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2.0 2197 Reviews

DirecTV Complaints Summary

537 Resolved
1650 Unresolved
Our verdict: When using services from DirecTV with a poor resolution rate, be vigilant. Understand the common pitfalls other customers have faced. Prepare thoroughly for any interactions with their customer service, and consider alternative solutions if your issues are not addressed satisfactorily.
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DirecTV reviews & complaints 2197

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12:00 am EST

DirecTV early cancellation fee!

I ordered Direct TV service on October 30, 2007. The salesman lied to me when he said the cost of the hd dvr (about $200) would be given back to me in the form of a rebate once the service was activated. When I found out this was not true, and after a poor installation experience, I decided to cancel the entire service, within my 3 days right of rescission.

After 2 different billing problems that my credit card company helped get reversed, I received a bill for about $200, almost two months after canceling the service. I had no idea what it was about, turns out they bill you for the initial hddvr, even though it was RETURNED TO THEM, IN THEIR BOX, WHICH THEY PROVIDED. So, here is a company that charges you for something you don't have, and have returned it in a timely manner. Where do they get off doing something like that?

This is the worst customer experience (besides xm radio) that I have ever witnessed.

A resolution dispute specialist promised to call me back, never did. Just a horrible experience, and I hope no one orders direct tv again, hope they go out of business.

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JC Carnes
,
Feb 01, 2008 8:33 pm EST

I had a major problem with the Qwuest PHONE INTERNETT BUNDLE. after having sow many problems I wanted to cancel services 13 days into this Direct TV said to bad there is a $260 cancellation charge. I read the terms of the contract nowhere does it say anything about 3 days. The CUSTOMER SERVICE REP ( YEAH RIGHT) stated that that information comes 5 days after your service starts How conveniant. I will never sign anything again. When i told the intstaller I just had Eye surgery and couldnt read what I was signing he said that it is an agreement that if I cancel service I must return equipment,That sounded resonable to me. I will be locating him personally...SCAMMED if you have a problem with them they dont want to help at all. I will call the every day with problems until they cancel ME.

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12:00 am EST
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DirecTV - false promises!

I had Direct TV for 6 years, 3 month ago started getting bad reception, called them a few times, gave me several instruction to disconnect and connect receiver box, that did not work, called again they gave me same instructions, finally, I told them they need to send a tech to check dish and box, they said will charge me for it. I told them I should not pay...

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12:00 am EST

DirecTV overcharging!

In August of 2007, we began experiencing problems with DirecTV’s service and equipment. A DirecTV representative instructed us to go through several procedures and discovered that the receiver was bad. She said she would ship a new one at ‘no charge.’ Once the new receiver was installed, we still experienced problems. Next, the DirecTV representative dispatched a repairman to resolve the problems. Again, the DirecTV representative insisted there would be no charge for a service call.

On the next DirecTV bill there were charges for the new receiver, shipping and the service call. After many phone calls the bill was down but still not right and no one would honor the ‘no charge’ agreement all of the DirecTV representatives had stated would take place. Needless to say, after countless phone calls, arguing with so many DirecTV representatives to no avail, we chose to cancel the DirecTV service.

It took even more countless phone calls (being told the return box was shipped; oh, no it wasn’t; yes it was…etc.) and 3-4 weeks later, DirecTV managed to send a return box for the receiver, remote and card. We returned their equipment the next day, in a timely manner.

This nightmare grew even worse. Our bill is now $147.86 and for what... canceling the DirecTV service? According to DirecTV representatives, we are ‘new customers’, i.e.: once we activate a new card we are ‘automatically’ agreeing to a NEW contract. Never once did any DirecTV representative tell us this, is stated it in any of DirecTV’s printed material or on their web site. The real kicker is, (1) we have been DirecTV faithful customers for approximately five years so this isn’t a ‘NEW’ service; (2) we have never signed or verbally agreed to any contract and (3) never once has any of DirecTV representatives implied or stated by activating the new receiver and/or a new card would we be agreeing to a new contract.
It is our firm belief that we are not under any actual or implied contract with DirecTV, we have returned all of the DirecTV equipment, have paid in full all monies owed DirecTV and having been a customer in good standing for many years we are under no obligation or contract (implied or otherwise) to pay the $147.86 for canceling the DirecTV service.

After all of the aggravation, etc., they are threatening to ruin our credit rating by placing the bill with a collection agency.

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hah
charleston, US
Mar 14, 2009 8:32 am EDT

I had the same problem! Not counting the false advertisment of the $99.00 bundles package that was a big laugh. Oh, don't forget that if you look online at your statement it shows a lesser total than paper statement, but when you pay online the lesser amount the slap a late fee on you. Sound like a creditible company, uh!

ComplaintsBoard
R
12:00 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

DirecTV scam and fraud!

If anyone in the Volusia County FL area wishes to start a class action lawsuit against Direct TV I am in with you all the way. Otherwise I wish to start the ball rolling as Direct TV has taken 366 dollars from my checking account in 3 months (June 07, November 07, Jan 08). The last takeout was interesting the other day (Saturday) I was cleansing my e-mail accounts and I saw the message on Wednesday Jan 16th that my phone call to pay $144.38 has cleared. For everyone who wants to play detective here is a question: How can I use my cell phone on January 16th when it's 5 miles away from my reach? Why? It was in my home and I was in the local hospital for 10 days starting January 8th. Also I allege 3 counts of fraud against Direct TV as they are reporting me to a collection agency and taking money from my account.

Read full review of DirecTV and 24 comments
Update by Radar
Jan 22, 2008 8:21 am EST

Just forgot an item in my review - President of Direct TV customer service is Joe Peterson Charlotte NC. How do I know go to Direct TV website, clink link About Them, then pretend you are interested in a job there, the head officers will appear.
Everyone swamp his mailbox with complaints

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rcbartel
Elkton, US
Jan 08, 2014 10:45 am EST

DirecTV also sells through a company called BulkTV. I suspect that they are the same people.

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SAAB
Indian Trail, US
Sep 30, 2011 8:55 pm EDT

My wife and I have been customers since 09 and our contract will be done 10/17/2011, We are happy you have no idea but; they are the only ones who offer a full football game so my husband can watch his NY JETS in NC. They charge too much every month it is never consistant started @ $65 a month and then ended @ $160.20

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bigmoma1
Supply, US
Nov 27, 2010 1:42 am EST

Direct TV is taking advantage of people. They are suing people for thousands of dollars. Everyone should contact BB and tell all their friends. All they care about is the bottome dollar

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looniz1
Hayden, US
Oct 18, 2010 11:43 pm EDT

ok heres my delima i agree with tons of you above it is a scam and a fraud!direct tv, my service has been on suspension i got my place done had a guy from direct tv come out sep. 17th hook up a dish at my new home found out the 15th ocober amy acc. was past due 120$ they diconnected my service, i call and ask why, am told because of my past due amount by one girl, my services wern't suspended by another couldnt speak mexican with the other and finally, finally asked a i thought a logical person how does this happen ? i was told from my bill on oct 8th dam satelite didnt get hooked up till the 17th ! then all of a sudden the bill is reduced from 120 to 40 because of a credit in august i didnt have service in august was still living in a home with out power [censored]es!asked them how do u get a bill or a credit when u dont have service? yes i started getn pissy with em who dont then am told am going to get billed on my credit card for the recievers and dish i told them pick em up u can have em am done with you @#$%@s! was told had to pay to have satelite removed why? because i caught them being theives and am refusing to pay them now they want to threatn me? why should a person have to pat a past due balance when u never had one? #1 why do you lose service before your first bill#2 and who t f@#$ do theese people think they are econemy must be gettin to them now huh?

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shiftypeaks
Capitola, US
Oct 18, 2010 10:30 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I too am a disgruntled fan of Direct T.V. All though I didn't get charged a disconnect fee, as I quit when contract was over, but the reason I quit was the fraudulent actions I experienced with them. Las year I was contacted by a sales rep congratulating me on being such a good customer offering me a trial for NFL for only a $5 extra charge each month. I aske dif any more hiddedn charges and they said no just $5 extra for 3 months and then I could cancel by 12/31/09. I accepted this trial and cancelled previous to 12/31/10. Then my Feb '10 bill arived for over $300. I called and inquired about this charge and they told me it was the balance owed for NFL live. I said no way and I wouldn't pay and I didn't. They called and inquired and I told them why. About the same time I bought a new flat screen and preceded on installing with the original box I rec'd from them but never could ge a good clear HD pic. Went back to BEST Buy where I purchased tv and was told I needed this special upgraded box to recieve HD, so I did and rec'd a bill with a charge of $10 charge for rental of box. I called and was told that the $100 I spent on the box at Best Buy was a lease price I had to pay along with $10 rental a month and would receive refund on cancellation of service I recently cancelled for increase of monthly base price rising from original contrac of $49 a month to at the time of cancellation $75. When I called and inquired about when I sent box (that I bought) back would I still be gegting refund for box. Talked with cust serv. today and they said box is theirs, no refund dueand thats the way it is. CROOKS

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I ndiana fat boy
Englewood, US
Oct 08, 2010 4:02 pm EDT

This is my story about Direct TV. I shut down my service for six months because of moving for Indiana to Tennessee. I gave my new address to Direct TV when shutting down my service.
I could not have Direct TV in the house I am renting. The landlord said no, because the house was wired for cable TV.

