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DirecTV Complaints Summary

537 Resolved
1648 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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ComplaintsBoard
L
5:40 pm EDT
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DirecTV service & installation

We ordered Direct TV service in late December. The first installation appointment they could give us was January 19, 2009. On that day, installation day, after during the previous week receiving no less than 2 emails confirming the installation, Direct TV called and left a voicemail on our answering machine that they would not be able to come out because they didn't even have installation crews in Washington State. Now, I ask you, why would they schedule an installation for a day that they didn't even have a crew? Because we had much work to do to removed old unwanted wiring and were planning on doing this at the same time as the installation, we had both taken the day off at a cost to us of $400 plus dollars. We called Direct TV and arranged another date of February 8, 2009. We were told at that time that we would be given a $100 missed appointment credit. The installer showed up with the wrong equipment. He spoke very little English and communication was very difficult. After explaining to him that we had ordered HD DVR's not just standard, his comment (rude) was 'What do you want me to do about it?' He said we should just continue with the installation and sort it out the following week as it was Sunday. We decided not to do that and called Direct TV immediately. The customer service person that I spoke with said that it was good that I called, because had I signed his form when he left, I was signing indicating that I was happy and what was installed was what I ordered. She sugessted that I stop the installation. At this point, because he had already torn out my Dish Network system, dish & wiring, I told her that I would be without television until they could get the correct stuff out to me and that this was unacceptable. She put in an escalated complaint, told me to have him finish the install, sign the paperwork and make a note on the paperwork indicating this. I did all this and she then rescheduled me an appointment for March 8, 2009 for another installer from Ironwood Communications to come out with the HD equipment and dish. I asked her about the missed appointment credit from January 19 and she said that she could not honor that because it had not been properly filed and there was a form that should have been filled out. This was never offered. We were just told that it would happen. There was some confusion as to whether or not I wanted to HD DVR's or one on this phone call and because I thought it was going to cost an additional $200, I said one. Then when I figured out she meant $200 total including the $99 I had already paid in December 2008 to get this going, I said, okay then two. She said she couldn't undo this but would make a note on the file that when I purchased a separate HD DVR from an outside source and called to activate it, they would then issue a $100 credit to my account and gave me a confirmation number. So, here we are present day (now 3 months after originally arranging all of this). March 8, I go to work, my husband is home on the couch. I get home from work at 2:00 p.m. (install scheduled for between 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. ). I asked him if he had heard from Direct TV or the installer and he said 'no.' I called to find out what the problem was and they said that the installer had been out and no one was home. MY HUSBAND WAS SITTING ON THE COUCH RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE DOOR, but you cannot see our driveway from the house. The installer apparently called the landline phone, but because someone was either on the phone or it was busy, he just indicated we were not home. WE WERE HOME. HE DIDN'T GET OUT OF HIS TRUCK AND WALK TO OUR DOOR. I called on March 8 and spent 3 hours on the phone and had it escalated to 2 different supervisors. Finally the last supervisor told me that today, March 9, someone would call me by 8:30 a.m. to schedule a same day installation. No one called from Ironwood Communications. At 12 p.m. someone from Direct TV did call to find out if the installer had been out. My husband indicated that 'no, no one had been out'. He was told that they would call and find out what the ETA was on the installer but that they could schedule someone to again come out on Monday, March 10. My husband told that person that that was unacceptable because we had to go to work and we should not have to take off yet a 5th day for this. At 2:30 p.m. on March 9, I called Direct TV again and was given to yet another supervisor who said that we had indicated that we wanted the install on March 10 and that someone would be out. Finally, furious, I said to them to send me a box so I could return this equipment. She told me that I would have to pay A CANCELLATION FEE OF $400 because I had agreed to a 24 month service and because I had signed the installers paperwork on February 8, 2009 I was stating that I had recieved what I ordered, regardless of my complaint on that very day! Then she very sunnily informed me that my service agreement of 24 months stood and that I would be billed for $20 per month for the duration of the contract if I wanted me service cancelled. I don't know what else to do. I am not getting what I ordered. I ordered 2 HD DVR's and two standard receivers. I have missed or my husband has missed 4 days of work, I have been on the phone for hours and no one seems to want to make it right and then I find out I can't even cancel!?

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sam ferrer
Yonkers, US
Oct 01, 2009 11:01 pm EDT

Dear Mrs. Lisa:

I'm so sorry to hear that your installation experience was so awful. I'm a sub-contractor my self, and the some of the things you express here really happens.

Is not suppose to be like that, unfortunately it happened to you.

sam,
new york.

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itsmetoo
fuckyou, US
Aug 01, 2009 1:46 pm EDT

###, i install this stuff and find ppl like you all the time, probly your husband was dead asleep on the couch, i have come across this many time, and have see costomers sleeping on the couch banging hard on the door and them still snoring there ### off, so i think that last appointment is your husband stupid fault for not being awake, so i think you are just a stupid morron that deserves what thay get, lol ###

ComplaintsBoard
S
11:16 am EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

DirecTV fraud.. unethical practices

Sandra skaparas
13647 n. 37th way
Phoenix, az 85032

Corporate headquarters
1801 california st.
Denver, co 80202
For general inquiries: [protected]
Or [protected]
Fax: [protected]

Direct tv
Po box 6550
Greenvillage, co [protected]

Corporate. [protected]@qwest.com
Cunsumerxchange.Org
Tvonyourside.com
Regional manager
Idaho office
Fax: [protected]

Re: sandra skaparas
13647 n. 37th way
Phoenix, az 85032
[protected] direct tv acct # [protected]

**** all response should be made via us mail or e-mail ****

Update sun march 8, 2009 7:05 am new information/problems

This is a request to have my file reviewed with regard to the monthly maintenance fee…i was told by april on 3/6/09 that all equipment maintenance was included in the package price of $ 29.99 per month…i asked her this question more then once during our conversation and she assured me that it was include. It was not until my installation was complete that the tech stated it was not. I would like the maintainence fee to be considered as part of the package as I was told and any additional fee be waived.

Additionally, I would like a review of the policy regarding add on charges to properly install the dvr’s…breaching the outer perimeter of the home opens up the possibility of moisture leaking into the wall space and contamination of mold—i would like the dvr’s installed (Since they were part of my package) properly with the wiring done via the attic access at no additional charge to me.

It should be noted here that the tech had to go into the attic anyway because when qwest installed my cable they used a splitter on the main tv cable which was dropped down from the attic and ended up being located in the wall going to the main cable box—satellite would not work unless he removed that splitter…

After waiting since thurs for my installation crew-on saturday march 7, 2009 britney from direct tv called to say that the tech would be out between 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm today-they arrived a little after 5:10 pm.

The technicians (2 men-1 guy was lead and I did not get his name and a trainee named donald—please note here that his name probably would have been on a standard work order form, if he had one—he hand wrote the info on my installation on a plain white piece of paper that I was not allowed a copy of) came in my home and asked me & lsquo;what kind of service I wanted’-my understanding is that a work order with this information would have been on hand…after everything that had happened to date I was really plum out of patience—well I was so angry— I said (Yes in a loud voice) & ldquo;you do not know what service I ordered? I don’t work fo directv…what does it say I the work order? How can I tell you that when I was not even aware until 1 hour ago that you were even coming today & hellip;not my best moment I admit…but having little to no communication with anyone since thur at 7:30 am I was not even really sure anymore what was submitted. I pulled out the brochure I used (Which I had gotten from my neighbor-remember, nothing was ever mailed to me about the termination of services.. See below) when calling in and read it off to him.

He told me that the dvr install would require that he put additional holes in my home because they would not go through the attic as that would be considered a & ldquo;custom” job and would be charged out at something like $45.00 per hour to me. Yes…that made me even madder…he said he could call his supervisor and he could determine what the charges should be…. I requested he call him and he handed the phone to me…the first words from ricks mouth were, and I quote, & ldquo;what’s the problem now”—well I had enough…i asked rick if that was the way he began every conversation with a customer…he did not know what I meant…i thanked rick for his time and handed the phone back to the main tech who had some words with him and then hung up. The tech came back to me and said that rick canceled the order and they were leaving…. At this time we resolved the issue of the dvr’s-i did not want holes in my house and could not afford a & ldquo;custom” job so I settled for the receiver’s only although that was not the service I had been promised. I requested that they get rick back on the phone…. I asked him why he canceled my order and he said that I was rude to him on the phone and I had & ldquo;upset the tech“…his tech did not have to work in a :hostile“ environment…. (Well as a customer I certainly felt that I was being tormented by the process that I was going through…lack of communication, outright misinformation, inability to resolve the issues and lack of cooperation from nearly everyone I spoke with— perhaps the environment would have been more pleasant if I had been treated properly over the last few days—). I informed rick of the changes re: dvrs and he finally relented to let the installation move forward (It turns out that these tech’s were finished for the day before they were rerouted to do my installation—my job was added on to their day and if the dvr’s were included it would have taken them 3-31/2 hours…perhaps that contributed the main tech being upset…perhaps he was tired himself and could have handled himself better…but i’ll bet that that was not an option for rick who was attempting to appease his tech’s who were not happy to have another job added on to their day).

The tech’s are now doing the install and things are moving along fine, the main tech is no longer angry and speaks with me in lite conversation…even laughing a couple of times.. I asked if & lsquo;were ok now‘ and he says yes…. All is good. However, I can‘t help but think that his mood lightened because of the change in the order therefore significantly shorting the installation time… (Donald has been polite and fine with me the entire time).

Finally, the install was done and the tv’s working…i am ready to since my work order (The plain white piece of paper that the tech had to hand write and I was not allowed a copy of) and the tech brings up the maintenance agreement for the equipment.. I state that I am positive that in my phone call with april on march 6th (And with jake on mar 5th I believe) I specifically asked about the maintenance on the equipment and was told that it was included in package price (I am appositely certain about the call with april) — the tech indicated that it is not included and if I do not authorize the $5.99 charge with him right now and decide to add it on later they will be an additional $ 20.00 activation fee however, if I sigh up with him now I can cancel at no additional charge after I have spoken with the office…. So what can I do…. I was not able to reach the office so I signed…

Misrepresentation of facts to make a sale can be added now…. Seems like qwests tactics in general are unethical and immoral if not out right illegal…but within the available communications arena they are the lesser of the evils…

_____________________________________________________________________________________
Prior complaint-previously submitted on march 7, 2009

How to begin….. On wed march 5th at 6:30 pm a man named jason knocked on my door to inform me that my qwest cable was going to be disconnected at 5:00 am on thur march 6th. (By the way, my service was disconnected before 3:15 am not at 5 am)

Although jason indicted that I was notified by mail and telephone (I do not have a telephone connected in my home so I am unsure how he thinks that happened) he was in error…. Therefore, I was surprised and upset.. Jason had a list of approximately 12 other customers who he had to visit that night who’s service was to be terminated at the same time as mine and who had not called in to schedule the direct tv service yet. Why he came out less then 12 hours before the termination time is beyond me…and ridicules.

