assured that there was no extra charge to run wires! So the installer lied to me at the very start! I wish that I would have been smart enough to see that I don't want to deal with a company that lies and cheats their customers!

To be honest, the office of the president did offer me $100 credit, $50 each for the two referrals I made, not the $200 they promise! That pretty much confirmed to me that they know they are cheating me and don't care, because if I was wrong about the credits, they would not have given me a penny! But they offered me half what I was promised in hopes that I would go away. And I will go away, the day my contract expires. I will leave directv and NEVER look back! directv will not see one more penny from me other than my monthly bill. I will NEVER again watch anything on pay per view, or any of their paid movies on direct cinema. Nor will I ever pay for a premium channel! directv cheated me out of $350 and I refuse to patronize a company that lies to their customers! And to make matters worse, the office of the president doesn't care about the deceitful practices this company uses!

M
M
Martin Brogdon
,
Dec 31, 2007 12:00 am EST

I have always been the biggest supporter of Directv. They have provided great product and service to me since I became a customer in 2001. However, recently my opinion has changed. I signed up for the new HD package several months ago. This included having a new dish and reciever installed. I was told that I would receive all the new HD channels. Then this week I realized that there were five channels that I was previously receiving that were no longer available. I called Directv and was told that I had to pay an additional $4.99 a month for these five channels. This is bait and switch advertising. I ask to speak to Supervisor and was transferred to a conflict resolution person. They offered me those channels free for a year but then I will have to pay for them. This is a great example of poor planning and marketing. If those people worked for me they would be out of work. This is False Advertisement. I am planning on contacting the Atty General for California.

M
M
Mec K
, US
Sep 03, 2010 2:08 pm EDT

Was lied to and told I could get a special monthly price if I agreed to add the DVR service at $7 a month. The rep stated I could call them within 30 days and cancel that and still get to keep the deal with no additional charges. On day 4 of my service I called and was told if I cancelled the DVR service, I would be billed over $100 and have to return the receiver and have it exchanged for a different one. The rep that sold me this package had stated I'd be able to keep the receiver even after cancelling the DVR. Asked to speak to a manager but the manager refused to honor what was originally said and repeatedly tried to talk over me.

K
K
K.Carter
Clever, US
Jan 28, 2010 3:09 pm EST

We called Directv just for a change from the provider we we're using. We ask how many boxes would be installed, would the DVR work for 2 rooms would one box work for 2 rooms and so forth as we didn't want boxes in all the rooms, they told us yes. We assumed the service would function the same as the other providers did and Directv would be cheaper. We ask if we could cancel if we weren't satisfied, they told us yes, as long it was within 30 days we wouldn't be charged anything. So the guy came to install it and right away I knew I wasn't going to be pleased. He brought in 4 boxes to be installed in 4 rooms. Said he needed to rewire everything, he did and it took him 7 hours to get everything done. We were completely dissatisfied. Nothing was the way we wanted and we DID NOT have the DVR that would do the things we wanted. We sent the equipment back. We received a bill for 450. We called them and they said, we have the equipment there's nothing to worry about you don't owe a thing. Today I looked at my bank account and they've pulled out $430, unauthorized. I called and they said it was because we ordered a DVR and canceled early. I told him we sent it back and we're told we didn't owe anything, he said it didn't matter they wouldn't put it back in. Then he ask me if I would like to come back to their company they would put it back in. We will dispute which I doubt will do any good. But I will never, ever go back or recommend them to anyone.

J
J
Jen
,
Jun 08, 2008 8:32 am EDT

I had DirecTV service for a little over three years. It began with technical issues we had with our satellite. On nice days our satellite would be fuzzy and shut down. After numerous calls to the technical team they basically told me there was nothing they could do because the readings they had at their office said the system was working properly.

This went on for a few months and they it seemed to fix itself, all without help from the service department. Recently we decided to switch to another company because it would save us money each month. When I called to cancel the problems really began. First off they explained to me that the DVR we had was only a lease when I was specifically told when we purchased it that they were running a special and we could purchase the DVR for $99. They of course said that they informed us but they never did.