I forgot all about Direct TV, because I was on Comcast. I never received anything from Direct TV. They had my Tennessee address before, I moved here.
I have lived here for over a year, when my youngest son ask me if I had Direct TV. I said not anymore. He had a bill from them. He mailed it to me. I called Direct TV and told them I could not have their service because of my landlord not wanting it in the house I was renting.

I was told I would receive boxes to send their equipment back to them. I was told I owed $199.51. I paid that amount and returned the equipment to them. This was August of 2009.

It is now September 2010. My main credit card company sent me a statement that they were reducing the amount of credit on their card by half. I was told I could get a free copy of my credit report and see if there were mistakes on it, because this was their source of information for reducing my credit.

I got my free credit report and found two mistakes. 1. I have never live in Staunton, IN. and 2. I had a collection company representing Direct TV for a past due amount of $296.90. I told the credit reporting company about both mistakes and they would correct them if my claim was correct. I received a letter for the credit reporting company that all mistakes had been corrected.

The last part of September 2010 I receive a telephone call form this collection agency. They tell me I owe Direct TV $296.90. I told them no I had paid Direct TV in full. I was told to write a letter of disputing this bill.

I am writing a letter to Direct TV also disputing their claim of $296.90. I was the one that called them to handle my account so I could pay it. I did just that. I heard nor receive any type of contact from Direct TV for over a year. I had never received any contact from the collection agency until September of this year 2010.

I thought there was a time limit for notifying a person of a debt.

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Dawn Grantham
Mayer, US
Sep 23, 2010 3:08 pm EDT

hello

I have been with Direct Tv for a year and have been dealing with nothing but B.S. since. Let me tell you my story.
First they put dish screwed into roof which has been leaking for over a year.
I jumped through all the hoops they asked me too so I could get the roof fixed.
To date no such thing has happened now the two reps. I have been talking with don't answer my calls.
It's moonsoon season and it's now leaking onto carpet and it will be no good soon..

If I had the money or a husband that was in good health we would just do the repairs.
My husband is disabled and just this last week has had heart surgery and a broken ribt in and out of the E.R. and hospitals.

As soon as my contract is up I will not ever use this company plus I tell everyone I know my story to hopefully keep them for doing bussiness with this sorry careless company.

Whats sad is we are all hard working people who only want to watch a little t.v. and get screwed by this big company who workers give us [censor] when we call for any reason and then they don't respect us enough to fix their screw ups. But by God when it comes to the bill being paid they are on it.

Tell all your friends and family stay away from this company they don't keep tp their words and are very rude and just screw you.
dawn G.

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BeneLady
Rockaway, US
Sep 17, 2010 9:55 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

After having DirectTv for years I had to cancel service as my new landlord would not allow a dish. I called DTV to cancel, gave them the new address, etc. They said they would send a FedEx box so I could return the equipment. One month later, still not box - then I noticed that a $160 termination fee was taken out of my account, but to top it all off - a week later they took $720 out of my account for non-return of the boxes. I was on the phone for over an hour and finally got a supervisor who told me they sent the boxes to the old address and would resend to my new address. I received the box and immediately sent the equipment back to them This supervisor said they would refund the money to my account within 72 hours of when they received the equipment. Still haven't received the money - I called them again today and got another run-around. Now they are only returning approximately $400 and are charging me for a month that I did not have service. They said the monies are returned to them in 72 hours and to me in 6-8 WEEKS. Where did they send the money if it had to be returned to them? I asked why they were holding my money hostage for 6-8 weeks and they said it was so they could make sure I am getting the correct amount of money back - I could use an abacus and figure it out more quickly. WHAT A RIPOFF. I'm going to contact the FAA next and BBB.

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XPARTNER
none of your business, US
Sep 07, 2010 9:39 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

DIRECT TV DISCRIMINATES ALSO AGAINST ANY PARTNERSHIP YOU'VE HAD WITH OTHERS WHO HAVE LIVED AT THE SAME RESIDENCE. I WAS APPROVED FOR SERVICE INSTALLATION, AND PAID FOR THE SERVICE.

THEY WAITED UNTIL THE DAY BEFORE SERVICE & SENT AN AUTOMATED MESSAGE THE ACCOUNT WAS ON HOLD DUE TO A BILL THAT WAS IN A PREVIOUS RESIDENTS NAME WHO HAD SERVICE AT THIS ADDRESS.

I STATED, THEN IF YOU'RE NOT GOING TO GIVE ME SERVICE THEN CANCEL & REFUND MY MONEY. THEY SAID, THEY CAN'T DO THAT, WHY CAN'T THEY DO THAT? THEY APPROVED IT, THEY HAD MY SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, MY PHONE, EVERYTHING ELSE.

THEY SAID UNTIL THAT PERSON'S BILL WAS PAID, I COULD NOT GET SERVICE & TRIED TO SCAM ME INTO PAYING HIS BILL! WHEN I VOICED THAT WHAT THEY WERE DOING WAS ILLEGAL THE DIRECT TV CONSULTANT HUNG UP ON ME.

DIRECT TV IS A SCAM - DO NOT GO WITH DISH EITHER, FIND A LOCAL CABLE ALTERNATIVE. THEY'VE CORNERED THE MARKET & OFFER NOTHING IN RETURN BUT HEADACHES.

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donald marston
Saint Louis, US
Aug 18, 2010 11:28 am EDT

i.need to return a remote that i forgot to send back with the receiver where do i send it.

ComplaintsBoard
K
12:00 am EST

DirecTV Scam and cheating!

VV Direct with above address, no telephone, no website, has been sending me porn videos. I didn't have contact with them. It appears they have a relationship with a company called Pharmazone Fulfillment @ 7000 n. 16th street, ste 120-454, Phoenix, AZ. 85020, that sells supposedly sexual enhancement stuff. Since I lived in Phoenix before I'm betting that ste. address is a mail box. It seems all the sex companies work together. That's my opinion. I'm guessing the only way to stop them charging your credit card is to cancel it!

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patty
,
Jul 22, 2008 8:34 am EDT

when i called i was told no obligation if I wanted it I call . I just recieved another package.
`1. THIS STUFF DOESN'T WORK!
2. IF YOU DON'T WANT YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR A UNWANTED ITEM!
3. ALSO 5.99 RESTOCKING FEE.
4. PLUS HAVE TO PAY TO SHIPP IT BACK

I THINK THIS ITEM IS BRETHMINTS WITH A DIFFERENT LABLE!

DON'T BUY THIS PRODUCT!

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B.J. Olsen
,
Mar 19, 2008 9:57 am EDT

The mailing of PORN to my address is to be stopped AT ONCE
I am sending this to the POST MASTER GENERALS OFFICES AND I AM GOING TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS KIND OF "CRAP BEING SENT TO MY HOME".. WE DID NOT ORDER
IT AND WE DON'T WANT IT SENT TO OUR HOME...

IF YOU SEND OUT ANYMORE IT WILL ALSO BE TURNED OVER TO THE POST-MASTER GENERALS OFFICES..
AS FAST IF NOT FASTER THEN IT WAS SHIPPED..

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Gerald Monefeldt
,
Feb 12, 2008 5:13 pm EST

Am continually getting porn DVD's, that I have never ordered. I send them back to "sender". I will have to see if I have been getting charged for them. I have never,repeat never ordered porn of any type in my life. I am 77 yrs young and lost my wife (of 53 yrs)18 mos. ago.

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dogooder
,
Feb 11, 2008 7:17 am EST

Try calling the owner on his cell. [protected] Tim Isaac has many on going cases in Arizona, all public info.

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Bill
Spam, US
Feb 02, 2008 3:54 am EST

Then cancel your card, and stop venting here!

ComplaintsBoard
K
12:00 am EST
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

DirecTV bogus early termination fee!