Let it be noted here that I just paid my qwest bill on monday & hellip;.. They billed me for my cable service for 2/19/09 thru 3/18/09. & hellip;they fraudulently billed me for services that they new they were not going to render. If they really wanted me to know about the termination of services then they should have noted it on my statement…i would have certainly seen it then. They just wanted to collect unearned revenue…. Perhaps to inflate that number in financial reports to stockholders, some government required reporting or to artificially inflate the companies worth for a divisional sales/intercom any negotiation.

Throughout this ordeal everyone has told me that qwest is not affiliated with direct tv…that they are separate & lsquo;companies’. Is that true…? My guess is no.. They are separate divisions, co owned by the same parent company or some similar arrangement!

I immediately contacted the sales office @ [protected] and scheduled an installation date of fri march between 12pm - 5pm with jake (Idaho office). Additionally, the 1 time install fee of about $19.00 was waived due to the problems I had experienced. Since I was angry about the situation, I was not the easiest person to deal with but jake did a fantastic job using all of his customer service skills and knowledge…our call ended with a happy customer…me!

After ending my call with jake I decided to check with my neighbor about their service. Turns out that if I had received the mailed material or if someone had notified me earlier in person I would have been able to take advantage of a special which would have given me a better package at the same rate. Because of the mix up by qwest I contacted them again on thur to see if they would honor the special. I spoke with april and she determined that they would honor the special deal for me and filled out the forms etc. To make the programming change. I was told that there should be no problem keeping my original installation schedule time of thurs mar 6 between 12:00pm and 5:00 pm but that she would submit
Some kind of & ldquo;escalation form” to be sure. Again…happy customer…. But not for long.

At 4:14 pm on thursday 3/6/09, after waiting all day thursday for the install without contact I called
The service center and again got jake. I explained that I had not been contacted yet and requested he check out the status of my appointment. He put me on hold to see what he could find out, he returned to me and told me that the person that could get that information was in a meeting and I would have to wait for her to call me back. They only have 1 single person that can handle such a request? She was due out of her meeting in 15 min and I requested that he find out and call me back that evening.

At 4:45 when I had not heard from jake I called the service center again and spoke to a gal named stephanie (Agent id sch-also in idaho). Again, I was not a happy person and was hard to deal with but I have never encountered a person less capable as a customer service representative as this gal. She was being sarcastic and snide to me and I stated so…she hung up the phone I me. Intentionally pulled the plug! Now I was angry…i called the center again and, go figure, got stephanie again. I requested to speak to a supervisor and she stated she needed a reason (All the while speaking to me in a sarcastic tone of voice) - I stated that I was have a problem with my installation and again asked for a supervisor…she stated she needed a reason…i stated I just told her why and asked for a supervisor again... She stated she needed a reason…i stated that I was having a problem with my installation and again asked for a supervisor…she stated she needed a reason…i just said forward me too a supervisor/escalate this call to a supervisor because now I am also having a problem dealing with you…. She kept repeating that she needed a reason…. Talking over me… and I kept asking for a supervisor…it was ridicules…like dealing with a 2 year old…finally I said & ldquo;stop acting like a kid and give me a supervisor. At this point she went off on a rant & ldquo;what did you call me…. What name did you call me…. You can’t cuss at me…. And on and on…“ finally out of frustration I just hung up the phone…not happy at all…

Several more calls in an effort to get a supervisor failed….. On friday morning march 7th 9:40 am I got a message from jake that they could do the install on sat afternoon.. I have been trying to confirm this and some 4 hours on the telephone have still been unsuccessful….

. You have failed miserably to meet your ethical standards:

“at qwest, we are committed to delivering world-class products backed by unmatched customer service and integrity. & rdquo;

Cc: arizona corporation commission [protected]
Better business bureau
Fcc
Channel 3 & ldquo;on your side”
Fox news
Idaho corporation commission
Idaho better business bureau
Colorado corporation commission
Colorado better business bureau
Texas corporation commission
Texas better business bureau

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B.A.
,
Oct 31, 2008 2:37 pm EDT

I ordered Directv through Qwest. Without notifying me, Directv added the NFL and NBA packages to my service and began billing Qwest who in turned billed me for them. Directv refuses to crdit, and then so does Qwest. STAY AWAY FROM DIRECTV, ESPECIALLY WHEN ORDERED THROUGH QWEST. ITS A SCAM!

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MAZEYEH
Aurora, US
Jun 12, 2009 10:30 pm EDT

I have spoken with a 23 different people to get my service with you corrected. This has gone as far as me feeling I need to contact the BBB (which I have contacted and you will be hearing from them shortly) I had been very pleasant with your people at your company and feel my hospitality is completely gone with how incompetent your team is. I am going to sum this up for you and you may contact me for more details.
I started my service with qwest/direct TV in the middle of March. Was told a price and received a different one on my bill, a much much higher one at that. Not only that but I received two different bills with two different account numbers. I called in and the guy I spoke with told me one account was for a guy named Joe in Boulder CO and not to pay this bill another told me it was a dummy bill to start an account with you. I then received more bills one for 275.00 which was my "first month charge" and the next day my Internet service was cut off... I called in to make a payment and got transferred back and forth from Qwest and Direct TV because neither of your companies could figure out who had my bill. I was being transferred back and forth until I received a message that the offices were closed and I had to wait till Monday to speak with someone.
Monday I called in and finally I was able to pay my bill "some how" they found my account. 24 hours later my service was still not restored. I called in again to see what the problem was they were able to restore my internet and through this I was told I was only getting .5 of a gig speed internet for a 7.0 gig I purchased. They had to send out a tech to give me the service I had already been paying for.

I then got more bills for this guy Joe in boulder with my name and address on them. I was beyond upset with your company. Called in and was told it would be taken care of. Asked them why I wanted at least the phone portion of my bill refunded back to my account due to the abundance of problems I had encountered. I was transferred to customer loyalty. She told me I could sign a 2 year contract for 6 months free Internet...no way! I refused and she then said a manager would get back with me.
Guess what... another bill. At my bitter end I called in again and this time spent 3 hours and 27 min and many different people including managers to get this straighten out. It turns out "some how" which no one in your extremely dysfunctional company could explain to me, my bill got "separated" when I had asked to bundle my services when I first started. I was also being charged for the same thing on both Joe from boulders bill and mine. So do I believe anything your company says? No. And I told them I was not going to pay some one else’s bill. I had already paid mine. Also on his bill "I" was getting charged for services I do not have with your company so this is even more proof this is not right. They tried to force me to pay this, which is unbelievable sense no one could tell me why the account numbers were wrong.
I told them no way was I going to pay this and your company is taking the bullet for there own mistake. They transferred me back to customer loyalty. I told her the situation.again.. And after over an hour she finally understood I want this other bill taken care of. She said 120.00 would be refunded to my account. But it will take up 6 billing cycles. Which in this time It will already have been sent to collections and effect my credit. Which will be another problem for you. I told her thank you. She then asked " how can we keep you as a customer?" I told her no way not with what I have been through, I just don’t trust the company. And her response was " well then I cant give you the 120.00 credit" What! I went off on her. I told her yes she was. And I wanted the number to corporate. She said, " They don’t have a number, Just a P.o.box" I told her to then email that to me. Then at one point she said " I took it upon myself to get this credit for you and I have been on the line for over an hour with you." really? Okay well I was on the phone again for 3 hours and 27 min Im sorry she had to sit at her desk and do her job for over an hour.

I got a cancel order confirmation and guess what? No one has came and got the boxes yet and also the 120.00 credit went on the account...the wrong one.. So I still have a bill that has not been taken care of.

I have names of all these people. I have again reported you to the BBB and will report you to every one I can think of. I still have not heard back from any one, which makes me think you are all to scared to face the problem you caused. And as far as my credit being affected by this "other bill” I will take this to court.
I still haven’t received the p.o box for corporate.

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ByteRider
Chandler, US
Jul 06, 2009 7:18 pm EDT

We bundled internet, cell, home phone, and TV together. Qwest was charging us approx. $300 a month.

We got a call 5 months later that we were $1, 500 behind on the bill and they disconnected EVERYTHING while the guy was talking to us. No phones, Tv, Internet, nothing. All gone. We switched to Cox 2 seconds later but buyer beware... DO NOT GO WITH QWEST!

The bill was so high because:

1. They tacked on services we did not order
2. Claimed we order "50 or more movies" from PPV on Direct TV in just ONE month along
3. Charged us for long distance... but unable to show a bill with long distance numbers on it
4. Charged us for services we did not order
5. Mistated charges for a number of other services

This company is a RIP and a half. AVOID LIKE THE H1N1 VIRUS!

Lesson learned, too, is: If you have an issue with ONE service, ALL your services get disconnected! So, bundling is NOT the way to go. It isn't worth the money you save [$20'ish].

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Karen N
Pendleton , US
Aug 21, 2009 12:37 pm EDT

In May 2009, I called Qwest to find out the special they had going for bundling my Internet Service with Direct TV. I spoke with Kevin Hansen. After discussing the service with DTV and the prices. I said I was interested in it. He told me that I could get Internet for $14.99 a month with the fist six months free, then thereafter the $14.99. I would get DTV for for $45.00 which included 1 regular received and $5.00 for the DVR. As I was already spending $36.99 a month for Internet Broadband and $43.07 for Charter TV Cable, this was a very good deal. I had him e-mail me the specifics so I would have it for my record.

There was nothing about getting my rebate from DTV myself or a $10.00 charge for the DVR programming. When I called Qwest and inquired about it, they didn't have any record of this order but the order of $36.99.mo for internet like it was and around $72.00/mo for Direct TV which including the three movie channels. When I explained what was promised, they told me I had to apply for a credit from DTV of $21.00. For what I didn't really understand. I thought that this would straighten the problem and they would uphold the agreement between Kevin Hansen, their agent, and, myself. They said it would take 4-6 weeks to have the credit come thru.

The next month I get another bill for $72.? and called them again. I spent 45 minutes on the phone being transferred from place to place without results. They were very rude and very stick it to you attitude. They said they were going to go back and listen the the many phone calls I had with Kevin Hansen, who personally called me. They said it would take two to three days. They called me back the next day and came up with they were going to credit me with approximately $250.00. When I asked what it broke down to, the person could not tell me. I said I needed someone with some authority and they gave me someone else who in return could not help me. They turned it over to the dispute department. They said that they could not find the telephone conversations. They said about only 80% of the calls were recorded. Funny how my phone calls didn't get recorded. If you want to get a good deal, but screwed, email kevin.hansen@qwest.com.

