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DirecTV review: very poor service and unacceptable contract 1397

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

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1397 comments
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larry hester
Oxford, US
May 06, 2013 5:16 pm EDT

I somehow, pay my money into the wrong acct over the phone, along with my banking information. I do not know what happen, The amount pay out was $100.00 along with my banking information to start automatic withdrawal to pay future bills. This took place on 6 may 13 about 3:00 clock am. I was giving a rec# of [protected].

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VonnTR
Everett, US
May 02, 2013 7:00 pm EDT

Something similar happened to me after I cancelled the service. I made a payment when I got the final bill and the representative said this would avoid them debiting my bank account for the balance. Well, the next day, that's exactly what they did, which impacted my rent as well. I called and the representative and his supervisor said the same thing, nothing they can do. I don't believe that because most companies, large and small can reverse/stop payments and credit the card used immediately.

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VonnTR
Everett, US
May 02, 2013 6:06 pm EDT

I used to like Direct TV, but I am finding out there are more issues and complaints that deter me from ever getting service with them.

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EJ2013
Mount Pleasant, US
Apr 29, 2013 11:56 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

In 2010 my roommate and I rented a house, we split the bills down the middle and she said she called to sign up for directv, her debit card was prepaid and they wouldn't take it for a deposit so I let her use my card to make the deposit thinking the account would be in her name, after an automatic draft came off of my account I called directv to figure out what was going on, when I called they only needed the phone number of the "account holder" which was my roommate's number. They told me they couldn't reverse the charges but they would take my card off the account, I told them that was fine since we shared the bills because it had to be paid either way, my roommate always got the mail before me so I never saw the directv bills. Well here it is April 2013(I moved out of that house July 2011) and I just received a bill from a collection agency saying I owed $422.00 to Directv! Turns out it was in my name the whole time and I never knew it and my roommate moved out without canceling service or paying the last bill! After moving out I found out that she had done things of this nature to other people and I found a tablet she brought home from work where she had written down my name, social, DOB, and credit card number, thankfully nothing else was taken out in my name! I can't believe they allow people to take out account without verifying their identity!

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Blake Thomas
Springfield, US
Apr 29, 2013 3:32 pm EDT

Ms. Scheuvront,

Ready to fight back? Consumer Fraud Legal Services has Consumer Rights lawyers who focus exclusively on defending customers from fraudulent billing, contracts, and service problems like the one you have recently experienced. Using the Consumer Fraud Act, we will try and get you a refund. Regardless, our time is free. If we win, the law requires the company to pay our legal fees.

Contact CFLS at:
[protected]
attorney@fraudlegalservices.com
www.consumerfraudlegalservices.com

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Jayliz
Victorville, US
Apr 26, 2013 3:37 pm EDT

I was a Direct TV customer for many years, I lost my house and move to another house that could not take the service with me. I canceled and after 2 years that i was able to pay for my own TV service. I went back to Direct TV and they offer me a good package as a new customer, not as a returned customer. The package that they offered me was not connected, I called to get the package that i was offered, Direct TV was not responsible for the offered. Everything was connected, couldn't do much about it after having a hard time with their customer service. A few days that I had the service, someone in the house notice that one of the receivers was showing PPV movies, which I called to Direct TV to make sure that no-one can order without my consent. They confirmed me that there was nothing to worry about, as none of the receivers were connected to the Internet or telephone line, that there was not way that something can be ordered with the remote controled. After 1 year of service, I decided to cancel the contract because they increased the price on the package. I was paying more than $100 a month, and i need to pay $220 for 11 months remaining on the contract, which I agreed to pay, I was going to save more than $1000 on the remaining 11 months. After I returned the Equipment, without any authorization from me, Direct TV charged my credit card, I didn't do much about it, because I was aware that I need it to pay them that amount. After 1 month of cancelation, I was on the hospital when I got a message from Direct TV to contact them regarding my account. Three days after I got out from the hospital, decided to call them, and found out that i owe them more than $200 for PPV movies, that were read on the card, Which they were not seen because there was no connection to Internet or Phone. During the service of Direct TV, I didn't have Telephone service in my house. I have contacted them and searched on their website, that movies can be ordered through the remote control only if it is connected to Internet or telephone line.