In November 2006 I bought a very expensive high definition DirecTV receiver with TiVO HD; it was about $1500 all told. At that time, I was told by the authorized DirecTV vendor (Weaknees.com, in West LA) “not only does this work great now, but it’ll get better when DirecTV adds 100 HD channels by the end of 2007!” Which they did. The only catch? Those channels are in MPEG 4 format, and the TiVO only understands MPEG 2. In essence, DirecTV turned my TiVO into a very expensive brick. BTW, after this happened Weaknees told me they’d been blind-sided by DirecTV as well, and had no advance warning the company was changing protocols in order to increase its HD channel lineup. I believe them, as I know several people there and find them to be reputable.

To make matters worse, DirecTV also dumped the TiVO platform in favor of their own DVR, conveniently made for them by another Rupert Murdoch-owned company, NDS. Every web site and gadget guru that have reviewed these models (the HR20 and HR21) all conclude they are sub-standard when compared to a TiVO. Even DirecTV’s own installers, when visiting me last Saturday to discuss why some HD channels I was receiving are no longer there said the same thing. “Dude, our unit totally sucks compared to a TiVO.” And a few months ago, when I talked to a DirecTV Technical Support rep on the phone, he told me, “If you’re a TIVO fan, you’re going to hate our unit. But if you don’t swap your TiVO for our DVR, you won’t be able to view or record HD shows anymore.”

I bit the bullet and decided to take a $1500 loss and dump DirecTV in favor of Charter Cable. When I called to cancel my DirecTV account, I was informed I would have to pay an early cancellation fee of approx. $137.50 because I was terminating my contract before November 2008! (I actually never signed a contract; there is small print on the installer's worksheet.) My credit card was already charged by the time I wrote this. I was also told I’d have to contact another dept. to dispute this decision, which I did. And here’s what they wrote back:

Subject
Billing Dispute -- Early cancellation fee.

Discussion Thread
Response (Ivy C) 01/08/2008 03:17 PM

Dear Mr. Gruberman,

Thanks for writing about your DIRECTV bill. I'm sorry to hear that you canceled your DIRECTV account because of the recent changes we have had for DIRECTV HD System.

When I reviewed your account, I found that we did our best to give you all possible offers you can get to continually receive all the HD programming. Unfortunately, you declined our offers and canceled your DIRECTV account. Because we significantly discount the price of equipment and installations, we ask you to keep your programming for at least 18 months for standard receivers / 2 years for DVR, HD, and HD-DVR receivers. I have reviewed your account and I see that you activated equipment on 11/07/2006 and per the terms of your activation offer you agreed to a 2 year programming commitment. Since you did not maintain the minimum program requirements we have charged an early cancellation fee of $12.50 per month not completed to your account.

For more information on programming commitments please visit our web site at directv.com/agreements. If you want to continue disputing the early cancellation fee, please write to:

DIRECTV, Inc.
Attn: Billing Disputes
P.O. Box 6550
Greenwood Village, CO [protected]

Sincerely,

Ivy C.
Employee ID [protected]
DIRECTV Customer Service

Just because they offered me a solution doesn't mean I had to take it, as it was a lousy solution! Then to charge me because THEY changed the deal, but they claimed I didn't cooperate with them? It's not right.

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fred a luffman
, US
Nov 17, 2011 6:01 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have been a customer of DirectTV for more than ten years. Always paid on time and considered myself a good customer. Presently my equipment is worn out and I called about a free DVR as they give them to new customers. I was told straight out it would cost me over $120.00 to get what I wanted. She admitted they were giving their old customers DVR's in Florida and Texas. I was told that I could go to their competitors if that was what I wanted to do. It doesn't make sense to me to loose a good customer over something they are giving to new customers. I guess I start looking

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jmb72305
, US
May 05, 2010 7:46 pm EDT

A similar thing happened to me! I had direct tv for one day because they told me it would work with my tivo, and it did not. I was then told by a customer service member that I had 3 days to cancel and not pay an early termination, but found out when I received a bill for the early termination that she was wrong. I disputed via letters, and phone calls, and was told I didn't have to pay until I received a response to my written disputer. I never recieved a response, and was sent to collections with no notification for the early termination fee. This docked my credit score 80 pts. I will never recommend direct tv ever to anyone! Stay away!

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CynthiaChristensen
North Richland Hills, US
Mar 29, 2010 9:48 am EDT

I was a DirecTV customer from 2007 to 2010. After my DirecTV DVR stopped working, I was told I had to wait several days for a repairman to come to my home and that I would be charged a $50. fee. Since I already had several issues with the company for continually raising the price of my package, I decided to switch to Dish Network. Only AFTER I had the Dish installed was I told by DirecTV that they would waive the $50. fee if I would let them come back. Once I said a final "no" to this "offer" they then said I would be charged an additional $120. early termination fee. I pointed out to them that I had already been with them 3 years. Their response was to tell me that their "offer" of a free DVR upgrade which I accepted in 2008 was in fact a NEW 2-year contract--which I was not told when they made the offer, and which I have no paperwork to substantiate. As a result of this treatment, I will NEVER be a customer again, nor will I EVER say one good thing about that thieving bunch!

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Shelly G
DC, US
Feb 03, 2009 11:16 am EST

I work at a class action law firm and we are investigating this issue. I am interested in talking to people and hearing about their experiences. Please contact me at shelly1100ny@yahoo.com if you have been charged an early termination fee by DirecTV, or if you have any questions on this investigation.

Thanks, Shelly

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joe madajewski
,
May 05, 2008 10:05 am EDT

in 2006 I almost died due to a BRAIN BLEED. I am still recuperating. I returned the leased eqpt from DTV. I OWN
other receivers. HAD to let my subscription expire. Owe hospital $144, 000! DTV says I still owe them $100's in 'early termination fees' which they will NEVER SEE from me, and they REFUSE to reactivate my service due to 'explained above' . DTV sucks. Have comcast cable now.

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Dan Reilly
,
Apr 06, 2008 10:33 am EDT

Yes, I'm having the same problem with a cancellation fee for HD service they were unable to supply. Why would I think that after 4 years of receiving their regualar programming I would not be able to receive their HD version. But, because I cancelled my DVR contract was slapped with a $150 cancellation charge. Billed to my credit card without authorization.

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Cam
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Mar 10, 2008 7:33 pm EDT

I fully agreed with the above complaint. Directv has to disclose the customer agreement upfront. I am having same problem with them. People be careful about this company.

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ric
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Mar 09, 2008 6:46 am EDT

I agreed with the customer ( mr. Gruberman) Direct tv. has to tell the the truth about a customer agreement that does not exist and on top of that they will charge cancellation fee, with out any customer signature or approval. Direct tv customer service is not capable to help you when you try to cancel the service.

ComplaintsBoard
M
12:00 am EST

DirecTV deceptive sales pitch!

I called direct tv and ordered a four room installation with one of the receivers to be HD. We got the total choice package. She said we would get free Show time and free Hd for the term of our one year contract. So I asked her what my total bill would be each month. She said 49.99. Then I asked her again "you mean my total bill every moth would be 49.99?" She said yes plus whatever tax, about 1 or 2 dollars more and you will have to give us a credit card # and a 99.00 charge for installation would be charged, but you will get refunded for that. Ok great, sign me up. It took three months to get my 99.00 refunded and I was being charged for three extra receivers at 4.99 each which put me at about 71.00 a month. After hours of talking with someone they waived 2 of the receiver charges and I agreed to pay for one. Now my bill is 56.00. So about three months ago my bills stopped coming to the house and they called and said they were going to interrupt my service. They said the bills were being sent to my e-mail. I never authorized e mail billing. So I checked but most of the bills were being thrown into my spam folder. My contract was to be up on jan27 2008 so i called today to cancel after that and they tell me I have a two year contract because I got an HD receiver. They said I would have to pay an early cancellation fee (a couple of hundred dollars. Nope I said I wont pay it. Check your quality assurance tape that you recorded on jan 25 2007 and you will clearly hear your rep telling me I had a one year contract. I hooked up a great antenna and am now getting 14 channels of HD that blows away satellite HD and the best thing is its free. Feb 2008 is the deadline for broadcast networks to stop analog broadcasting. Every thing will be in digital. I getting NBC CBS ABC FOX the CW channel and many public broadcasting channels for free. No more satellite bills. Their programming has really gotten crappy any way.