I think that Qwest should be investigated and have to uphold their offers given by their agents representing them. Where I work, we have to back our word with actions, so should they. BEWARE it's not what--"What you see if what you get" It is "Buyer Beware"

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sitkashiva
Federal Way, US
Feb 16, 2008 8:24 am EST

I had the same experience after signing up for Qwest internet. I was told that I would be recvg. a $75.00 rebate. Filled out all the needed paperwork, sent it in, nothing. When I have tried to contact Qwest all I get is the runaround.

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MT Birkmire
Phoenix, US
Jun 17, 2011 3:08 pm EDT

My bundle services has increased to almost 200.00 a month and I'll be penalized for dropping these companies early. I'll be dropping these services anyway because I can't afford their surprise increases every month, I'm furious at the amount of stealing and taxing in these bills it is OUTRAGEOUS. Nothing but thievery. I contacted QWEST and they blame DirectTV for the increase.

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james d donato
Las Cruces, US
Jan 21, 2010 9:51 am EST

charges of 50.00 unexsplained comfrimation #N56423602

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mark308
Marshall, US
May 24, 2011 5:41 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Same runaround for change of service $100.00 rebate. I am going to change service provider.

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Brad Neldon
Seattle, US
Aug 24, 2009 11:37 pm EDT

I feel your pain. I have wasted hours on the phone with Qwest and when finally someone tells me they will honor the plan I signed up for I hang up thinking finally...then the next months bill comes and nothing has changed. Qwest lies about there offers.

@CenturyLinkHelp
@CenturyLinkHelp
Monroe, US
Jul 07, 2009 11:12 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hello there, my name is Brian and I work for Qwest. It sounds as though you had a bad experience with us, and I apologize that you did. I would like to offer my assistance in helping to resolve any issues you may still have, that are yet unresolved. I can assure you that we are not out to rip people offer. Sometimes mistakes can happen and/or misunderstanding can occur, whether by us or our customers. Either way, we are here to help.

If you would like my help, please send me an e-mail to TalkToUs@Qwest.com, and put my name in the subject line. If would also include your billing number & billing address, I will take a look into your account once I receive your e-mail.

Thanks,

B
consumer affairs manager
Qwest Communication
www.socialmedia.qwest.com

ComplaintsBoard
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1:38 pm EST
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DirecTV $1,500 for 5 months on $49.99 plan

My total bill on my $49.99 per month plan was over $1, 500 for five months of service. I paid one bill by credit card on-line, because they could not find the address to mail the bill to. Once they had my credit card they placed $400 on my credit card after I called to cancel. Every monthly bill was over $100. The crazy part of this is that it was for a vacation home and I only watched about 20 hours of TV per month. That works out to $15 per hour…better off buying movies.

Dont believe the adds, you will be over $100 per month on any plan.

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Cristos
Buffalo, US
Apr 17, 2012 10:20 am EDT

your website sucks as much as DIRECT TV does

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Cristos
Buffalo, US
Apr 17, 2012 10:16 am EDT

Direct TV reps told me "sorry sir" (yes they called me SIR) when I asked why I was paying twice as much as originally PROMISED. SORRY SIR? What kind of thief calls you SIR?

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5:54 pm EST
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DirecTV poor service and hidden charges

Big Corporations Like Direct TV
feel they have the right to abuse their customers.
As the public we are really being taken advantage of as customers. At one time people took pride in their jobs and the equipment was good. Not today, they send you the cheapest equipment knowing it will not last and then when you have a problem instead of fixing it they give you are big run around making it look like they are doing something.

I lost the signal on one of the receivers I have. They wanted me to call them, couldn't just email me the instructions with images so I could do it without going through a bunch of bull with their automated call center. We've all have been through the automated call centers so you know what I am talking about. Any how lost the signal, the only way to get it back is turn off the receiver, unplug it and pull the chip out. Leave it off for about 5 minutes and plug it back in. Then it works.

After a half hour on the phone and resetting the receiver, well that is their solution. Needless to say if it happens again I will have to go through the same thing. Another fact is if this happened "ONE" time then there is a PROBLEM with the receiver and it should be replaced so I don't have to go through this again. Second they know everything that I watch and what the receiver is doing at any given time. If you wonder how I know, watch their ad about knowing who is watching what show at any time. I should not have to give up my time because of their problems. They don't care if you miss your favorite program as long as they get their money. Now they won't email you the instructions so you can do this for some reason, they make you call. and this is from one of their emails and I quote:

"Thanks for writing us back. I understand your current situation. We are limited to what we can troubleshoot by email, but we want to ensure your system is up and running again as quickly as possible. As previously mentioned, since you have the DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN, the best way for you to get help as soon as possible is to call [protected] and choose the option to speak to a technical assistant.

You would have to speak to the DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN department directly to have this issue resolved as any service call or receiver replacement processed through the email department would require a charge for the service."

Simple instructions with images work wonders in solving problems. I know I do it all the time helping people with their computers. So why the run around, got me. But they will not send the instructions via email and they are really simple instructions.

I emailed them about this problem and they insisted I make that dreadful phone call, at my expense, (prepaid cell at 25 cents a minute) just so they can say they did something. Now odds are the receiver is going to go out again when a program that we don't want to miss and have to go through this all again.

As I said the problem most likely would return, well it did a week later and I had to call them again, this time they said they would ship me a new receiver and would receive it in 3 working days. I called on a Tuesday, and they said that it would "ARRIVE ON SATURDAY" but the shipping company did not work Saturday's so it would be Monday. Now Tuesday to Friday is what I call 3 working days but I am getting I guess somewhat old and can't counts as they do today. The receiver should have be shipped the first time and saved me the headaches of dealing with a company like this and the loss of the service I am paying for again. As long as they get their money we the customers do not count.

After receiving the new receiver box it had to be activated. They gave me an 800 number to call for activation. I called that number only to get a menu to choose from. Seems they would have given me an 800 number directly to the activation department instead of wasting my time with a menu.

So after going through their menu I finally got a woman who was going to activate the box. Well after trying for 15 minutes she couldn't do it and had to transfer me.

After being transferred they wanted my life history including and this is amazing they wanted to know what room it was in? Sounds like there were staking out my house.

They also wanted to know the Model Number, the serial number and another number which was on a small tag on the receiver that was so small even with a magnifying glass I couldn't read it. So while I am trying to tell this guy it was too small to read I looked at the screen of the TV and there on the screen were the numbers he wanted. Funny he didn't know they could be found there.

Sadly the story doesn't end there. After I finally got this thing activated, about 30 to 40 minutes I went online and checked my bill and guess what? They added a $1 fee for a leased receiver when the one I had been using for two weeks didn't work. Now only was I without a good receiver box for two weeks, they now want to charge me a lease for a receiver box? Talk about GREED AT ITS WORST. As you can see it is autopay so from the last billing it was paid in full and there should be no charges until my regular monthly bill is sent so what is this extra charge for? Some CEO needs the money I guess.

Whatever happened to pride and a good job and doing the correct thing? Like just sending a new receiver so this problem doesn't happen again. One other thing a supervisor came to the house to check the installation told me and hasn't been done yet. This was about 7 months ago that he told me the pole the dish was on was supposed to be cemented in the ground and the wires run underground. He said they would send someone around to do this and I had to pay $50 to have it put on a pole in the ground because I didn't want them running bolts through the roof of the house.

After paying you would think they would do what they promised but hey they got their money and the pole still hasn't been cemented in the ground and the wires are blowing in the air.. So before going with Direct TV better plan on not having any problems or else get ready to be put through a bunch of crap for no reason at all.

Unlike other products you buy, when something goes wrong, you call and they give you a RA number to return the product and they replace it. NOT DIRECT TV, and by the way, they don't have 24 hour tech support. It starts at 8AM till and I didn't pay any attention but it most likely is 4 or 5 PM so pray you don't have problems at other times or you will be paying for a service you will not receive until they open up again the next day.

This is nothing but big corporation greed at its worst.

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I don't believe it
San Diego, US
Oct 21, 2009 1:19 am EDT

Let's get together and drive these criminals out of business.

loissherman@ymail.com

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DirecTV wouln't honor promotinal rate after signing agreement

$39.99 / mo ya, right! During our recent relocation I saw an advertisement for direct tv. The ad was offering a, 1 year, discounted, plus dvr, bundle package for $39.99 a month. The discount was enough for me to give them a try, what a mistake!. When setting up service the representative lets me know that the first bill will be a bit higher because of prorating and assures me that I would be receiving the $39.99 promotional rate. During this call I am informed on everything except that I need to go online to submit a rebate in order to receive this promotion. My first bill is for $62.99, I call direct tv and they assure me that I will see my credit on my next bill and still nothing about going on line for my credit. Next bill $62.99 again! I call again, then and only then do they tell me that I needed to submit the rebate, which I had 60days to submit and now it was 62 days (I was out of luck). I then ask to speak to a supervisor; I am then transferred around to several more cs reps until I reach sean the floor supervisor. He is very rude, belittling and interrupts me at any given chance. I am then informed, “there will be nothing changed on my bill and that there is anything I can do about it”. That there was no reason for us to speak any further, nothing will be changed. He goes on to inform me that it is not their responsibility to inform their customers on information that they should already know. How exactly was I to know this, it wasn’t posted anywhere on their advertisement, it wasn’t disclosed by their representative when calling and questioned the bill, just to be expecting the credit. He was very clear that I signed a 24 mo. Agreement and would have to buy out my contract if I cancelled, my account was what it was and that they would not honor the advertised price. Also, to let me know again that there was no reason to carry on our conversation. I regret ever leaving dish network. If others have same complaint, please email me at [protected]@yahoo.com. I am in the process of filing a complaint with the bbb and attorney gernals office. If more cases similar to mine are presented, then a class action.

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karla e.
Los Angeles, US
Dec 31, 2010 11:53 pm EST
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Direct Tv has the worst customer service. I regret switching from Dish network. They nickel and dime you with the program channels, their remote control is difficult to navigate, and their customer service does not aim to keep their customers. I wish the government would make contracts to stay with these companies illegal. Dish network- how I long to come back!