Aside from that lie then I specifically asked if we would be charged any cancellation fees. I was told twice that we would not be charged anything because we did not have an outstanding contract because we had previously fulfilled ours. The customer service rep then told me that we would be receiving a check for the month of service because we were canceling within two days of the new month. I was told the check would arrive in 4-6 weeks. Well it has been almost 8 weeks so I called last night and not only were we not receiving a check but the money we should have been receiving went towards the CANCELLATION FEES. I was furious when I heard this. I explained everything to the rep and he basically said that we didn't fulfill our DRV agreement of two years. I spoke to a supervisor who explained that she would forward the complaint to the appropriate person but I am sure they will simply wipe their bottom with it. This type of behavior and lack of any response demonstrates to me that Directv obviously doesn't care about their customers.

A
A
ASkenbin
, US
Jun 10, 2010 9:38 am EDT

I had the misfortune of being mislead to belive that direct tv billed customers a month in advance for services and that my bill would be $46.99 a month for twelve months. I had services installed on april 5th, I got a bill for $85.64 due 20 days later and i was promised once I filed for a rebate my bill would be $46.99. I had an idiot representative trying to tell me I must pay a nearly $86.00 bill for something i never agreed to. I left comcast because they are rip offs, but it seems that is the case with direct tv. I have had direct tv for nine days now and i am VERY DISSATISFIED with these pirates whom had the intent of misleading the consumer about where thier hard earned money is nothing more than THEFT! Congress needs to be notified and laws need to be in place to stop these companies from taking advantage of consumers.

J
J
John In NY
Peru, US
Jun 21, 2011 6:27 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I'm paying a monthly maint. fee...Service failed 5/30/11...called DIRECTV...set up apptmt for 5/31/11...Tech came and adjusted dish...service failed again that night...called DIRECTV 6 more times requesting a supervisor...was told my issue was in CASE MANAGEMENT, and that they would call me...no one called...called agin 5 times---same story...called again today, 6/21/11...same story---under CASE MANAGEMENT & someone will call me...I cannot spend my working day waiting on phone calls that never come! DIRECTV service sucks!

A
A
Armadone
, US
Jun 08, 2010 6:52 am EDT

OMG...I thought I was the only one. I have been a faithful subscriber for three years with few small problems. My direct service had never been interrupted until recently. My next bill was due two weeks after the service was interrupted. I had to pay for the month I missed and the new bill that wasn't due yet! $300.00! That was on 3/12. On 3/24 the new bill came out stating that I owe $268.00. Now they say I owe $40.00 for a pay per view that I ordered in 2008 in which I did not. My service had never been hooked up to a land line because my house uses cells phones. We don't have land lines. They said that I did in 2008 (this is now 2010). My husband and I have lived in this same house for over 10 years; we have had the direct tv on the same tv's. Then thay said that I had to pay for the month that I had already paid for. Although I only owed $140.00 when my service was interrupted, I paid $268.00 but they said the extra money for for fee's! What in the malarky type of mess is that! They are legally stealing from hard working citizens! I closed out my bank account, called charter cable, and dismissed direct tv. I was a faithful customer, never missed a payment in three years until recently...they are the ones too lose out! Just don't do it if you read this while making your decision! check the bbb, I did report them.