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12:00 am EST

DirecTV fraud, lies and rude customer service reps

When my wife and i signed up with directv i called the directv number in the phone book. And when someone answered the phone they said directv. I never knew that i wasn't even dealing with directv, but a company that pays to use the directv name. No one never informed me of this and i was never told that it wasn't directv. Well, when the guy came out to install the equipment, he was very rude and hateful. He said that it was late and he really didn't have enough cable to do the job. Well, i told him "you mean to tell me that you don't carry enough cable to do your job?" then he changed his attitude and said that he believed that he would have enough. Well, he rushed around trying to hurry like he had somewhere to go and it was on a saturday afternoon. And then he said that he was already missing out and wanting to go out and drink. That he didn't like to work on saturday. I told him that wasn't my problem. And that i wanted it to be done right. When he installed the dvdr he installed the thing and put it on top on my dvd player which was smaller. When i said something about him changing it that it looked sloppy, he said that it would take too much time and be difficult. He didn't even explain how to operate the dvdr. Toward the end of the 4 month special, i call directv and tell them that i want to cut my package down and they say that i couldn't get the least expensive package because the dvdr wouldn't work and i would have to pay more each month for it to work. No one told us this. And when we turned in the redemption form to get a free dvd player. We finally receive a letter saying that we don't qualify because we signed up with an unauthorized dealer. We didn't know it wasn't directv. Because the bills each month said directv. And i called them several times and was put on hold for over an hour. And the supervisor i finally talked with never did come back to the phone when he had me on hold. One lady that i talked to, said that she would credit me for one months bill so that i could go out and afford to buy a dvd player. I told her what was her problem. Not to insult me and talk to me that way. That she was a very rude and a smart aleck. She tried to make me feel like it was my fault that i didn't receive the dvd player and that i could always just go out and buy a portable dvd player. I told her that wasn't the problem; but that was the free rebate promised. And that they were all a pack of lies and fraud. Well, i mailed them back their equipment. And another thing i didn't know that you only rented it. Everything about directv is a lie and fraud. I don't know why they are still in business. The customer service reps are hateful, rude and smart alecks. If i had only found the complaints board website and read all the complaints about directv i never would have contacted them. Please, anyone who is even thinking about getting directv don't! Directv is all about lies and fraud and trust me you will have many problems if you get directv. This company needs to be run out of business. Our federal government needs to check on them. It should be against the law to mislead the public by telling lies and being a fraudulent company like they are. I want my voice to be heard and if i can get people who read this to decide to go with another company and not get directv then i will be a happy person and if enough of us go with other companies. Then directv will either have to straighten up or go out of business. Then i would truly be a happy person!

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Angel61
Tyler, US
May 05, 2014 5:37 pm EDT

We have Direct TV now for about a year and half and I just experience a bed attitude fro one of their Representatives who was suppose to help me with technical support, she was telling me what to do to reach behind the TV and check the cable line and unscrew it, I told her I am disabled, and can not stand up long, nor can I move my TV. so I asked my husband who is disabled also he has only one arm, and the one he has is not good, he was trying to do what she asked while I relayed the message; then she said on the converter box which is a small black box that sit on top of my TV, was what she wanted us to do at first unscrew the cable line on it she kept giving orders, and after the light would not come on, on the box she said, it need to be on before she could help, so I said well can you send out technician to fix it she said No, this is something we can do over the telephone, I said since we are disabled we do not know how to get it going without help she said can you call some one or how do you all do if you have a major problem with a appliance go out etc. I said we have not had that problem yet, we are just trying to get the TV going at this time, and you mean to tell me we pay our bill every month, which they have gone up since we got the service, we can't get a service man to come out she was still saying No and was angry talking, rude, so I hung up! I sit a while and layed my hand on the remote control and said Lord please! let my TV come on we do not have the money to get one at this time, and she said they want send anyone out, I then went to the TV, unscrewed the cable again put it back on sercurely and unplugged the main electric plug from the box waited a min. and pluggged it back up, while sitting looking at the TV the satellite monitor came on said searching for satellite and then! after the search bar went to 100% Praise! God my TV came on, I really want that Rep. to know she was no help only frustrated and made me angry! Had to ask God to forgive me! People need to be more understanding and friendly with others especially if you are a paying customer, I will be considering other TV options in the future, do not like dealing with customer service, or technicians like that Rep. at Direct TV. Wanted to call to report this but I feel her manager is the same, by reading other reports and complaints about them .

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12:00 am EST
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DirecTV changed package rates

I have subscribed for Direct TV connection choice package. At the time of application, the sales representative told me that I am eligible for $20/month rebate so that I will pay effectively 29.99 per month.

I have received only one rebate form for $10.oo/month. When I called customer service, the reply was "we are showing that you are eligible for $10.00/month rebate only". They are not willing to check the conversation at the time of subscription.

The representative (Bob) at Billing dept of Direct TV threatened me that they will send me penalty notice for $480.00 if I cancel the deal.

I was totally mislead and cheated by sales rep for which I am now being forced to pay $10.oo more for 12 months. The customer service dept at Direct TV is not willing to check the recorded conversation at the time of acceptacne of the package. It is totally a big scam.

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Jessica
,
May 23, 2008 12:20 pm EDT

A similar thing happened to me and I too was told there is a fee of over $400 to cancel. Direct TV should be charged with this Scam! It is not fair that we have to stay with a company for 2 years because we were given wrong info from their employees. If you go to consumeraffairs.com the complaints are endless.

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12:00 am EST

DirecTV early termination fee and dvr problems!

Tried Directv thinking I could get a better deal. Read the fine print, 4 free months of everything (as long as NFL Sunday Ticket is purchased. OK...That was my fault, but when the DVR started messing up over and over I got tired of having to reset everything and miss scheduled recordings. After many phone calls and e-mails I was told that I could get a new DVR, but I would have to sign up for a new 2 year term. OK, anything to solve all the problems. Technician came out and installed a new DVR. More DVR problems which I wrote down each time it happened. Kept calling and e-mailing but problems kept coming. I canceled service shortly after getting a new DVR and Directv sent me a last bill zero dollars due, but as promised by the company $288 was charged to my credit card. If there would have been few or no problems, I would have kept their service.
To people signing up for service, I would suggest using another provider.

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questorflas
, US
Sep 11, 2009 8:42 pm EDT

DIRECTV has just told me that they also take the stance that you owe them for their service whether you get it or not. That was pretty much a direct quote. That by having equipment in your home the COULD be capable of receiving their signal, that you agree in principal to owing them for getting the signal even if the equipment is not authorized.
Anyone who has ever had to deal with Satellite TV of any type knows better! They have their signal locked and encrypted and unless you get the authorization code, you do not get the service!
The reps have a lot of audacity to accuse someone of using something that they know perfectly well you were not capable of receiving without being authorized.

My advice is the same as the other posters. STAY AWAY from DirecTV. I would not advise anyone to take this service under any circumstances. You WILL regret it before it is over. Their ONLY objective is to keep as many checks coming in every month as possible with no regard to the satisfaction of their customers and they are not above misstating the facts in any way it takes to get your money.

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Rebecca Pineo
,
Apr 21, 2008 2:45 am EDT

I am having similar issues. I canceled my service with them after approx 6.5 years last May, simply because I thought my husband and I would be heading to divorce court so I decided to cut out every bill I had that was not necessary. I could keep the dish or the internet and I felt the internet was needed more, especially since the kids to get a lot of assignments they have to research online at home.

A week later, my DH and I reconciled. A few days later, he called them and signed up for a 1 year 12 month commitment in exchanged for DVR's. We had 2 of them. The first one lasted less than 6 months. When he called them, they told him they would send a new one out. He was NOT informed that by doing so, we were agreeing to a 2 year contract with them.

The middle of March, our other DVR died. We get a new one and out of the box, it's faulty. We tried over the course of a month to get the DVR to work. My DH made 4 phone calls and I made 6. Two of those calls I was hung up on, one time it was a supervisor.

If I had the money, I would cancel and go to cable. We already get our phone and internet modem from them, so it'd be cheaper to do so and we thought we'd make that change in May '08 when our original contract was up. But now they are saying it's 23 months and if they send out another receiver, when we activate it, our 24 month contract starts all over again.

I had the DVR receivers. November of '08, we'll have been with DirecTV for 8 years, minus the 1.5 weeks we didn't have servie due to us canceling it. I can not believe this is how they treat their customers, especially long time customers.

My DH doesn't want to change service providers because he really enjoys the NFL ticket program. I am at the point I am done dealing with them and their BS. The day we activated our last DVR, it didn't work that day and that day, they should have sent a new one out. Instead, the CSR told him that was the best he could do for him and wait a few hours to see if it started working out.