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Kevin
Minneapolis, US
Mar 21, 2009 6:41 pm EDT

I would like to join you both in this fraud rebate scam. I purchased the exact same package as Jennifer plus HD and asked them (and recorded their answer) what my monthly bill would be for the next 12 months. It took their supercomputer several minutes to calculate the bill and after 30 minutes of my repeating the question I was told $59.68 per month give or take a few cents for taxes that change. I am glad it didn't take more that 45 minutes as my tape was running out. Ok, this is December 2008 and the installation of two receivers took three weeks due to all the customers signing up. They could only do one room because the tech only had one receiver so I needed to order another receiver? (Pay for it and $200 to have them come back and install.) I must have complained to the right person as this was resolved on one call and they were back out in three weeks. While waiting for the second receiver I lost service for two weeks and the next service call was over three weeks away. Again, I got lucky and the tech that installed the second receiver fixed the cable connection that was wired poorly.
Now that I was glowing in my HD tv I thought I had already had my troubles times three, so we should be good to go. NOPE, bill arrives for $81 for the month and they tell me because it was a prorated partial month it was a little more than average. OK, as a compliant sucker I looked no further at the bill.
Bill number two arrives $83 for the month and now I am receiving their magizine for four bucks a month?
I say stop the presses and wheres the $59.68 bill? I only switched to Direct tv because it appear cheaper that cable?
Bill number three, March-April, arrives $188, I am charge four times for Showtime (which is free for a year). This is where I should have said - Good bye, but I don't. The customer service person tells me there was a billing error and he would credit me all $18? I needed his name to submit to the world dumbest people that are still breathing. His supervisor, and obvious mentor of stupidity, finds the error after 30 minutes. Hmm four charges for one premium channel could that be wrong? I then remembered my days working at Burger King where I would take customers complex orders of a dozen different sandwiches and special orders didn't upset us, yet I could within seconds tell them what their order cost. All this while slipping on a greasy floor and getting distracted by a dozen buzzers. At Direct tv however, where they have five items they sell, there is some quadradic formula that coupled with the stars alignment determines todays price. This price is an at-will price determined by Direct tv, its in your contract they say. By the way, can I get a copy of my contract? I have yet to see a contract and I have never signed anything except for the installation.
Ok, back on track- I am now told that I owe $111 a month and there is no $59.68 charge because I didn't mail in my rebate? I guess the credits for the receivers and free Showtime didnt have rebates just the advertised price. They said I was too late to mail it in. When I told them I never was told about the rebates and where could I find this rebate form, just to see it, they told me it was no longer offered?
This is fraud plain and simple- I am disappointed in Direct tv as they were once a well respected company. I would be more kind with my comments if I had only spoken to one employee, but I didn't, in fact I spoke with 12 different employees.

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Lisa
Leslie, US
Mar 11, 2009 8:55 am EDT

I got sucked in on the promotional rate too. I ordered online and have yet to find in any of the checkout materials that I had to do an online rebate. When I contacted customer service, they told basically told me "too bad so sad" as it was more than 60 days after the installation and I was no longer eligible. They are an extremely unethical company and I can hardly wait for my contract to end so I can discontinue doing business with them.

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pirate
Polson, US
Mar 05, 2009 2:26 pm EST

I hope you are successful, DirectTV sucks and hope you get something out of it, good luck. Been a Dish Network customer myself for the last 4+ years, they have great phone support and when something doesn't work, they replace it (first DVR went out after a year). Only thing I don't like about them, and it's the same with every other company in the world, is that they treat a POTENTIAL customer better and offer them better deals than the ones that have been paying $81.99 for the last 4+ years.

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DirecTV fees

We were fed up with ridiculous cable prices and started looking into Direct TV. We asked in advance about cancellation fees and what happens if we move (they told us we have to bring the dish and boxes with us and have them reinstalled at our new home...the contract must continue for 2 years). Ok. Well, to us it was worth the reduction in price (went from a $90/month cable fee to $40/month DIrect TV).

We don't have our box hooked up to a phone line so we need to call in our OnDemand orders or do them online. When we first signed up...we could just go online and download a movie to our DVR. NOW...they require you to buy an $80 internet box so you can download movies via the internet. Ok...so I thought I will just call them. There is now a TRANSACTION FEE to download via the phone. As if that isn't bad enough...there is also now a FEE to talk to a representative! ...and get this, it is a $1.50 fee to talk to the AUTOMATED system and a $5 FEE to talk with a live person!

I am FURIOUS! I can't imagine how this company is still in business with all these poor business practices. This is the most fraudulent company I have ever dealt with.

I wish I stuck with cable...

I hope this helps some other poor schmuck who is considering switching due to price...because in the end, DIRECT TV COSTS MORE THAN CABLE.

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ANR Rip
Claysville, US
Feb 18, 2009 4:06 pm EST

Thinking about moving from Cable to Direct TV DON'T!

I went to cancel my cable serivce (TV portion) to be cautioned about Direct TV. As a consumer I thought well they are rivals but a little voice told me to check.

I did, and thank you Comcast (not that you are perfect). I went back and reviewed my "DEAL" and found that what I was going to get was not exactly what would be provided. Additionally I asked about the cancelation fee? New to me, it was never mentioned at the time I signed up for the program.

Just a slip? Don't think so. What I found was that Yes there is a fee, that is anywhere from $20 + dollars and up a month for any un-used service. Oh and the contact is for 2 years, and I was not aware there was even a 2 year contract.

Seems Direct TY forgets to mention that. Additionally when I canceled I found that Direct TY removes your records, so that if you have paid a fee good luck in tracking down you now NON-Existant accout to get your money back.

We finally found mine under the org. service number, but the gentleman who had taken the cancelation call changed the address so that it would never have refunded the credit card amount.

Nice customer service.

Do your self a favor, stay clear of Direct TV. IF you cannot be honest and want to scam at the very start of the deal, imagine what the rest of the service must be like.

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Brandyj
Baytown, US
Jul 05, 2010 2:13 pm EDT

Do not get Direct Tv! I had service with them and moved. I tried to transfer the service for over a month and everytime they set up an appointment they cancelled on us after sitting here half the day waiting on them. Finally we told them forget it we want the service cancelled. They were supposed to have given us 3 different credits for not having service for over a month and cancelling on us which should have covered the cancellation fee, which I dont think we should have had to pay anyway. Then 4 months later they charged our account over $500 for cancellation fees and monthly service fees! They said we never cancelled the service so we were still getting charged and we owed for cancellation and that we didnt have any credits! Do not sign up and give them your account number because they will charge you for whatever they want even though it was their fault for not cancelling the service to begin with when we told them to and not applying the credits that they "supposedly" gave us. All they have to say is "sorry, there is nothing we can do, you should have cancelled the service" even though we did!

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Disgruntled Direct Tv Victim
Eastabooga, US
Nov 22, 2011 11:28 pm EST

Yes, I wholeheartedly agree with you! I have had a terrible ordeal with Direct TV..never knowing what my actual bill is. They charge you in advance and turn you off if you won't pay in advance. Who ever heard of a service company charging before they performed the service. Then when the satellite goes off at least 3 times a month...you have paid for a service that you didn't receive. If you inquire about an adjustment to the lack of service, they will inform you that the only adjustments that can be made is if there is technical difficulty on their end...which it never is...They blame it on acts of nature. But watch how attractive and easy they make it to sign on...then just wait for the bill...equipment rental that you think was "free" as part of their sign on deal. For a $29.99 SPECIAL for 12 months = $360.00...So far, I have paid $191.00 per month and we do not order movies nor have any premiums...only 3 more payments to go...then Hello, CABLE! NO DIRECT TV! There needs to be a Federal Investigation...UH-OH...we are %#$&ed!

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rob200
Fairview, US
Jul 05, 2010 3:08 pm EDT
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They said my bill was going to be 49.00 it turned out to be 69.99 then when I stopped service they tried to charge me for 3 dvr boxes I only had one.

They are rude when I tried to talk to them and they would not send me a copy of the signed agreement

I would not recommend them.

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Girish Salecha
, US
Jun 30, 2009 8:46 pm EDT

I called direct tv to cancel my service and surprised to know that I have a contract with them. They never mentioned when I went for connection. They say that if I cancel my account they will charge me 200$ commitment fees. Surprised to see what a loot they are doing with American customers. Their greed is never ending.

I want to pass a message to all the readers that don't go for Direct TV ever. Kind of hidden fees and commitment they charge customers is nothing but loot. I also hate their customer service. Worst service out of all cable service providers.

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DirecTV non installation/follow up phone calls

Saturday February 28, Direct TV sent a installer and because the wind was blowing in excess of 40 mph we both agreed that it was too dangerous. He stated that he would reschedule my installation for Monday the 2nd, but I said that would not work so he got on the phone and scheduled it for Tuesday the 3rd. Monday the 2nd I called DIRECTTV to confirm, having a suspecious nature, and they told me "NO" that a installer was on his way and I said "NO" that I was at work at work and could not break for 4 hours today. I explained that it was set up the next day the 3rd and they put me on hold and came back in a short minute and said OK that it was set up. Then the installer called me the 2nd and said "Why would you trust the installer who was at my house, Saturday? He was just a independent contractor". He stated that unless he was in an official DIRECTTV van then he probably did not schedule the installation for the 3rd. I stated that I talked to the people at 800-DIRECTTV and they assured me that they would be there on the 3rd. He said it was not scheduled. On the 3rd, feeling uneasy, I called again to verify my installation and they told me that it was scheduled for the 2nd and was cancelled. I naturally went crazy and asked to speak to a supervisor and Tony (which I doubt) came on the line stated he was a resolution specialist.
I said OK and explain the above and without so much of an apology or effort to defuse the situation started telling me that there was nothing he could/would do, other than, reschedule. After ranting awhile I finally calmed down enough to ask when? He went away for a while and finally said the 5th. I asked him if we could do it from 8-12 and he did not say "No, Mr. Aylor, I am sorry but we are filled, but we could work with you in the afternoon". What he did say was "NO, 1-5 only".
At that point I said cancel the whole thing. Oh, by the way, he did say I'll give you a hundred dollars or we can just cancel earlier in the conversation, but never once did he give consideration that I took off work that morning and never once state that he was had empathy for this situation.
Now, I know having been in retail for my entire 40+ years in business that you spend huge amounts of revenue promoting your product and in one unbelievable phone call it all comes to an end because you are trusting those on the phone to handle your customers with kid gloves.
I will not re-sign with DIRECTTV and will tell as many who will listen that the company is being run by incompetents. Hire, train and follow up on that training daily or continue to lose not one, but everyone they know and touch.