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notafool1
Sebring, US
Apr 25, 2013 8:18 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

We upgraded our equipment with Direct TV. Never had a problem until then. As soon as we received our first bill, from the upgrade, it was $531.00. I was livid, called the company and they said the pay per views do not apply to your bill, but when you turn the box in they read the card. We have never ordered pay per views, the only thing we watch is the regular channels. They then started to tell me that the pay per views go back from two years ago. I couldn't believe this crap, so then in another's months time, the bill went from $531.00 to $941.00! Extremely pissed off, I called Direct TV back to find out what the excuse was this time. They said one of the receivers was ordering porn... and it was the receiver that was in our kids room (ages 1 and 2 1/2)... the equipment and remote are always where the kids cannot reach... I simply asked if the considered Mikey Mouse porn now?. I asked them to fix the issue with billing, I also asked if they could send someone out to check the box.. Thinking there may be a glitch in it. That would have been to easy. After numerous attempts at calling Direct TV to correct this issue, the then shut the service off. They also said, they never received or original box that the tech upgraded... I asked them to explain to me how they could charge of pay per views on a card that was in the box, that the tech took with him when he left my house.. You don't have my box, but you know that pay per views were on the card? TELL ME ANOTHER ONE! Yesterday when they took $2000.00 out of my checking account with no authorization to do so...TOPPED THE CAKE PEOPLE! It sounds like enough people have had the same issues, I'm sure a good class action lawsuit on this company would put them out of business. Exactly what they deserve... They have not heard the last of me yet...
Hell have no fury like a pissed off woman!

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Shawann
Greensboro, US
Apr 18, 2013 8:34 pm EDT

I am so UPSET RIGHT NOW. My direct deposit came through on Tuesday night from my employer. I saw the balance it was fine. The next morning I get go to get gas and my card is declined. I find out that Direct Tv drafted my whole entire payroll check. I called and was informed that I supposedly signed a something when the installer came to my home that states that they are authorized to draft my bank account if forever reason my account goes into collections. I had rent to pay, my car payment and my cell phone bill. All the reps say that is that Im sorry there is nothing they can do. How can these reps sleep at night knowing that they have just committed common law robbery. I spoke to one supervisor and she stated that I have an obligation to pay them as well along with my other bills . EXCUSE ME ! I have necessities such as rent, car satellite is not a necessity. Now I am being threatened by landlord that if I do not come up with rent that court fees will be filed. This is just wrong on so many levels. This cant be legal.

MikeL DISH
MikeL DISH
Denver, US
Apr 13, 2013 10:03 pm EDT

linda scheuvront,

It would absolutely be my pleasure to help you in getting that situation straightened out! I will send you an email to discuss this further and I'll look forward to speaking with you!

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jacqueline franklin
Chicago, US
Apr 09, 2013 4:16 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have been with direct tv w for FIFTHEEN PLUS YEAR never had a problem until april 7, 20013 got my bill for $319.68, when I call them to go over my monthly bill. because it it unclear, in the past bill has been around $85.00 per month would like to know what is happening, are they OUT OF TOUCH WITH ARE DG THEY THINK WE ARE SETTLE FOR THIS KIND OF TREATMENT.

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linda scheuvront
Lost Creek, US
Apr 09, 2013 12:14 pm EDT

i was charrged out of my account for no service i never had or ask for and today 729.07 was taking out of my account and i i dont appreciate it and want my money ve beenwith dish network for years and now my accounts all messed up with all the fees the bank charges i have all my real bills comming out of my account and im going to be charged those fees for my money being illeagaly taken from my account please reply to me i sent a fax to prove it was taken, , , , , , , lkscheuvront@yahoo.com

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Jerrytilley
Niles, US
Apr 04, 2013 6:07 pm EDT

My name is Jerry Tilley i have 3 kids my father had direct set up in my house for the kids i never consented the use of my debt card which is a Federal disability card which by law can't be garnished according to my State Attorney I'd like to settle this out side of court but if my 871 dollars isn't refunded i will pursue a court date in which i will sue you for damages if i'm evicted from my home my rent is due today as is my electric an medical supplies i refuse to wait ten business days to hear from you you have until Early friday morning or i will sue and according to Federal law i won't lose.