I believe I spent over 10 hours on the phone with them trying different things to get the DVR to work and my DH spent close to 4 hours. Several times I asked for a new receiver because this one obviously had problems. One CSR told me it sounded like we had a bad receiver, but unfortunately, their systems were down so she couldn't help and advised me to call back in an hour. It was already 11:30 pm at night and I have to get up at 5:30 am, so I called back at my soonest opportunity, 3 nights later, only to get the most arrogant CSR that hung up on me simply because I refused to unplug my DVR from my power strip and try it directly into an outlet. I refused because my DH had already done that the day it was activated 2 times and it did not help.

I would also like to add, prior to getting the DVR's, we had the same receivers for almost 6 years and not one time did those receivers go bad. But we switch to the DRV's and one made it 6 months, the other 10 months, but to get a new one, you either exchange it with them and that restarts your contract to 24 months again, or you go to a local stre that sells their equipment and pay full price for the DVR. Since the first one only lasted months and the 2nd one only lasted 10 months, there is no way in hell I am paying for one outright.

I thought when you leased equipment, if it went bad, the company exchanged it for free, no cost to you. This company has rewritten what leasing means. With sprint our insured phones are replaced without cost. With our cable company, our modem was replaced for free and they gave us a month free service for our inconvenience.

I am asking for a copy of the contract we supposedly signed that states when we activate a new box, we are renewing our contract for another 24 months. and I am contacting my state's attorney general's office about this. If nothing else, I'll file in small claim court and try to recoup my loss.

I would encourage everyone who considers going to this company, if you do, don't agree to any contract at all, even if you have to pay for an installation fee. You don't have to have them install the stuff, it's easy enough to do.

ComplaintsBoard
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12:00 am EST

DirecTV early termination fee charged!

I had been a DirecTV customer since September of 2001. I had been very happy with my service and really did not have much of a problem with Directv until I canceled my service in August to go with a better offer w/HD etc from Dish network. When I called up D-TV to cancel service. I was told they would have to bill me an early termination fee that I would have to write a letter in order to resolve. I did not think much of it but said that was fine. I sent in my first letter on 9/14 and never received a response from Directv. I called and spent another hour on the phone with a "customer service" person and a manager who again informed me that it appeared my 1st letter had been denied requesting the $125.00 fee be dropped. I was told to send in another letter. I did send another letter but before I did that, since I had originally been on a direct pay credit card billing, I reversed the charge for the cancellation fee. Problem was with this is that D-TV deducted $43.18 for credit from my current month service that I was charged prior to use. So I no longer am out the whole $125.00 but rather just the $43.18 since my credit card company could only charge back what Directv charged which was $81.82. I called again today 12/30/07 just to check on any status from my latest note and of course I was told there was nothing to be done because I accepted some promotion this summer that was supposed to give me premium movies free -- which I never received or used. After this type of treatment and reading other postings on this site and other sites, I now understand that there is nothing else that I can likely do. I may write one of the local tv stations help lines to see if they can assist. I just want others to realize the kind of snafu this Directv company does even when dealing with long time customers.

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socaltech
anon ville, US
Dec 23, 2010 2:13 am EST

Hey i work for them and i am of of thousands of mis represented employees meaning that they file 1099 on me through a middle man contractor who does the illegal part for them and makes me fork over tons of my hard earned money, to buy stuff to to there installs, while I have no rights and have to pander to directv staff just like the direct hire tech on legal payroll and if i get hurt i have two options loose any property i have when it comes time for the medical creditors to sue me for the balance or sue the home owner to save my own behind. I going to tell you right now, I an going to to sue the home owner to save my self from directv's employment fraud...

Frankly I could give care less about the customer, I just want to get the job done as fast a as possible so i can avoid working 16 hours that day that way my the %50 of my pay check that i don't give to directv and the customer can count for something, frankly I'm just a slave, that feels the sting of the bose mans wip every time i make the smallest mistake they take money $$$ directly from my pay check, even if they cant prove it was my fault and all i could to change that is become jobless and suffer a chance to loose everything i have,

I want to see directv go down in flames, I want to see them pay back every cent they took from us illegally, I want to pay my taxes since i bought the materials and gasoline and tires to help them benefit and prosper

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Lenoir
Rensselaer, US
Nov 12, 2010 8:56 am EST
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Update on my [protected] post regarding my problems with Direct TV.

They put me through a 6-month nightmare. But I got my state's Attorney General involved (NY), sent a complaint explaining how I was scammed by Direct TV's installer, how Direct TV itself was trying to swindle the termination fee out of me, and I won! I even got a refund for the money their scam-artist installation man took from me. And the termination fee was canceled after an apology from a DTV spokesperson. Of course, it took the Attorney General's intervention before I got any of that respectful treatment. Prior to that, DTV people were condescending and uncompromising. But it's over now. Never will I deal with that company again. And I make sure to cite my experiences with DTV with everyone I know should the subject come up.

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Mistypoo
, US
Jul 07, 2010 11:06 am EDT

We had to disconnect Directv due to my losing my job in April 2010. We had upgraded in Jan 2010 to DVR and even though we had met our original 24-month commitment from 2002, we had another 24-month commitment because of the upgrade. When I called Customer Service to ask if the service cancellation charges could be waived since the disconnect was due to my loss of work, I was denied.

When I look at my account online I see on the Account Overview page: "Thanks for being a loyal DirecTv Customer since 2002". I have to ask: Is this how you treat Loyal Customers who lose their jobs?

I am scheduled to begin work again in August and we will be going with DISH. ... Evelyn

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TammyBest
Gillette, US
Mar 19, 2010 12:28 pm EDT

I to have had directv and they ripped me off big time. they were charging me over 200 dollars a month and wouldn't even let me have my locals. We cancelled our service and they debited my account $ 72 and then another $ 284. they said thats my early termination fee. If any one knows what to do about this it would be greatly appriciated. STAY AWAY FROM DIRECTV. THEY SUCK!

Tammy

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DirecTV_Hater
, US
Dec 29, 2009 1:49 pm EST

DirecTV is the worst cable company out there. They lure you in with cheap promotional prices for the first year and then rape you thereafter. I have to go through the same early termination fee process. Their Customer Service is a bunch of ignorant High School dropouts who do not care about keeping the company reputation or what's best for their customers. They continuously over charge their customers fee and makes it a real hassle fight it. Needless to say I will never go with DirecTV again or will ever recommend them to anyone. It's better to go with someone else like Dish Network or your local Cable company.

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Casey
Boulder, US
Apr 02, 2009 7:05 pm EDT
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I lost my job last april, Declared bankrupcy in november, and have had my Direct TV service on hold for months. I had to move out of my house to a cheaper place and wanted to cancel the Direct TV because I still don't have steady work.

They are charging my $240 for early cancellation fee because I had an 18 month "commitment."

Needless to say, I am quite upset. I will of course never use DirectTV again, but that is little solace for my wallet right now.

Anyone know of any way out of these fees?

casey
Colorado

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Lenoir
Rensselaer, US
Feb 23, 2009 7:13 pm EST
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I had to move a couple months ago to an apartment and after already being without any TV for a couple weeks by then, I had DirecTV installed (the management of this apartment had cut the building's antennae wires, misunderstanding the conversion to digital that's coming up). I signed up with DirectTV because there was no other affordable option at this place. An independent contractor came out and insisted I had to pay him $80 for a simple installation ($40 per TV). This was a simple wire-through-the-wall straight from the dish setup - nothing fancy. I knew installation was supposed to be free, but he said because he was an independent, a fee applied. It turned out I was scammed, of course, and DTV attempted to get the contracting company to agree to reimburse me, but they never did. At the time this scammer was here installing the cable, he handed the phone to me and got me to agree to the 18-month commitment. Even though, to me, a contract is always something you SIGN. I never signed anything.

Anyway, a couple months later, and I have to move again to a different apartment. This place has cable already installed, so I called DTV today to cancel, and they are charging me a $300 termination fee, plus I'm to return the receivers. Two months of DTV and with the billing ahead, plus the $80 I got ripped off, they're getting over $400 out of me. And for what? All I wanted was the local stations anyway! I simply can't afford this fee on top of everything else. They're going to be waiting a LONG time for their money. I will NEVER subscribe to them again, and will warn off anybody thinking of using their service.

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Shelly G
DC, US
Feb 03, 2009 11:22 am EST

I work at a class action law firm and we are investigating this issue. I am interested in talking to people and hearing about their experiences. Please contact me at shelly1100ny@yahoo.com if you have been charged an early termination fee by DirecTV, or if you have any questions on this investigation.