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Linda Hunt
Dothan, US
Jul 16, 2010 11:35 am EDT

I have soooooooo much problems right now, this independent contractor is Fisher out of North Carolina. I will never have service w them again

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DirecTV unauthorized satellite installation

First let me start by saying i dont even have DTV! I live in a historical row home in Allentown PA. All of our houses are attached to one another. The house to the left of mine has been converted into 3 apartments. One of the tenats ordered DTV and the installer installed the DTV dish to MY ROOF instead of theirs! Why? I have no idea. I called DTV 22 times and talked to 3 different supervisors. I advised them that they need to come out to my property and remove this unauthorized satllite dish from my roof and attach it to the correct residence and repair my damages. This crazy company tried to convince me that I cant prove that DTV installed it on my roof as if some random person just walked by house and climbed up on my roof and is now watching TV from outside somewhere. Then they said if I dont like it on my roof that I should climb up there myself and remove it and repair my roof myself. I told them several times that I dont have DTV and that they by accident installed it on my property but ran the wires to the neighbors house. They said that even if they did install it on my roof that they had written permission to do so. I asked where I could obtain this "documentation" and they advised me at my local DTV office but they wouldnt give me that info. I yelled at them and said "I sell DTV, and your contractors dont always have to have written documentation". Yes you heard right everyone. I SELL DTV! I WORK FOR VERIZON! I SELL VERIZON PHONE, DSL, AND DTV! To make a long story short, they are refusing to remove it! So in conclusion, DTV trespassed on my property, drilled holes in my roof and wont take the satellite down and they will not take responsibility. I cant stand this company!

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eric98
Zimmerman, US
Apr 17, 2013 10:55 pm EDT
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Don't waste your time by calling nothing will get done . serve them papers and you will have their attention ..

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eric98
Zimmerman, US
Apr 17, 2013 10:52 pm EDT
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Your big cable/dish company will not do anything to help until you serve them papers .It never their fault they say . Find the Service Of Process for that company in the state that you live and take them to small claims court .Take lots of pictures, get many estimates for the repair bill including the repair of the roof, siding etc. Blackjack and silicone is unacceptable for any repair . They need your authorization to do any work to your home or rental property . Make sure your estimate are good and even explained, why they need to be fixed that way Don't go off of cable/dish company's estimate they will want patch your home back together with blackjack and silicone unacceptable remember .Don't waste your time calling, they are trained to pass the blame .Just serve the papers and you will get their attention real quick . I did and I won the court case .

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eric98
Zimmerman, US
Apr 17, 2013 10:25 pm EDT
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Find the Service Of Process in your area for that company and take them to small claims court .I did and I won .. They need to have permission signed or authorized to work on your property

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Patricia Holbrook
Boston, US
Mar 04, 2012 11:08 pm EST

A tenant, had Direct TV install an UGLY dish on my house WITHOUT my permission. I want it off my house and the customer rep told me that they don't send out technicians to take dishes down, even after someone moves out! We'll see about that! What a stupid corporate line along with the rep refusing to give me a corporate phone number. All she would say was here's the address; PO Box 6550, Greenwood Village, CO.

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DirecTV early termination

In March/April of 2008 I made a call to Direct TV to get info on there service, and decided to go with them as my provider for TV, after Directv gave us crystal clear information on if I were to move, which I was planning on doing so, Directv told me that if at my next residence if they did not have or I couldnt have the Directv service for what ever reason then I could have my service canceled with no early termination fee. Well I did move about a month later and canceled service due to my landlord telling me that there is already cable provided and did not want Directv installed on her property. I returned there equipment with the box and postage paid which Directv provided. Next thing I know is that Directv sent out early termination bill and sent out a collection agency for the early termination fee that I refuse to pay. They have also put this disputed debt on my credit report as well for $527.00, I have filed numerous complaints with Directv and they have promised to call back and never have. When I called them out to have service installed they missed 2 appointment and came on the third. When I moved out Directv would not come over to get equipment they installed on apartment, Fire Dept. came out and issued a citation for the installation Directv did which was totally against city code, called them again and they ignored me. Finally had to pay a handy man out of pocket to take down there equipment that was thrown away after Directv telling us do whatever you want with it you own it...what a joke. Directv is the WORST company I have ever dealt with...BEWARE...My suggestion is not to do business with them at all, there are plent of TV subscription companies out there that im sure provide better service then this.

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kdavidr
Atlanta, US
Aug 07, 2009 10:34 pm EDT

I used Direct TV for over a year and was generally pleased with their product. However I had to move to a new apartment complex that would not allow satellite dishes to be installed. When I called to cancel my service I was told that I would be assesed a $320 early termination fee. Now I have issues being charged a termination penalty when I had no choice on if I could keep my service, but the problem gets worse. The following Friday, Direct TV withdrew the $320 from my bank account without notifying me that this was going to happen. This in turn caused me to have several NSF fees related to checks I had written not knowing that Direct TV was going to to this. Direct TV should have billed me the early termination penalty and at least given me 30 days to pay or contest the issue. Instead they have caused me many unnecessary issues and I will make sure nobody I know will ever do business with them again.

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ap4190
Vian, US
Dec 06, 2009 2:58 pm EST

I had direct tv for a long time, but switched to dish for the what was supposed to be lower rates.I found out that dish was the wrong company.I went back to direct tv within a month and yet they charged me an early termination fee.i think this is bad business .they took 440.00 out of mt checking account with out my permission.

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Entrapement by my own TV
Midlothian, US
Mar 25, 2011 10:45 pm EDT

After being forced to use Direct TV because of a contract with the apartments we live in, we had to switch from Dish to Direct TV. First, we ordered DVR's, but they only gave us receivers. I lost my job and had to move in with my mother. They said I had to pay early termination fee. When did I sign a contract? I told them Dish doesn't do contracts...obviously if I disconnected with them! Customer Service told me Dish was the same and had contracts. Not only am I on a contract, it's 24 months. I have never been contracted with ANYTHING longer than 12. No wonder they charge fees to leave them, because everyone wants to leave them. This is ridiculous and not in the customers best interest. Dish TV will go down someday because of this entrapement.

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File with FCC
Pensacola, US
Dec 05, 2009 10:06 am EST

Print your own ### Direct TV tee shirts!
File with the FCC!
this is what is sent them! I WILL DO
thank you for finding a solution for your catch 22 situation. I moved to a rainy place where all my neighbors say they cannot get good reception. It will cost me $199 to move and your customer service rep told me No refunds on bad service. Now i have a $140.00 cancelation fee.
That is not fair. Sorry but i can't pay that. I will file with the FCC, FTC Florida coorperation commision, Buy media, Ceate a web site. Small Claims court with TV cameras. You can find a solution other than black mail. Thank you for your attention. Dan R

Email reference #[protected]

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DirecTV unable to order pay per view movies

I am writing in response to the fact that I have been paying Direct Tv for five years and am still having problems. I have never been late with a payment or missed one. I am terminating my service next month. I have been over charged and not able to order pay per view movies even though I have paid for the month. They put my on hold for an hour at a time and many times they disconect you. Buyer beware. I spoke with two managers tonight, Rachel from a North Florida call center, badge # LKC1424 and Maryann badge # LKC1711. They would not even listen to the problems I have been having.

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Steve Hedrick
Omaha, US
Mar 20, 2013 9:10 am EDT

I have had the same issue for almost two years not being able to order pay per view. Unfortunately, they hold everyone hostage with Sunday Game Plan and other exclusive products. If you check the BBB, they have had a constant "F" rating for years now. They and the cell phone industry are the only people I know who punish customers for loyalty.

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DirecTV direct tv holding mailed payments until after due dates to collect late fees

I have been a Direct TV customer for a few years now and in the last year their service has went to hell. In the last few monthes they have held my payment that I sent via US Mail until after the due date. They then disconnect me and expect lates fees to be paid. I am mailing first class mail to the payment center for Direct TV in Carol Stream, Illinois from Peru, Indiana. It DOES NOT take over 12 days for a first class letter to go from Indiana to Illinois. Their reps on the phone are hateful and half the time cannot speak English. they told me that is the chance I take for mailing my payment instead of paying electronically. They are punishing me because I refuse to send it other than US Mail. When this happens and they hold my payment, it "Miraculously" shows up the DAY After they have disconnected me when the payment has been mailed close to 2 weeks before it was due! Has anyone else had this problem? Let me know! I am filing complaint with the BBB on them. Its very sneaky and shady!

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Direct TV Ripped Me OFF
Dallas, US
Dec 09, 2009 4:22 pm EST

https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/FTC_Wizard.aspx?Lang=en#last

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dick bowman
Middle Point, US
Oct 21, 2009 8:23 pm EDT

lets start a class action law suit to STOP direct tv illegal business actions. Another Bernie Madoff Please pass this on !
Thank you

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MaybeYesMaybeNo
, US
Sep 05, 2009 3:32 pm EDT
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Can't you file a complaint with the FCC? That would get their attention.

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DirecTV instalation at wrong address

i ;used to live at 573 isbella ave and than i moved to 213 5th st apt 2-c charleroi pa 15022, all in the same small town due to the other occupants of my former address ithey had direct tv installed and for one te old work order was used with old addressof 57 idabella ave and than insteadf of it being pulled out through error and new installe in my new address of 213 5th st apt 2-c charleroi pa 15022 its still there and my wife hlas tried to get it moved here but your people have been rude and ;unhelpful, last resort is to contact you and the att. geneal here in pa, e and let them settle the case but i think youll be able to do the job for us thank you

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DirecTV terrible service!

I am disgusted with the service. The attendant Stephanie badge #409782 was incredibly rude and argumentative and not willing to assist in my concerns. She put me on hold and for 20 minutes before I hung up as she said she was going to get me someone to talk to and never did. It was obvious that she was not going to further assist me.

I have had nothing but problems with the service and am completely disgusted in the way they treat long standing customers. My DVR was not hooked up correctly so my High Def as not coming in. When someone finally came out, they decided to charge me for the service call.

I will be moving in the next 6 months and I will be more than happy to discontinue the service and will never recommend the services.

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Valerie
Valerie
, US
Feb 07, 2008 12:00 am EST

I worked for DirecTv for 9 months, but I finally had to quit because I couldn't stand how the company treats its customers. I felt like I was an immoral person because of the immoral policies the company has. For example, DirecTv decided to change a very important policy. Supposedly they sent out information regarding this, but every single customer I spoke to who was affected by this said they received nothing of the sort. The policy change was this: If a customer closed their account with DirecTv, if we have their credit or debit card information on file, and if there is still a balance owed on the account, they will immediately take out the money owed from your credit or debit card account. Nice huh. Oh, and since no customer knew about this policy and were not informed about it when closing their accounts, many people incurred charges from their credit card or bank accounts. The policy also stated that we cannot refund any of this money. Basically, they're screwed.