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Peggy Corley
Houston, US
Mar 27, 2013 8:44 pm EDT

I received a statement from my bank stating that direct tv took funds out of my account. I do not have any cable from direct tv. I want to know why was anything submitted for payment when I was turned down for services?

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pauline.ledford
Sterling, US
Mar 18, 2013 4:44 pm EDT

I used my debit card to pay on someone else's account#[protected] back many many months ago cause they could;nt send in cash.michael well;s. I am not associated to this person.yes he did send back his equiptment.I faxed info in on this matter over a week ago.$269.96 was taken off my card on 2-02-13.money that was to pay my rent.now I am on the verge of being homeless.I despertly need this money back on my card asp.I have tried to many phone calls. faxed in info.had to cancel my card.please refund my money.my phone no#is [protected].thank you.

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J E B
Dillsburg, US
Feb 21, 2013 11:07 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I would like to know if any of these disputes have been resolved from Direct TV or will I just be wasting my time posting my complaint.

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rktmb20fan
Jefferson City, US
Feb 18, 2013 12:52 pm EST

We just noticed that they withdrew 552.02 from our account for "early cancellation fee" and remaining balance on our account...which there is NO WAY we should have been charged an early cancellation fee as we have had their service for OVER 2 yrs! WTH! And then NO PRIOR notification that they were doing that!?! How can they get away with that!?!

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Diva1
Livonia, US
Feb 05, 2013 6:53 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Well after reading all this I feel very stupid even sharing what was told to me to sign up. Basically the same run around. I was moving in and knew I still had months before staying in Cali. Direct called me told me three months free premium. I explained my dilemma and said I would purchase if I could take advantage of the three months free. Oh sure they said, Got in yesterday called, and now it is not policy to reinstate the service if you have suspended the service. Yes, I made a mistake dealing with these idiots. Seems to me extremely poor communication within and also without when looking for internet service. Same debacle

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george haley
st albans, US
Jan 30, 2013 11:06 am EST

i have a complaint about my november bill thet i payed with a 200 dollar money order thet have not been credited to my account its been faxed twice and mailed in by us mail the money order was filled out to direct tv and cash on dec 5 i would like to have it credited to my account thank you

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Mity Wongkit
Stoughton, US
Jan 26, 2013 11:36 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Direct TV ###,

Direct TV is the un-trustable company. Starting to insist its customers for their Social Security number so it will sell to the Searching company for extra money and it knows its customer’s birth date. Direct TV breaches its provision agreement shortly after became its customer, frauds and overcharge on its customers. Probably I am an 82 years old man with stupid name, then it assumes I am an old man with an Alzheimer. I chose the CHOICE Package basic with down grade HD 720X1280 resolution. I suppose to pay for hardware approx. $25.00 at the first time of installation and monthly payment approx. $30.00 for one year. My satellite dish was installed on 07/24/2012. I pay my bill using my credit card; Direct TV charged me as the following:-

07/18/2012 $24.99 DIRECT SAT TV. LLC [protected] NC First time installment with basic plan.
07/26/2012 $67.19 DTV*DIRECTV SERVICE [protected] CA Monthly payment over charge.
08/26/2012 $31.49 DTV*DIRECTV SERVICE [protected] CA Monthly payment.
09/26/2012 $31.49 DTV*DIRECTY SERVICE [protected] CA Monthly payment.
10/26/2012 $78.74 DTV*DIRECTV SERVICE [protected] CA Monthly fraud charge.
11/26/2012 $78.74 DTV*DIRECTV SERVICE [protected] CA Monthly fraud charge.
12/26/2012 $78.74 DTV*DIRECTV SERVICE [protected] CA Monthly fraud charge.

Fraud charges have been started 3 month after its service, I have been cheated $177.45 in the first 5 month of service! So, I closed my credit card account!

Beware! If you are an elderly using Direct TV! Watch out on your bills. I recommend to everyone to stay away from Direct TV. Switch to some other company.

Mity Wongkit Stoughton WI

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thukute90
Bnagkoc, US
Jan 24, 2013 11:52 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Thanks you share info nice info..! http://girlgames4u.gamesforgirl.us/

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ferrarifan
Elberton, US
Jan 18, 2013 9:30 pm EST

i'm calling bull. i've always had a good experience with directv. they have more channels than the competition aka dish network.