Thanks, Shelly

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Jason Bittle
,
Feb 12, 2008 7:06 pm EST

I too am faced with the early cancellation fee. In December I began exploring the possibility of switching our tv service from DTV to AT&T U-Verse. To cover my bases I contacted DTV customer service to inquire about whether or not I was under any particular commitment. I was told by the customer service rep that I did not have a commitment. I repeated the question again and was told there would be no early termination fee. Last week I called DTV to cancel my service and was informed that I would be assessed a $175 early termination fee. I asked the customer service rep the manner in which I would have been informed of this policy and she stated I would have been told of this when I ordered the service (actually I was moving - "We like the way you move" campaign - a whole other story in which they are currently crediting me $20 per month for a year) and that it would be on the agreement I signed with the installer. I do not recollect being informed of the early termination fee when I signed up to move and it is not mentioned anywhere on the agreement I signed. I think it is funny to note that during our discussion about the process of filing a dispute (in writing) vs a phone call she stated that the corporate office requires disputes in writing because they would get too many phone calls. I quitely chuckled but refrained from commenting because at least she was cordial. If I am wrong then I will admit I am wrong and will no longer dispute the fee but right now there is no evidence that I was ever informed about this early cancellation fee. I am interested in hearing from anyone who has encountered this issue and the results of their disputes.

ComplaintsBoard
K
12:00 am EST

DirecTV satellite dishes need enclosure

This is my first winter with Direct TV and my service goes out whenever it snows because of accumulation on the dish. This can last for a few hours or a few days. I can understand why issues with tranmission of the signal might occur during inclement weather. What I don't understand is why such an exposed, vulnerable satellite dish would be installed in the snow belt without an enclosure.

Customer service at Direct TV advised me that I would have to clear the snow myself 2 1/2 stories up or wait until it melts. They also reminded me several times that I am under contract until Feb. of 2009.

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devils advocate
Boise, US
Feb 09, 2010 2:54 pm EST

OK so if DTV encloses the dish you would get signal from space how? Try a dish heater or shield or cover, they are all available. Some one has to remind you of your agreement, it is called selective hearing at POS.

ComplaintsBoard
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12:00 am EST

DirecTV false advertising, poor customer service!

I have phone numbers to call and report complaints to at the end of this!

Gee, there seems to be a trend here! I had a similar experience with direct tv in california. When we called regarding the ad in the mail, the salesman told me that the cost would be $44.95 a month for the choice xtra programming per month. In addition, we would receive three free months of hbo and a free portable dvd player. We specifically asked him what our first bill would be as we were having them directly debit our account. He stated that it would be exactly $44.95. We asked if there was anything else to be done to get the dvd. He said "no." we asked him how long the contract was for and he said 1 year. We signed up and an installer was sent out in 2 days! Wow, we thought great service! Wrong, wrong, and wrong again!

Seven days later, i noticed a debit for $67.95 on my account. Direct tv had debited the first months bill. We called and the customer rep said that we had to send in a rebate form with our first bill in order to possibly get the monthly rebate. We told them what had been told by the sales rep. They said we had to send in the rebate form-no discussion. My husband asked them about the dvd player. They said we did not qualify for the dvd player because a local installer had come out to install the dish and receivers. We told them that they had sent out the local installer-not us! They continued with the same stonewall tactics-that a local installer had come out, so we didn't qualify for the free portable dvd player! We told them that we wanted to cancel the service. They said that we had 3 days to cancel and that it was too late. We would have to pay $320.00 if we wanted to cancel! They also said that we had an 18 month contract! We said "no"--the rep told us 1 year. "sorry, but your contract is for 18 months." i told them that it was false advertising, misleading salesperson, etc and that i was going to call the better business bureau. The rep jim said, "go ahead!"

Now all this happened after 20 phone calls, being hung up on after transfers to a manager 3 times! This was the response after all those calls! I found this website after these problems! Hindsight is 20/20! Here are the places to call and the numbers to report your problems to:

(1) federal trade commission:
[protected]

(2) better business bureau in colorado:
[protected]

(3) california state attorney generals office:
[protected]

Some states have filed suit. For example, florida, idaho, illinois, kansas, maryland, massachusettes, montana, nebraska, nevada, new jersey, new mexico, new york, north carolina, ohio, oregon, pennsylvania, texas, tennessee, vermont, and west virginia joined in a lawsuit for false advertising. Call this number [protected]) if you are in one of those states and had trouble before may 11, 2006. Call and report to your state attorney general office to report complaints and maybe if we band together, something will happen!

Also, call your local better business bureau if direct tv is in another state! As i have read on the other blogs, i am sure that this will not be the end of the problems with this company!

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thepinkfairy
Playa del Rey, US
Mar 11, 2011 4:38 pm EST

Direct tv went into my account and took $308 without my permission then sent me a bill 3 days later. Talked to two supervisors who said they would fix it. They did nothing. They put the $ back into my direct tv account as a credit! Thanks to the post from Pablo I called the [protected] and spoke to Emily who gave me her direct # and said she will fix this. I am still cancelling Direct Tv and will never use them again..

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wildcard
, US
Jun 19, 2009 11:58 am EDT

I also had to buy equipment to make on Demand work after they said i had it free to use and did not tell me i needed to purchase equipment. I am also right now having trouble getting them to honer the current $21 a month rebate...What is with cable and satellite services sheesh. Call the attorney generals office they are a big help and the federal trade commission.

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upsetcustomer
Stockton, US
Jun 06, 2009 12:43 am EDT

Misleading Sales Rep. Lying Managers.

I asked the sales rep specifically, "Do you have OnDemand?" She said, "Yes, and it is free to you."

After the install, I found that the OnDemand did not work. I called technical support. I find out I have to pay $500 in equipment to get it to work on my 3 tvs. I asked to cancel, they said it would be $400 to cancel. I asked to talk with a manager.

After explaining to the manager, he said that if I did not cancel, I would get free OnDemand in all three rooms. I agreed and he sent out a service guy.

The service guy got one room working, but did not have the equipment for the other rooms. I called and talked with another manager. This manger said he would send out another service guy to connect my other rooms. After, the service guy left, I still did not have OnDemand in those rooms. I called again. They said I needed still more equipment to make it work.

I took two days off work to get this thing installed and it still did not work.

I told them that I wanted to cancel and they said that I would be charged a $400 cancelation fee (On my bank card! I can't believe I gave them my bank card).

I told the manager that I was going to report this to the Better Business Bureau. He said, "Get your contract out, they are going to want to see it".

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Robert
,
May 12, 2008 7:55 pm EDT

Wow! I thought I was the only one getting the royal shaft from Direct TV.

I think we should all go one step further. Send this link to everyone in your e-mail address book and tell them to avoid Direct TV like the plague. Then ask them to forward to all their friends, and so on, and so on...

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Vinod
,
Apr 12, 2008 11:43 am EDT

I am new customer; I got the receiver on last Monday till date
1. My account is not active.
2. I called DTV if not more at least 20 time, Even after so many promises the engineer does not show up. We are waiting at home since last 5 days, hoping for the miracle.
3. 90% of the time the calls goes to voice, by any chance if someone picks, he or she is not right person, try to transfer and guess what disconnected.
4. Even they say leave Voice message, they are not even courteous to call back.
5. Nobody tell the actual problem. Keep giving wild guesses.

Bottom line pathetic service, hopeless customer service, and I will never recommend DTV to any of my friends and family.

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David Jevahirian
,
Mar 11, 2008 8:42 pm EDT

DirectTV

To Whom It May Concern:

Let's start at the beginning...I called your customer service office to cancel my service. I explicitly asked the Representative at this time exactly how much I owed on my account. I paid this.

A month and a half later I get another bill saying that I owe $ 216.13. When I called to find out what this bill was for I was told it was for cancelling my service 11 months early since I had just renewed my contract. I didn't renew my contract. They pulled this out of thin air. I told the representative that I wanted this contract in writing to protect myself from it magically renewing itself again. She told me that DirectTV would not put it in writing. Which meant that I had no protection-I could never cancel DirectTV because each time they could claim that I renewed it when I didn't.

That's when I started getting phone calls from Nationwide Collection Agency. They call at all ungodly hours of the day and night. They told me when they are done with me I will not even be able to finance a pack of gum. Their words not mine. When I asked his name he told me it could be Johnny, Tommy, what the difference just pay the bill. This is really good behavior for such a large company.

When I check around I found out that I am not the only one who has this problem with DirectTV. It's a shame such a big business has to behave in this manner. I cannot believe DirectTV is so hard up for money. The little man has no protection against such a large entity. I hope you are really proud of your business practices.