Also, about 50% of the calls I received had to do with a problem with the satellite system. These satellite systems don't work. If you order this system, you will have problems with it at some point or another, and usually it will be a major problem that you the consumer has to pay for out of your own pocket. Unless you have what is called the 'Protection Plan', which costs $5.99 per month. You're still paying for it.

Another thing is, when people order DirecTv for the first time, they either aren't informed about a lot of things, (such as a 'free' magazine that you'll be charged for after 3 months, or that you will be charged hundreds of dollars if you decide to cancel the account) or people were told they would be getting a package for so much per month, end up getting charged for something completely different, and if they want to change to the original offer, that cannot be done and they have to get a package at a regular price.

One of the commercials that DirecTv has going right now is promoting their HD service. They advertise that you can get a package with HD starting at $29.99 per month. This is a lie. Packages do start at $29.99, but this is the basics of basics. It doesn't include any real channels that you would get with basic cable. You can add HD on for $9.99 a month. Just to let you know, most of the HD channels are sports channels that you can only get if you order an insanely expensive sports package, local channels that many people can't get, or channels that you don't really watch. Oh also if you have the least expensive package, the only HD channels you can get are your local channels.

Now I will let you know about the sports packages. They are a ripoff. The NFL package is about 300 dollars. The prices go down from there, but DirecTv is making a huge profit off of these packages. Oh and if you want sports in HD, even if you have the HD package, you have to order a separate sports HD package at 100 dollars.

Another ripoff is when DirecTv decided to add new HD channels. Everyone has a receiver that you need in order to get the service. Since DirecTv 'upgraded the type of HD feed', not only do you have to pay for crappy HD channels, but you also have to order a new receiver if you want to receive these HD channels. These start at 99 dollars.

I would say that 85% of the calls I got a day (on average 200 calls) were from people who not only had a complaint but were enraged by a variety of DirecTv's mistakes or practices.

I suggest that if you want something more than basic cable, go with someone like Time Warner Cable.

Valerie
Valerie
, US
Dec 23, 2007 12:00 am EST

Can't get HD channels on abc, cbs, nbc, or fox because we get them as local channels.have to pay $9.99 a month for HD access that only gives you half as many HD channels as local cable. When they advertise that you get 70+HD channels. I have maybe 20HD channels that are worth having and maybe another10-20HD channels. That seems like a far cry from 70. Then my wife calls to talk to there customer service and they tell us well you have 2 year contract with us now so deal with it. I never signed any contract so how is that legal.

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William K. Watson
,
Jan 30, 2008 12:00 am EST

I terminated my service on 1/20/08 due to the inability to view television programming using their equipment. In an attempt to solve the problem i was sent 3 DVR's of which non worked properly because they were refurbished models. I called on numerous occasions and even spoke to a supervisor but was told I would have to pay to get a NEW DVR. I decided to give it one more try and tried to use the old Hughes receiver which I still had so they sent me a new activation card. Still had the same reception problem. I got my final bill on 1/29/08 and was shocked to see an amount of $273.01. It should have been $10.51 plus tax. I called and after spending over 30 min. waiting for an explanation I was told that since I changed to the DVR my account was given a mandatory 18 mo contract which no one had told me about so they charged me an early cancellation fee. I tried to explain to (Matt) the service representative that I did not sign nor was I ever told of this. He said that it was in my original contract (that was back in 2004) and that they did not have to explain that to me. His supervisor would not speak to me this was on 1/30/08. How can they try to charge for something you don't sign for or know anything about? This is ludacrist. I think the President of Direct TV should know what poor service they provided at the service center and how dissatisfied their customers are.

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Gayle Miller
,
Mar 21, 2008 8:17 am EDT

When I first moved to Virginia, I had DirectTV installed at my new home. The service was appallingly bad (every little breeze seemed to whisper "no service") and the costs, rather than the amount promised, were always at least $20-$30 higher than agreed. Finally, in frustration, I canceled the DirectTV Service and went with Cox Cable. Imagine my surprise when I checked my bank balance this morning and discovered that the money needed to pay for my car repairs which had been resting quietly in my bank account, was suddenly GONE due to DirectTV, without authorization and without my foreknowledge, raided my bank account for $257+!

I did not have a contract, but DirectTV is claiming I did. There is absolutely nothing I can do about it at this juncture except to warn everyone that they are SCAM artists who can deliver POOR SERVICE and still collect more than was originally agreed to on a regular basis!

DO NOT SUBSCRIBE TO DIRECTTV. Let my experience with these hucksters be your warning!

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Not happy with paying early termin. fee
, US
Sep 12, 2011 6:55 pm EDT

If you can avoid this company...please do. I've had direct tv for a year, only becAUSE VERIZON FIOS WAS NOT AVAILABLE in my area. Verizon partners with directtv and offered this as an alternative. I was hesitant because its a satelite dish company. A lot of times with satelite you lose your connection due to certain weather. I had the service put in my name and some how the service ended up in my husband's name(?) which screwed up the combined billing with Verizon and Directtv. It took a lot of phone calls, headaches and weeks before the situation was corrected. It was VERY frustrating. I am now moving to a place that already has internet and cable thru another company. I have no other choice but to cancel my direct tv services because of the setup at my new place. I don't have a choice. I cant transfer the service. Directtv is still charging me for the early termination fee. The contract states that if you move, you have to transfer the service with you to avoid the fee...I cannot. I don't have a choice. Do not go with Directtv...TOO MANY HEADACHES...besides who needs satelite these days anyway. I want to watch tv and not have my show interupted just because it rained.

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Edieahmeen
Carolina Bea, US
Jun 08, 2010 10:40 am EDT

I completely agree with you. I have had the service about 3 months now and every month there are new unauthorized charges on my verizon bill from direct TV(I have the freedom bundle). I can get them through Verizon after I'm on hold for a while, but can't get in touch with them via there own numbers. At present my receiver is not working and I can't get in touch with them, to top it off my husband is dying and unable to get out of bed so its really all the entertainment he gets besides reading and the internet. So if they tell you you're getting a discount just go ahead and figure on paying 30 40 dollars more in"other charges". I was quoted to get Direct TV, high speed internet and home phone all on 1 bill for 99 dollars but when I get my bill its more than 200. I have had to call Verizon every month to straighten this mess out. They will remove usually a couple charges but it stills ends up being way more then you anticipate. So I will continue trying to reach customer service if you can call it that. I have been trying for hours with no luck. SO DEFINITELY DIRECT TV HAS AWEFUL CUSTOMER SERVICE, SAD TO SAY, because they could help a lot of customers if they would just upgrade and care about there customers by providing excellent customer service as some say.

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thegreyarea89
Ocala, US
Feb 23, 2010 2:15 am EST

The president is probably the one who came up with the niffty way of charging all of those "fees" that are stated in your so called contract, that they expect you to memorize and know by heart for the next however many years.

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devils advocate
Boise, US
Feb 09, 2010 2:50 pm EST

If you are not getting your locals in HD it is because a: those cahnnels were not participating in HD at the time or b: DTV did not have them available yet, and I am sure you were told that. Don't blame DTv if you choose or only like 20 of the HD channels they have to offer. One man's trash is another man's gold mine. Get it!

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moe
,
Apr 26, 2008 9:43 pm EDT

I just had to deal with a customer service agent at Directv
iv never been treated so poor! and rude - it was like trying to talk to wall ! the customer service agent refused to help or do anything to help me or my system! I asked for manager over him, he again refused me ! What happend to the Customer is always right ! and customer Service first ! its out the window with Directv ! total idiots in c/s dept !
I went online and my account is not listed, as I opened it the 2nd week directv came out ! as I have all the old rca equipment still working ! so I can get online without a password or screen name that is long lost ! or reset them !
clearly the company is trying to stop people or customers from
ending or cancle there directv subscription ! iv had enough
they worse than credit card companys ! no way out ! as yet !

who do I contact next ? as cant get anywhere with dtv
and would like to discountiue the service totaly.

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steve
,
Apr 21, 2008 9:27 am EDT

Too bad someone at Directv did not tell me about the expired package that I had, expired base packages which is TOTAL CHOICE for $50.99 plus $3.06 tax.
I spoke with a service rep about one week ago about obtaining the sports package. She informed me that I could get this package for $7.00 for 3 months rather than the $12.00 currently being charged.
I believe that during our conversation she flipped a switch and I received the sports pack, less channel 622 for about 5 hours.
I know at Directv that anything can be done to obtain addition channels AT PROBABLY NO ADDITIONAL COST TO THE SUBSCRIBER.
Now what channels are you going to erase from my package. Still have every one except channel 215, which by the way I only discovered about 1 week ago. Too bad I love hockey so much.
I just received an increase of about 3 dollars last month. I"m wondering when a new increase will happen, perhaps in one year.
I've been a Directv subscriber for more than four years. Do not tell me you cannot add channel 215 to my current subscription with out raising my base price.
Look forward to the next email Steve Zimmett

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DirecTV direct tv will wipe you out!