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halofireangel
Catoosa, US
Dec 06, 2012 5:42 pm EST

While I agree most of us may have signed a contract and I was told that on the back of your bill in the fine print it states they may use the card on file for debt collecting purposes. That's all fine and good. I am on social security and they pulled over half of my 800 a month out. THIS IS AGAINST THE LAW. I cannot give them permission to pull anything off the card (which I may state that I have changed my payment method a few times and did not sign a contract or anything for the most recent payment method, I just paid the bill with it) No one but government agency may pull money out of your social security account. I spoke to DTV and informed them they were violating federal law. They of course spouted some legal mumbo jumbo and told me to file a dispute with the bank. I did so and changed my debit card, AGAIN. The bank said it would take 2 weeks. It was 2 days before I got a letter from the bank stating no error was found. Is this law protecting social security so vague and unknown that even banks will not honor it? Try getting through to social security to complain about the issue. I am at a loss. DTV has put me in a real bind and right before christmas too. I did owe them a bill but they did not wait 45 days before yanking the money.

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gna86
Madison, US
Nov 30, 2012 11:17 am EST

Same thing here. We paid some movie charges over the years on the bill. We returned the equipment, and bam 14 more movies. WHAT! Anything we can do?

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ceejay72
Lynchburg, US
Nov 29, 2012 10:34 am EST

I cancelled my direct tv service after many years of being a customer through a bundle with verizon. After cancelling, I continued to get bills. I was told that they have no record of me cancelling serivce. It has been almost three years, I have moved twice, and changed my phone number once yet still am being harrassed. They call my sister, mother, and myself constantly. I receive collection demands regularly. What can I do?
conniree@aol.com

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TINA RIDLEY
New Church, US
Nov 02, 2012 5:27 pm EDT

DIRECT TV IS ABOUT TO HAVE AN LAW SUITE ON THEM, SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME HOW DIRECT TV CAN GO INTO MY BANK ACCOUNT AND TAKE ALL OF MY MONEY OUT AND I DON'T EVEN HAVE SERVICES WITH THEM. I JUST PAID A FRIENDS BILL FROM MY ACCOUNT AND THEY KEPT MY ACCOUNT ON FILE, AND WHEN THEY NO LONGER PAID THERE BILL THEY WENT INTO MY ACCOUNT AND DRAINED MY ACCOUNT DRY... AND AFTER CALLING AND ASKING THEM WHY THEY SAID BECAUSE THEY KEEP CREDIT CARDS ON FILE AND WHOMEVER PAYS WITH THERE CREDIT CARDS THAT IS WHO THEY BILL, ARE YOU SERIOUS? LAWSUIT LAWSUIT.

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stephvivian
, US
Oct 14, 2012 4:34 am EDT

call from +[protected] Add
10/13/12 4:10 PM 15 hours ago

Call Text more▼

call from +[protected] Add
10/13/12 1:45 PM 17 hours ago

Call Text more▼

call from +[protected] Add
10/13/12 10:58 AM 20 hours ago

Call Text more▼

call from +[protected] Add
10/13/12 8:29 AM 23 hours ago

Direct TV spam calling? I was out, why not leave a message? my god

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jplglobal
Vancouver, US
Oct 12, 2012 2:48 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Direct TV lied to me about their 24 months contract. The price DOES change after 12 months. So much for a 24 month contract. They lied to me about the money. Everytime I called it was a different awnser. Yes, your owed money, we will send a check. No, we would never send a check. Yes, no, yes, no... Everytime it was a different awsner. They are rip-off scams, that Direct TV must puposely not allow their call center to communicate to eachother. Worst business practices ever!

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jplglobal
Vancouver, US
Oct 12, 2012 2:45 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I had the same thing happen to me! Direct TV lies, cheats and steals money from consumers!

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Paul Vance
, US
Oct 08, 2012 7:35 am EDT

Your complaint should be about your deadbeat friend. not Direct TV. They wouldn't have charged your card again if your friend paid their bill on time.

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ELISA RODRIGUEZ
Lexington, US
Oct 08, 2012 7:11 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I didnt authorized payment at the time they took out the money from my bank account.. well I did it before but not this time.Is against law they charged your card without any authorization.. that you used few times your card to make payments dont authorized them to do that, , also the card is not under account name... you are not the person with the account. Imagine if everytime that you used your card, they get the info and charge your card whetever they want...