L
L
Lillie V
Longview, US
Jun 21, 2011 6:41 pm EDT

When I signed up for service on [protected], the rep didn't inform me that I needed to send in a death certificate for my deceased grandfather who owed a balance of $54.20. This was not my balance, but it was connected to my name. I received no phone call nor email stating this or that their was a hold on my account. The tech came on 6-21 and spent over 5 hours setting up service when he found out about the hold. Upon calling to see about the hold and taking care of the hold that wasn't mine in the first place, the first rep, Tyran, was rude and showed no compassion for the situation. He, also, kept putting me on mute during the call, which is bad customer service. When I asked to speak to a supervisor, Johnathan #57047, he was ruder than his subordinate and showed no compassion what-so-ever as well. He also stated that their would be no credit issued at all even upon sending in the death certificate since I payed the balance. Even if I didn't pay the balance, it would have been written off anyways, so what is a little credit going to hurt, especially for a company who earned double-digit growths in 2010 and increased your cash flow over fiscal year 2009?! Customer service is at the core of every company and with customer service as such, by two individuals who represent the company and who are the foundation of the company, I rather pay double to another company for QUALITY customer service than to deal with jerks like them.

D
D
douglas blair
mt wolf, US
Sep 20, 2010 9:29 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I signed with DirecTV for two years, with one free receiver, and I rented three more. With about five months to go in the contract I called them to ask them to discontinue one of the receivers. The representative told me that the company "might" send me a shipping box to return the receiver in, but since it was an older model, they might not. If a shipping box did not arrive within ten days, I could just throw it away.
That box did not arrive, so I tossed the unit in local trash.
Now a charge appeared on my billing for $45.00 for the receiver. When I called and made all of this clear, the rep (and then the supervisor) told me that since I did not return it to them, I would have to pay the charge. I challenged them to admit that this is tantamount to calling a customer a liar, and although they didn't say it aloud, that's what it is.
I work in customer service, and it is 99.99% true, you NEVER call a customer a liar, you just give in and give them what they insist on. I can't wait to end this business relationship, which is highly soured.

A
A
Arhelio
, US
Apr 15, 2010 3:24 pm EDT

I switched from Comcast to get NFL Sunday Ticket, on 8/31/09. Premier Package is "supposed" to include every channel, ((except PPV) - it doesn't), and include 5 months of Sunday Ticket. I got NFL S/T last week but all the channels say "NOT PURCHASED", this week. I called the "Preferred Customer Care phone # they gave me. It referred me to another #. The computer couldn't find me by either my phone # or Account number. After finally getting the computer to transfer me to a "real" person - I sat on hold for 20 minutes. I gave up. Direct TV is no more competent than Comcast - maybe worse! Try the Dish. If I wasn't "locked in", I would.

R
R
Robert Murray
Philadelphia, US
Sep 04, 2011 1:59 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

As of 6/4/11 I had Fios Installed. I was continued to be billed by directtv. I was told no one never disconnect your service in the mean time i was over charged $216.00 . I talked to customer service and was told we cannot reinburse you you will have to prove you had Fios installed write a letter to the corporate office and let them decide weather they are willing to reinburse your funds. I do have a bill when it was installed if you have a fax number or address thanks Robert Murray

M
M
MsA_licia
Akron, US
Nov 12, 2012 10:38 am EST

I also signed up for the one yr 44.95 per month promo package. The first month my bill was $100, they took it down to $73 because I completed the required rebate to get a discount (which $73 is still not the $44.95 promised price) and then they charged me $130 the following month for the $27 they took off in the first month saying I underpaid when I signed up for autopayments, they take out however much theey want to so how can I underpay! My bill has been over $100 since signing up withe them 4 months ago and customer service does not help at all. All they do is explain that I have extra stuff that costs more when all I signed up for was the products that were supposed to be included in the discount package. When I ask them to take those things off my plan they tell me it is a charge for that also! I canceled my autopayment through customer service and double checked my online account to make sure that I was no longer enrolled. My account said I was no longer enrolled in autopayments and that my new billing due date was Nov. 10th instead of Nov. 5th as with the autobilling. Directv still debited my account for $130 on Nov. 5th with no warning (I still have no clear explanation as to why it is not $44.95). I have since canceled my bank card and got a new one issued because they can not be trusted with your card number. I was told to cancel my service it will be an $80 charge to my card (glad I changed the number) which there shouldn't be any charge because they have not upheld their part of the deal from the beginning. Bottom line worst cable company EVER!