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Scott Johnson
,
Dec 28, 2007 10:44 pm EST

I did some leg work & located their corporate office number which is [protected], try to call them. Explain the issue in a calm manner (don't be ### or angry) & explain why you think it's unfair & see if they will be able to assist you.

Generally that would be the final step with the company to get the charges reversed.

Pablo

ComplaintsBoard
R
12:00 am EST

DirecTV threatened by installer/liars/cheats!

Direct Tv was supposed to come out on a Sunday to install my system between 8-12. I took 1/2 day off from work (I am a server) so that I could be there during the installation. I called them at 1:00 to find out what was going on, and they said that it was never assigned to the route that they would get someone out by 5pm, so I called out of work again for the 2nd 1/2 of my shift. They called me back at 4pm and told me they could not find anyone to come out there. I was livid, so I told them to forget it. Then the field supervisor called me and told me he could be out there by 5:30. I explained to him he would not be able to see because it would be too dark. It then started to rain. he called me back to tell me he would not be able to make it because it was raining. He told me he would come out a few days later after 5:30 when I got home. I said ok. He then called me at work to tell me he was in the area, this was at 12:00 it was now or never. He told me it should only take 20 to 30 minutes because i gave him permission to start without me installing the dish outside. So I took my lunch and went home for them to install it. it took 2 hrs. they ripped all the wires out from the cable company and said we could not use those wires because they did not have any voltage. Direct TV told me installation was included. he tried to charge me $75 for the install. Then he threatened to put a lien on my house and come and rip out all of the wires from the house if i didn't pay him. I called direct tv and they told me he was trying to scam me. After hrs of everyone calling me it comes to find out it was considered a custom job and i would've had to pay for it. so on Christmas eve i lost my signal so i called them and we tried to troubleshoot together. So they made an appointment for someone to come out 4 days later. 4 days without TV? I don't think so. So i climbed onto the roof and noticed that when the dish was installed, he did not secure the antennae to the dish so the wind blew out the antennae. I called them back and told them all they need to do is put a screw in it. They told me that someone had to be there. After 1/2 an hour of arguing with them i finally gave in and told me wife she had to take 1/2 day off to be there. When they came they proceeded to give my wife a lesson on how to use the remote control, but didn't put the screw in like we asked them to. The antennae fell out 2 more time before they got there. Needless to say this all happened within the first 3 weeks of me getting this. I called to try to cancel it and they told me NO! How can I get out of this situation. Plz advise smb!

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DNP
,
Sep 28, 2008 3:58 pm EDT

This is so funny, our installation day was for today, and we had about the similar situation. We were called about 30 minutes from the timeframe the scheduled the installation. It was on a Sunday between 12-4pm, got called from somebody we do not really know if it was the real people, saying that the order was never assigned to a technician that all techs. We ended up cancelling, but it was a crazy trying to cancelling and we kept getting calls about rescheduling installation, ...what is this?who is lying? the techs who are supposed to be installing the satellite, or their customer service are trying to sign up people to get their easy quick commision!

ComplaintsBoard
T
12:00 am EST

DirecTV unauthorized charges due to computer error!

Direct TV is a company which people should be aware of. I ended my using them after using a debit card to pay my bills. Then upon leaving them I sent them back all three receivers as agreed. Then found on Christmas Eve that they had a computer error resulting in my card being charged for one of the receivers. This is after someone had called me from there days prior confirming that they had in fact received the receivers. I called them on Christmas Eve after finding they had charged my bank account for a receiver (over $200.00), they acknowledged the error, told me I will be getting credit but can't tell when. Joh Q Public should watch them and be careful what information they are given because they can have things such as this happen resulting in better profit margins in the event John Q Public doesn't catch it.

I called again today the day after Christmas spoke with a representative attempting to get her to tell me when the credit will happen, she put me on hold and hung up on me.

Great Company huh...

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wrongly overcharged
Ishpeming, US
Jun 03, 2013 9:13 pm EDT

Direct-tv has charged me $41.14 on my debit card for no reason at all and they cannot find it in their records. They tell me the only way I can correct this is by using a fax # they gave me (customer service) and to submit the complaint to this fax #. Now, does that make sense.

ComplaintsBoard
J
12:00 am EST

DirecTV late paying bill!

!Merry christmas to you too Direct-tv! One hour before christmas and all through the house, Not a creature was moving not even a mouse, When all of a sudden my tv went blank, because Direct-tv got greedy oh my what a plight. With my Tv black and down for the count. I bet the CEO and the President has a BIG special account! Ho, Ho, Ho and enjoy your holiday. I hope to get better service from somebody else, this. I pray!

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C
12:00 am EST

DirecTV non-existent multi-dwelling support

Below is a copy of a complaint letter I filed with DirecTV through their "Contact Us" form. Apparently they do not have a mailing address for official complaints and accountability is non-existent just like their support for subscribers in multi-dwelling units.

I will post any response or resolution to assist anyone else experiencing similar difficulties.

To Whom It May Concern:

I just experienced the worst US based customer service of my life. As a subscriber I am being put in the middle of a finger-pointing session between the contractor selected to provide service (Consolidated Smart Systems [protected]) and DirecTV, to whom I pay a subscription fee for service.

Equipment was installed by Consolidated for my building and the wrong identification info was provided in the paperwork to DirecTV thus preventing the building from properly receiving signal since the actual equipment is not authorized. My building manager has been in contact with Consolidated on multiple occasions and they are unresponsive since the problem is with DirecTV programming.

I contacted the DirecTV customer service department this evening hoping DirecTV would be proactive about resolving the issue and allowing their subscribers in the building to resume service. This was not the case.

I spoke with the level one customer service person expecting to escalate, which I did. I then spoke with Helen-LC597, a supposed supervisor. She was indignant and rude when I attempted to explain the situation, claiming DirecTV has no way to obtain authorization to resolve the issue and that your company is not even permitted on the premises--even with approval from the property manager. She refused to provide me with any information at all and told me to contact my property manager and nothing else. I requested to speak with her supervisor and was quickly passed along to Nancy-LC044. Nancy was more pleasant than Helen at first, but quickly regurgitated the same information like she was reading from a script. I asked her the following simple questions: 1) Can you please provide me with the phone number for my property manager to call to resolve the issue; 2) Can you provide me with the physical address to which I can send a complaint; 3) Can you provide me with your supervisor's name?

Nancy flatly replied "NO" to all three simple requests. Is this the role customer service plays in your company? Is it somehow not in DirecTV's interest to ensure their subscriber's are able to receive signal in their building? How am I, the consumer, supposed to resolve this issue? Any enlightenment you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

I look forward to a prompt response and a swift resolution to this issue. This has been going on for weeks and is expected to go on for several more weeks if nothing changes.

The address of the property in question is:
Santee Village Condominiums
738 S Los Angeles Street
(I'm in unit 306)
Los Angeles, CA 90014

I can be reached via e-mail or telephone as listed in this request.

For a company priding itself on customer service you sure are acting a lot like a cable provider. Do multi-dwelling units count when measuring customer satisfaction?

Best Regards,

Chris Mammarelli

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carlos
,
Aug 23, 2008 3:23 pm EDT

Chris

Has your problem been addressed and fixed? I am currently looking into getting DirecTV MDU connectivity for my condo association. After contacting me to DirectTV they are referring me to Consolidated Smart Systems. Overall, the process has been a pain and I cant even get someone to come out and do a site inspection. So far I am dissapointed with this process. I am sorry to hear about your problems...

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Micheal Gentry
,
Jan 12, 2008 6:31 pm EST

Direct Technologies in Dallas, NC contracts for Directv and they refuse to pay me the $3000.00 owed to me for working for them. The owners Jessica told me I was getting my money back in October 2007 and Stacy her husband will not pay me. He has a criminal record for being a thief. If I had known this when I was hired then I would not have worked there. This is a low life ### company. Please avoid them totally. They will rip you off!

ComplaintsBoard
B
12:00 am EST

DirecTV no show!

Hi,

I signed up for installation & service of DirecTV satellite TV through a DirecTV provider, the smart circle.
Because of the nature of my work, I have had to reschedule in the past because of being out of town, and they have always been kind & accommodating in rescheduling.

We finally had a date set for Tuesday, December 11, between 12-5pm, and I made arrangements to be available for the installation on that date.

Well, last week they changed my installation date at the last minute (on Monday 12/10), from 12/11 to 12/19, and I made considerable arrangements to be at my home today between 12-4pm.
It's now 4:40pm, no one has called or shown up to install my DirecTV service.