Ordered Direct TV over the phone mid Feb. 2009. Installer brought personal problems to home (which I overheard some of his conversation, so I know he was pissed that somebody was backing- out of buying something off of him), and was irritated by something during a personal phone call and began to rush through the job. After he left, I was unable to watch 1080I HD on my HD Television. I called to inquire what was wrong and was told that everything was good to go and I needed to review my TV Manual and that the problem was on my end. I soon realized that my TV was NOT the problem. Turns out the [censored] left me with an outdated box and it was not HD Ready but HD Compatible. In other words, it would have given me 1080I but the untechnician (even though he was supposed to provide me the HD Ready), would have needed to setup the HD Compatible box prior to storming-off to his next job or date or whatever. Then, come to find out, even though I specifically signed up for HD Service, the order taker had never put that through, so now they were wanting more money than I was quoted (keep in mind I was getting Direct TV, and cell phones bundled into my current landline/DSL Internet through AT&T) and was hoping to save money with bundled services. I emplore you, do not trust Direct TV. Due to nothing but hassles for the first 24 hrs. and inconsistency within pricing and other aspects of service, I canceled the service within that 24 hrs. I figured since I canceled so fast, I will not be charged anything. Wrong! Those evildoers hit my fricken bank for $460! early cancelation fee. Since this past Thurs. I have been in regular contact with Direct TV and they had assured me that this was a mistake. They are not supposed to hit your bank for the early termination charges unless you cancel beyond the 24hr. deadline for deciding you don't want the service. Therefore, they admitted they had made a mistake (yeah uhuh) and they promised me over and over again that the funds were going to be credited back to my account ELECTRONICALLY within 48 hrs. Today is Monday and they have now sent me an EMail stating that they intend to refund my money in the form of a check in the full amount, but that it will be mailed to me in 6 to 8 weeks! I have bills to pay by the end of this week. I called and got a rep. and her name was Milinda ID #415961 and she was extremely cold and callus about the whole thing and basically told me I could wish in one hand and crap in the other and see which would fill up faster (my words, her sentiment). I contemplated playing my last card (joker is wild), which would have meant filing a fraud claim through my bank. It was surely fraud and illegal for them to take that money from my bank and I figured that may be my only remedy in recouping my lost funds. Not to mention this fact: Did you know when they install those dishes on your roof it can cause leaks? Did you know that I am not the property owner but just a boarder in this house? Did you know the property owner can sue Direct TV for repairs to the roof, when Direct TV fails to confirm that the person placing the order is, in fact, the owner of the property? Just some tips for everyone. Well, anyway I really hate waiting at the bank, so I decided I would call Direct TV as many times as needed until I got the right rep. on the phone. So far it looks like I was successful. This latest person I talked to has apparently taken control of the situation and I am supposed to see the funds back in my account in 48hrs. but even she said it never happens that fast, more like seven (7)days. Well, I am trying to believe her that nobody is going to maliciously steal the ball and change the refund back to check-form, but either way, I cannot afford to wait 6-8 weeks or even a week, I need my money they stole from me and I need it back in my account before this Thursday. Looks like I still have to file a fraud report with the bank, write a letter to The Attorney General's Office in Ohio and the property owner is considering a lawsuit. I have Buckeye Cable now, and for $14 a month I can watch TV and I could not be happier for the price. Best part is, if Buckeye rips me off, and there is dry pavement, I can make it right to their office in about 9 minutes flat! The worst part of this whole mess is the trained liars will lie to you over and over again. Most of billing department will tell you that they DO NOT have the ability to issue refunds electronically and that is a flat-out lie! Just keep calling until you get some chick with a sexy southern accent and a soft tone, and you just may find someone who actually cares and maybe even has a soul. If you read this and you still order ANY service from this company, you will deserve whatever you get. BTW, I cancelled all 3 cell phones through AT & T as well within that same 24 hrs. and thus far no charges from them, but I wouldn't be surprised to see some huge bill down the road for that cancelation, as well. It pains me to keep the DSL service with AT & T since they were the ones that bundled the services and I will be going with Buckeye Cable for my Internet and phone service very soon. Oh yeah, lastly, that one day that I had Direct TV (with brand-new dishes and brand-new boxes), well we got some wind that day, and the picture on most channels was so bad, it was like using Rabbit ears in 1973 to pick up a Detroit Channel in Toledo via our old 1970 Model Zenith TV. Please, don't fall prey to these liars. Geesh.

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bowhunter484
west caldwell, US
Feb 26, 2012 1:42 am EST
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I can relate they did the same thing to me only with out my consent they are heart less I have to file a suite as soon as i get all the proof i need to make my case against Direct TV. My bank could not stopped the transaction I called back demanding to speak with some one higher and had the authority to help me resolve the matter he refused saying on one is higher than he . I had every intention of paying off the bill i was not giving enough time to make payments the bill was less than 30days I asked to make payments which i was lead to believe was acceptable.. The next day i checked and they took the whole payment in one shot which put me in the red .. I agree people should be aware Direct TV Has become corrupt its bad for business all around especially when times like these people are hurting by corporate greed .(( Blessed are the poor in spirit for he will lift them up))

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DirecTV don't give what they offer

when i called to let directv know that i had a problem with my installation, in one room i had no signal/and he didn't set up the bedroom tv .they made me fell bad about my self that i was silly enough to fall for there lie's.they made me fell like i was a liar, that i was in the wrong .i was also told i would get a HD DVR WHEN I CALLED THEM ON IT ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAD THE WRONG PLAN man if i get the chance to tell my story to someone who really care's

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DirecTV worst customer service/poor quality

Direct tv has terrible customer service and poor product quality. Dish is much better at both. I encountered terrible attitudes from customer service from the beginning, but could not cancel the contract without paying the $5oo.Oo fee (Some states have a 15 day grace period-not mo). Do not do direct tv unless you want to be treated like crap! Only 1 phone rep was decent-the others were trained idiots. We even wrote letters to the president and the billing office in colorado. This was months ago. The president's office - not the president-said "there is nothing we can do-pay us now or pay us for 2 years-basically said "screw you and the horse...". The other letter has still, to this day, not been responded to in any way. I assume the post office still delivers in colorado.

We never had a problem with dish. We h ad 2 receivers and could rewind all of the tv's (4 of them) and record programs from any tv. Now we have 4 receivers, can't rewind on 3 of them, and can only record on 1. We had to have techs come out to install the system (Take out high-tech and put in low -tech), had to buy unnecessary equipment, change schedules many times, to end up with bad service, bad system and hearing "too bad" too many times to count from the "representatives.

It's a 2yr contract due to the "special". I can't wait to go back to dish.

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ApalledAli
, US
Oct 07, 2009 12:15 am EDT

I hadTHE WORST experience ever. these people cussed my mom out and had the nerve to call her back and shove a pen up her- when she asked for the name of the sales agent and after he treated her like crap and told her she was dumb for the questions she asked then he called her back. We spoke to 2 people who did absolutely nothing to solve our problem- finally i got to speak to a so called supervisor who did NOTHING yet insisted on me still getting their service. Apparently therude and insulting agent kept the number of our home because he later on that night called and made a sad case of some kind of prank call talking about us being ###ed for the exact questions we made.
THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND I HONESTLY DONT KNOW WHO TO COMPLAIN TO. NOBODY NO MATTER THEIR RANK SEEMS TO TAKE ANY CARE

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DirecTV refund of monies due

I am a disabled senior citizen living on a fixed income. After a year of bad service, bogus charges, etc I cancelled my DirecTV service. I notified them 2 weeks in advance. The boxes for returning the equipment arrived 2 weeks after the cancellation and were damaged. I called DirecTV and asked if they wanted their equipment returned in damaged boxes. They said no and would send out new boxes. I was out of town over the holidays and when I returned I found the boxes and returned them the same day. DirecTV received their equipment back on the 21st then on the 23rd they took the equipment charge out of my bank account without authorization. Now it's over a month later and still they haven't returned my money. I can not afford to wait any longer. I've called and talked with numerous people, each of whom has EXPEDITED the refund...NOT! I plan on filing a complaint with the BBB and notifying the local TV & Radio. This is ridiculous. They committed fraud when they charged me for equipment they already had in their possession and had already "logged" into their system. I will never do business with them again and I advise everyone else to steer clear too.

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Shelley Barker
Orlando, US
Nov 12, 2010 6:29 pm EST
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It might have taken me a couple of months but I finally got my money back that Direct TV stole out of my account and everyone else needs to do the same thing and run Direct TV out of Central Florida. They are nothing but out and out theives! You can do this one of 2 ways. First send an email to Ellen Fillpiat, who is the Vice President of Direct TV in Idaho, @ ellen.fillpiat@directv.com or customervocfollowup@directv.com ATTN: Mara. Or you can reach Mara @ this number [protected], and tell her how much they stole from your accounts. She is the one who can give you a refund. They stole $680.28 from me and she refunded me $571.17, which was my balance after my final bill. But it is my belief that ALL of us should get together and file a class action suit against Direct TV for damages and personal injury for what we have had to endure over these thefts. I have an attorney who is willing to go to court against them. But if you want your money back get it back the same way I did.

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DirecTV bogus contract and hd receiver deceiver

7 minutes ago by kristin 0 votes
I cancelled my direct tv today after having comcast install. I have written complaints and called and complained for two years about problems ordering pay-per-view. I have paid nearly 180.00 a month for over 4 years. When i called to cancell my service, the rep told me that the hd box i paid 120.00 for at best buy wasn't mine and i had to return it, i said no i paid forit. She said i had leased it, and that was stated on the bottom of my best buy receipt. Also there would be a 75.00 early termination fee on my contract, i said i had no contract, she replied it was automatically done when i purchased... Oops leased my hd box and that also was printed on the receipt. When i ordered service for the additional hd tv and another active television, no rep mentioned the contract, no best buy salesman mentioned a contract and my receipt, which i have is unlegiable at the bottom due to low ink in the printer at best buy. I have not verbally agreed to a contract, nor was i notified, or even asked if i wanted to renew a contract, which i would have said okay then. But to slide it in at a retail store on a receipt and try to charge a loyal customer a fee and did i mention take back the box i paid 120.00 for. Is criminal. I left direct because of two years of bad customer service, i feel you had ample time to correct the problem. Now you are basically trying to steal money from me? My neighbors on both sides of me called comcast today to cancel direct tv service and they also thought they had purchased not leased your hd tv box. I am calling the news tomorrow and getting other consumers names that have fallen for this deceptive business scam. I never signed a thing and i paid cash for my box, no signature there either. Let's see what class action lawsuit direct tv can tollerate, sadly if cable is a nightmare, i will go back to dish network whom i used for 11 years or go without before i will ever use a company that tries to decieve and bully money out of consumers. I would have gone back to direct tv possibly. Your loss> kristin eaker jacksonville, fl.[protected]@yahoo.com let the war begin, you will never get 75.00 out of me. And we are getting more names of others daily. P.S. They also threatened to charge the 75.00 cancellation fee and 500.00 to my credit card if i didn't return the hd receiver i paid 120.00 for and pay the fee. I told them that i would file criminal charges on a fraudulant charge to anyone who used my credit card without authorization, , which they do not have neither my permission to carge anything on my charge card nor my credit card info. Touche!

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Greg Gardner
Lake Forest, US
Aug 19, 2009 11:46 am EDT

I had two receivers go out within a two week period. Direct TV told me they would reimburse me for the one, and required I pay for the the second. I agreed, and was told that they would credit me $21.70 on my next statement. When my bill cam the following month, they would not honor the agreed reimbursement for $21.70 the first receiver as agreed. They refused to go back to their recorded file with reps comments confirming that I was suppose to be credited for teh $21.70.

I'm binded to their 2 year contract, and they know it.

Suggestion: make sure you write down the reps last name with their employee identification.

Dish TV offering super deals, and if you're near the end of your two contract, go for it!

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DirecTV terrible company

We received an advertisement that seemed like a great deal. I called the company and was told I could receive cable t.v. and internet for a specific amount. I was excited because this package would save up $50. a month. So I ordered it.

Two men came out and hooked up the televisions. I did my best to keep checking on them but my 4 year old twins were both sick so I was tending to them also.

I told them not to mount anything on the roof as it needs to be replaced in the spring. Asked them if they could mount it to the trimboart. It is very steardy as we had just replaced it in the fall. They said they could.