L
L
linda neely
Margate City, US
Mar 04, 2011 10:49 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I got a new tv and my son came to hook it up, he discovered that I don't have Hd, I thought I had it when they hooked up my satalitie, now I"m having to pay for a new box and get a new satalite, they told me I have to pay ten dollars extra a month for HD.I never read the paper work I just assumed I had Hd.when I ordered my service I was told that the Hd is free.I live on a fixed income and I thought I had free Hd.There are four other people on my dish, could you please help me, thanks linda neely

Valerie
Valerie
, US
Apr 24, 2008 6:52 am EDT

I have been a premium customer of Direct TV for over 4 years. In that time, I have never been late on a bill. Last October I began using their high definition equipment. I began having reception problems that prevented me from watching most satellite programs. Their local maintenance team, Aerosat, came to my house on several occasions, which cost me a lot of time and aggravation. They were not able to resolve any of the issues. I was given credits to my account by a couple of customer service representatives at Direct TV, who felt sorry for me that I was having so many ongoing problems. Out of the blue, about a month ago, I received an unsigned letter with no name or phone number on it from P.O. Box 6550, Greenwood Village, Colorado, 80155, demanding that I provide a written explanation for the credits that were given by their people! I was stunned but I did as they asked and sent them a letter explaining the situation. I have a copy of that letter.

Then, yesterday, I received via FedEx an unsigned letter with no name, phone number or account number listed on it, stating that due to my failure to respond to their last letter, my service is being terminated on April 25th! Terminated! How can they do this? They even made me agree to a 2 year contract when I received my new equipment. I have done nothing wrong at all and I have spent several thousand dollars over the years with them, and now they are cutting me off so they don't have to give me my credit or provide any more service calls. They are also telling me that I won't get my credit back. This is an outrage and I hope you can help me. I spent all day yesterday calling different offices at Direct TV and not one person would or could help me.

L
L
Linda Pre
Greensboro, US
Sep 26, 2013 7:20 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have been with this company from 2005 and they do not care. I was told my bill would be $83.99 with taxes and all after up grade this year. All the customer agency and sup all lie to you about what you will pay. This month my bill is $110.99 and I'm on SS and told them could not afford the high bill and they could not help or care. Tomorrow I will be looking for a new service.

G
G
Guy Chee
Shonto, US
Mar 25, 2013 10:03 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I made a payment March 2, 2013 through a money order. # is [protected] for the amount of 77.00. I asked if the payment was received but was told no. Then got my service got stopped and had to be restarted. Please review it and can be contact @ my home # [protected] anytime. I will fax a copy of the receipt to you, thx

F
F
Freddie 2222
Jacksonville, US
Apr 03, 2013 5:21 pm EDT

I have been with Directv since 2004 while in Colorado service was ok. But since I move to Florida service has been substandard. I had about 8 Techs come to my house to try to correct Satellite issues, freezing up and so on. All the Techs were clueless did not solve issues. I even had one of your managers tell me to watch my playlist since the weather was bad and I had no service ( picture freezing up). To make a long story short when my contract is up with Directv in Nov this year...I will never never never ever ever recommend and use Directv again... Bye Bye Directv !

R
R
ranger1965
Rockwall, US
Oct 12, 2011 1:07 am EDT

Finally got around to sitting on hold for 45 min with Directv to cancel the NFL Sunday Package that came with my service when I signed up last year just to be told that since the season had already started that they couldn't cancel that package, and that I would be billed for the remaining 4 months left in the NFL season. How can someone bill you for a service they can stop providing immediately?! First they bait you by stating that the "package" was free (never used it even when it was free) in hopes that you forget to cancel the stupid thing before they start to bill you. So $200 more to pay on a stupid TV Package that I have never watched just because I procrastinated and waited too late to cancel it. Lesson learned! Never use Directv again, and if you do watch them like a hawk because they are crooked as a snake!