I've had it--I don't have time to deal with this during the holidays, and I believe that if they weren't going to install today, they could have at least extended the courtesy of a phone call.
Now I've blown four precious hours that I will never get back, came back from a trip out of town a day early to be here for this, and I still do not have satellite TV service.
This is not the way to start a business relationship, and now I don't intend to.

So I guess we're going to have to get by for now with our sub-par cable service, since I can't seem to find anyone to provide us with reasonable, dependable and reliable television service, and I do not have the time to sit & wait for DirecTV to maybe show up and provide the service I thought I signed up for, and expected to receive.

Sincerely,
Brian

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12:00 am EST

DirecTV awful service!

Apparently there have many of the same complaints...so maybe this will not be addressed.however recently I brought a new TV with the plan to watch HD stations... Directv has made 6-7 visits to my home with multiple technicians who have not connected the television correctly... (please be aware that we were hoodwinked and told we NOW need to purchase a larger satellite and HD service.) Every week I have a conversation with the customer service department trying to trouble shoot our problem. We continually receive SEEKING SATELLITE SIGNAL 771... on the screen despite our efforts to follow the over the telephone directions from customer service... This is becoming tiring not being able to watch our new television. A proper response would be more appropriate that rescheduling incompetent technicians. At this point we are prepared to cancel our service... switch to Timewarner and contact the attorney general for theft of services... Oh... I also don't like not having TV when there is bad weather... this is when you need TV.

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Dram
,
May 31, 2008 3:56 am EDT

I too just signed up for DirecTV's HD service. First, their TV commercials stated they would have "over 100 HD channels by the end of 2007." They don't.
I constantly get the "Searching for Signal - 771" too. I've found it always happens with a channel change. By using the Previous button, keying in a channel number and programmed channel changes is when it happens.
But, returning to the previous channel then returning the missing signal is there.
1st call: go through all the recorded troubleshooting steps.
2nd call: tried to explain to the computerized answering service the problem. It doesn't understand. I hate a computerized phone service telling me which problems I am allowed to report.
3rd call: talked to a real live person. Same troubleshooting steps as recorded steps.
4th call: they agree to send out a tech. Was able to show him the problem. Nothing he could do.
5th call: real person again.
8th call: Oh, that particular receiver has that inherent problem. Techies are working on it and will download a patch to solve the problem.
12th call: real person. Oh, well you signed the work order stating that you were happy with the installation. That makes sense? If a problem occurs after installation it too bad because work order says I was happy with the installation?
Now.
When the installer came I asked him to use the same mount as the original dish which was located on the outside wall. Later, when I went out I found the original dish still there and the new HD dish attached to the roof.
Which call was I up to?
?th call: I had to pay for the installation of the HD dish. Now I have to pay DirecTV to have the HD dish relocated. Then I will have to pay the apartment manager to have the roof repaired.
Wouldn't it make sense to have the original mount able to be retrofitted for the newer HD dish? Guess not.
In addition now there's a farm of unused dishes on the building because they won't remove them. Just keep adding on with each new account.

ComplaintsBoard
D
12:00 am EST

DirecTV lied until they got me stuck with the contract

They lied to me about packages and prices until the technician(Who has no idea about the package you bought) comes to your house and install the antenna. After the antenna is installed there is no way to get out of the contract. In my case, i was told by 3 different employees that i was going to pay 39 dolars per month for 200 channels, and 1 dvr and 1 receiver was already included. Me and my wife made sure that no other fee would be charged, and the first bill would be $39 plus taxes(We asked that question several times).
The techinian came and installed the antenna, and i asked him" so i have the 200 channels package right?" and he said, " i don't know the package you have, i just install the antenna", than he showed me a paper full of numbers and codes for me to sign, i signed and he took it with him. So, after one week i received a bill for 70 dollars.
I called customer service to find out what had happened.
Their employee told me that i had a 2 year contract and that the price was right for what i chose. I talked with 3 different customer service representatives before i decided to change to direct tv and no one told me about the 2 year contract, and all of then 3 told me the same monthly fee(39 dollars). After the antenna was installed i received a contract letter. In the contract it said that if i disagree with the contract that i could call and cancel the contract, and thats what we did, but the antenna was already installed and that was enough to be stuck in the contract. I have called direct tv many times to try to get some justice, it took many calls to lower my service to a cheaper package( they would tell me that the change was done, but than i would check it, and no change was made), i got hung up on phone a couple of times. I could write three pages about everything that has been wrong with direct tv service. I have had accounts with time warner and charter, but direct tv is the worst by far!

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anna
,
Apr 03, 2008 4:47 pm EDT

Direct TV imposed an early termination fee of $460 on my account even when I cancelled the service the next day. The picture was blurry and the installers are clueless as to how to make it better. Dtv then told me I signed a contract upon completion of installation. This was when the harried installers shoved the lengthy very small print pink 2 page contract in my hands and asked for the signature that the work is complete before they can leave. Who would have thought they would resort to such dirty tactics ? I called & write to their Dispute Dept. for a whole month - NO REPLY. Then on my final call, they told me a decision have been made, and I am to pay the early termination fee no matter what. I am fed up with this company and will take them to court if I have to. Please, people, DO NOT sign up with DTV unless you are willing to sacrifice customer service & hours of dissatisfaction.

DirecTV Customer Reviews Overview

DirecTV is a digital satellite TV service provider offering a variety of channels and packages to customers across the United States. Their services include live television, on-demand content, and digital video recording capabilities. Subscribers can choose from different tiers, which provide access to sports, movies, and premium networks, depending on the selected plan. DirecTV also offers streaming options through its app, enabling viewers to watch content on different devices. The company caters to a diverse audience seeking customizable entertainment solutions for their homes.

DirecTV In-depth Review

Pricing and Packages: DirecTV offers a range of pricing options and packages to suit different budgets and preferences. Their pricing structure is transparent, with clear information on the costs associated with each package. Customers can choose from various package options, including basic, mid-tier, and premium packages, each offering different channels and features. The value for money offered by DirecTV's pricing is generally considered to be good, with competitive prices compared to other providers in the market.

Channel Selection: DirecTV provides a comprehensive list of channels, catering to a wide range of interests and preferences. Their channel lineup includes a diverse selection of entertainment, news, sports, and lifestyle channels. Additionally, DirecTV offers premium channels and sports packages, allowing customers to access exclusive content and live sporting events. The variety and diversity of channels offered by DirecTV are highly regarded by customers.

Equipment and Installation: DirecTV's equipment is known for its quality and reliability. Customers have reported positive experiences with the performance of DirecTV's receivers and remotes. The installation process is generally smooth and efficient, with professional technicians handling the setup. DirecTV also provides customer support throughout the installation process, ensuring any issues or questions are addressed promptly. While there may be additional fees or charges related to equipment and installation, they are clearly communicated to customers upfront.

Customer Service: DirecTV's customer service is responsive and effective, with representatives available to assist customers with their inquiries and concerns. Customers have access to various support channels, including phone, email, and online chat. The helpfulness of customer support agents is generally praised by customers. Based on feedback and reviews, customer satisfaction levels with DirecTV's customer service are generally high.

Reliability and Signal Strength: DirecTV's signal is known for its reliability and consistency. Customers have reported minimal disruptions or outages in their service. The signal strength may vary slightly depending on the location and weather conditions, but overall, DirecTV provides a strong and stable signal. Any reported issues or outages are promptly addressed by DirecTV's technical support team.

On-Demand and Streaming Options: DirecTV offers an extensive on-demand library and streaming capabilities. Customers have access to a wide range of movies, TV shows, and other on-demand content. The user interface is user-friendly, making it easy to navigate and access on-demand content. While DirecTV's on-demand library may not be as extensive as some other streaming services, it still offers a satisfactory selection of content. The quality of streaming is generally good, with minimal buffering or playback issues.

Contract Terms and Cancellation Policy: DirecTV's contract terms include a specified length, typically ranging from 12 to 24 months. Early termination fees may apply if customers cancel their contract before the agreed-upon period. The cancellation policy is transparent, with clear information on any associated charges. While some customers may find the contract terms restrictive, others appreciate the stability and benefits offered by longer-term contracts. Overall, DirecTV's contract terms are considered fair and flexible.

Overall User Experience: The overall user experience with DirecTV's services is generally positive. Customers appreciate the wide range of channels and packages available, as well as the reliability of the signal. The quality of customer service and support is highly regarded, with prompt and helpful assistance provided. While there may be some limitations in terms of on-demand content and contract terms, DirecTV is still considered a reputable and reliable service provider in the industry.

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