When they finished with the tvs asked if they were next to do the internet hook up. Was told no, Someone else does that and this person should show up in a while. I Called the company to find out when, only to be told they do not do internet.

Told I was told you did and was also quoted a price. Found I was lied to! Told them I would have to cancel because could afford them and the company I already had with the their boundle package. I was told had to do it that day of face a $400 early disconnection fee!

When my husband got home he went oput to see what they had done. He fount they had split the brand new trimboard while installing the dish, SCREWED the cable all across out roof and never made a drip loop or seal the hole where the cable entered the house into our bedroom!

Spent most of the rest of the day trying to get thing resolved. To be continued today!

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Caitlin
,
Apr 04, 2008 10:59 am EDT

Direct tv is awful. I have never been a customer, and even I have had a bad dealing with them. I recently decided to have cable installed in my home, since coming up in feb. 2009 everything will be digital, so I decided it was better just to get some sort of cable or satellite service now and not have to worry when that time comes. well, I was comparing prices online since I can't afford too much (i'm a 21 year old college student, living on my own in an apartment) and anyways, direct tv seemed to have inexpensive services. so I decided to give them a call.

I spoke with a somewhat rude person, who first told me that i'd have to pay the first month of service upfront (okay, sounds reasonable). but then claimed they needed a 200 dollar installation fee! 200 dollars?!?! then said that i'd have to pay an extra 75 dollars because of the complex where I live. okay, i've seen plenty of satellite dishes hanging off the sides of the buildings and people's decks.

I was like, no, I am not paying 275 dollars for some installation fee. and I hung up.

I called time warner cable who didn't charge me any sort of installation fee and the only money they asked for was the first month of service when they came to install. which was absolutely fine with me.

Direct tv sucks. i've heard horrible things about them since, from a few people who i've told my story to.

Valerie
Valerie
, US
Sep 15, 2008 8:47 am EDT

I've had direct tv for 4 years. I was recently at a fall festival in plymouth, mi and a salesman approached me about dish network. I was afraid to switch because we had decent service with direct tv. well, the installer brent came over to install the new dish network dish (which may I add was a very nice guy and very knowledgeable). the first thing we noticed was the picture quality (no we did not purchase the high def package). with all the rain we had I was sure the picture would go out as it did with just a bit of rain with direct tv. it was storming and still had a picture! so far I love dish network and it's about $25 a month cheaper. it was well worth the switch!

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Farrel
, US
Feb 20, 2009 8:30 am EST

About six month ago I canceled my service with DirectTV after several years with Direct TV. I over-paid service for $62.80. I called several times asking for the refund. They said the money would be kept for 8 weeks. I don't know if there is such a regulation for that! Well, I received statement every month for five months they own me $62.80. I called them several times after I lost my patience. Every person I talked to had promised to fix it, but nothing happened. This month (Feb, 2009), I received a statement again, this time, it showed that a refund amount of $62.80 was sent to me on Jan 29, 2009. Today is Feb 19, 2009. How could the mail take more than two weeks? What kind of company is it?

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Aileen Puentes
Miami, US
May 07, 2009 10:03 pm EDT

Direct tv is a horrible company. I did not know I signed a contact for 2 years and the box broke after 30 days. i'm on the phone with customer service. they can not get a supervisor or manager. but I did get transfered 4 times.

Great. right... well every time I got transfered I had to say the story over and over again. finally after screaming and demand to speak to a supervisor. she apologized and said there is nothing they can not do because it's been over the 30 days (32 days). so now I have a 3 year old box horrible customer service.

I had dish net work and comcast the best service I have ever. if I had any issues it was solved immediately. I tried to cut my bill with direct tv, I was wrong by the time I receive my bill it was more than dish net work. all they said is... i'm sorry. the funny thing is they new I was stuck with them for 2 years. (contract).

Well it got to the point I didn't care about my credit that I cancelled them.

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Benny
, US
Jul 11, 2009 10:59 am EDT

I have had the unfortunate experience of working with direct tv. they do not inform you of all of the fees, do not discuss that you are in a two year contract, and only refer you to their written contract and then when you think you signed up for high definition and they come back and install hd-they start your two year contract all over again! and if you break the contract, they charge you $480.00! they are not willing to work with you at all - do not go to direct tv! they are awful - terrible company and terrible customer service!

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Jason
, US
Jul 18, 2009 12:36 pm EDT

My 85 yr. old mother signed up for Direct TV without realizing what she was in to. I called immediately to cancel and they said "no deal." When we had to put her in a nursing home for dementia, they still refused to cancel the contract. The said "we don't care if you are in a coma or move out of the country...you have to pay the contract."

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Rob J
, US
Sep 19, 2009 2:27 pm EDT

I have been batteling with direct since I have joined them in dec 2006. When I signed uo they promised me a Free Portable DVD player I call then continuosly every mont since then and they it will be shipped in a few weeks. When I complain that it is duly noted and as soon as they can the will mail it. I have a higher biller each and every moth with no warning or anything. I would to see how you can handle this company and getting the portable dvd player I am entitled to for over a year now.

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Boskis
, US
Nov 05, 2009 10:18 am EST

I live in norwich Connecticut in the usa I live in the wauregan apts 25 broadway norwich ct 06360 i have lived there for about 1 year now!I just found out we supposedly get satellite tv in the building! mertopolitan satellite said they would do the install where I live but I found out it was a lie we dont get satellite tv in the building where I live!i want to sue the mates for false advertising!my flat number is 11!direct tv has the worst customer service ever!they keep lying to me over and over!i only have had comcast cable where I live until I was told we get direct tv and know i found out it was just a lie!what can I do!up the bnp!

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Watcher
, US
Jan 05, 2010 3:05 am EST

We have been a Direct TV customer for 23 months. When we could not get high speed internet from them we decided to go to Comcast. Now Direct is saying I owe them $220 termination fee. I did have a break in service and paid monthly for 23 straight months. Direct is saying because we had to get a new receiver in January 2008 cause that receiver broke they are saying our 18 months would have started again in January 2008. We did not agree to this at the time we got the new receiver nor did any of the customer service representatives bother to let us know.

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Valine
, US
Jan 13, 2010 6:33 am EST

News flash to the Risk Managers at Direct TV - Your service provider for installations is the biggest risk to your ability to continue as a viable competitive company. I waited six weeks for this mornings appointment to upgrade my equipment for the new HD compatible channels. When I made the appointment I called the service provider and asked to be called if an earlier appointment opened up. They did call two weeks before this mornings appointment and left a brief message asking me to call them. I did call them back, but after waiting over 30 minutes for an agent to talk to I hung up and resigned myself to the fact that I would have to wait until my original appointment. Appointment day comes and no Halstead Communications, so when I called, they told me because they called me three times (a big lie) and I didn't get back to them (because it takes them 30 minutes+ to answer the phone) that they canceled my appointment. Their message contained to indication of cancellation and I received no notice of the cancellation. After a lengthy call with Direct TV, the best they could do was give an appointment another six weeks later. This company does not deserve to be in business and better wake up and fire Halstead Communications.

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10:16 pm EST
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DirecTV salesman lies/ contract scams

A salesman called and offered me a great package: 3 months free movies and a $59.99 package for $39.99 for 12 months. All I had to do was download a discount activation form and mail in. I was told I'd pay $59.99 the first month, since the form wouldn't make it to their office in time, but months 2-13 would be $39.99.
* No one at Direct TV could ever produce the form; it was never at the locations to which they referred me, so I couldn't activate my discounts. No one would fix my billing.
* They all played helpless... but wanted me to pay the first bill, which was for the first 2 months: around $125.
* No one would ever honor the promises made by the sales person.
* Of course, I had signed a contract for 24 months for the dish and receiver; that's their scam. Once they get your contract, they can do whatever they want as far as billing, and there is nothing you can do. You have to keep programming active for 24 months.
* The last person I talked to told me they can increase the prices whenever they want.
*They are not in business to give you a product and make you happy. They are obviously in business to make money, by whatever means necessary. THIS WAS A WELCOME BACK, PREVIOUS CUSTOMER special. Imagine how they'll treat you. STAY AWAY from these liars!
*Now they're billing me for early disconnect, since I hate doing business with cheats and liars like Direct TV... around $450.
*I'll fight it to the end. Contact your Attorney General's office if you've been scammed by these people.

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lynne schneider
Cadott, US
Aug 15, 2013 12:14 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I just went thru this with salemen that promised me internet and cable. I now sit with two satellites, two seperate bills.Talk to direct t.v. management two days ago and she promised I would not be charged for breaking the contract. and they would be here to get the satellite under these circumstances. I called today to see when they were disconnecting my able. I was informed there was nothing stating this lady told me that and I would be charged for disconnecting early. The best part is the salemen new I could not get the internet were I lived and stated he could. This is all on the contract. I've only had this service for less than two months. And Ive been fighting. Any help?

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Stoneowl
Virginia beach, US
Sep 25, 2009 9:19 pm EDT

I singed up for a $29.99/month service as advertised last May, upon my moving to Virginia beach.
Until tonight, September 25, 2009, I had no idea that an old account, disconnected for over two years, was all I could log into at direct tv's website.

My email has been kept in company records in association with a disconnected service. and prohibited me from accessing my new account. I expected the services I signed up for to be active and I just learned tonight that I had to cash in a rebate for the services I signed up for over the phone--I was not told by the sales representatives that I must do so to obtain what I'd signed up for. I learn now that a grossly expensive service was instead implemented without my knowledge, and I have been paying $79/month for said services--services that sometimes fluctuated with some channels available at unaccountable times, otherwise not available at all.

I am angry that my email was kept in online files preventing me from accessing my current account, from accessing current info. I wanted the service i signed up for. instead, a much more expensive service was charged me, and now i learn that termination of service will cost me $400!

I have spoken with several reps tonight, and have achieved nothing but a change of programing to the very lowest level--I should not have been shifted to such expensive service after not having been inforemed by representatives of a need to active a rebate. I depended on the internet services direct tv provides to be kept informed of up-to-date circumstances, only to find I have not been.

Talking with representatives tonight has left me with a very bad taste in my mouth, and I feel that direct tv is even worse than cox cable, which I loath. I am told it is all my fault, that direct tv has no responsibility for sales-reps' failures, etc

I feel ripped off and abused by representatives who are unable to accept repsonibility for failures and ommissions, and for innaccurate reporting of content of previous calls to direct tv.

I want the programing I signed up for, and the extravagant amount of money I've spent credited to my account.

I am furious over being held accountable to a system that is certainly devised to confuse, misinform and discount my efforts to obtain the services I signed up for.

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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