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ELISA RODRIGUEZ
Lexington, US
Oct 05, 2012 6:03 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

How they going to do something like that! At least if was your account.. but it's not.. You should speak with a lawyer

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terry mann
Everton, US
Sep 05, 2012 8:23 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

back on July 20Th i payed my insurance and phone bill, on July 23rd direct TV pulled almost 600 out of my green dot money card without my consent but the funny thing is They didn't pay my ins and phone bill but i paid the ins and phone first on the 20th, i still don't have my money and i have no ins and a disconnect notice on my phone. now today i bought a new card from walmart so i would have a different card, they took my money that i needed to pay bills and when i went to activate it they said that i can't have a card cause i disputed direct tv and this is the same company i don't have a signed contract with, now the green dot card has my money and direct tv has my money about 1100 dollars worth not counting what all i have lost. now i think walmart, green dot, and Ge capitol bank should be held responsible, i would like to Get enough people to Get a class action suite against all three, my email is steel.mann@hotmail.com. when they steel all of are money who will shop at walmart or have money for the bank or order direct tv. something has to be done. green dot said they called and left a message if so with who and do you think if they would have told me that i couldn't have a card over there screw up to start with i dang sure wouldn't have handed them another 720.00 $ and i have all the proof.

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kaycl
Salisbury, US
Aug 29, 2012 7:09 pm EDT

My brother had a account with direct, and one time he was short on cash to make the payment, so my mother paid the bill with her debit card. Now months later, he stopped his service, because he had a previous balances he did not keep his 12 month agreement. cause he had no money in his account, they took over 1, 000.00 out of my mothers account. And she does not have direct tv. The bad thing is they just give you the run around. My mom lives off her social security, And for the last 3 days I have been trying to help. But no one at direct cares about you, only money. Does anyone know what action I can take. She never signed anything or granted permission to do this. thanks Kay

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Direct TV worst nightmare
Tucson, US
Aug 27, 2012 6:18 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Don't do it! They haved had my billed messed up for over 14 months now! They say one thing and they charge another. I am getting out of this contract asap. I have spent over 14 hours on the phone with these people. If you have a lot of time and money then go ahead with the installation.

GL

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Chris04
Pleasanton, US
Aug 13, 2012 9:13 pm EDT

Same complaint. Just cancelled service. Have been a customer with them since 2001 and finally got fed up. Was getting ready to send back my receivers when found out they took $967.00 from my account for early termination. Since when is it legal to go into someones account and take money without permission to pay for crappy service. I am really mad at directv and would be happy to sign up with a class action suit. Directv is nothing more than another Bank of America scam.

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Misty123
Louisville, US
Aug 07, 2012 3:26 pm EDT

First, I'd get in touch with the exhusband and see if he won't take care of it.If not call DTV and ask for a box to send their equipment back.Get a tracking # to prove they get the equipment. Do not what ever you do Do not give them your bank or cc#'s.

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Misty123
Louisville, US
Aug 07, 2012 3:16 pm EDT

The real reason they charged you a deposit is because they will have money to keep in the future if you decide to stop their service for whatever reason. you will not likely get the deposit back.

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Heather Doll
Altoona, US
Aug 07, 2012 12:42 am EDT

I really dont want to keep anything in mine so what the f*** does this story have to so with anything about walmart.
THANK YOU

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Redfeather54
Springtown, US
Jul 28, 2012 5:14 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I am trying to find an attorney to sue DirectV. I cancelled my service on July13th. They agreed to send the boxes. We waited 10days and no boxes so my wife called. Still no boxes. I just emailed them and asked where the boxes are. They are trying to slap me with a $350 bill. They did not cancel the service when I called in on July13th. They did not cancel the service until the 2nd phone call. I want to find an attorney that could handle the law suit for deceptive trade practices and declatory relief. I am 70 yrs old. I think we should find an attorney that could take us all. It could be just as big as the Walmart Lawsuit! Does anyone know any attorney that can handle going up against them for all of us? I know we would all join that lawsuit. It could get that attorney some free publicity. I am thinking about calling all the news stations. Directv now has a fight.

The Lidman Foundation
The Lidman Foundation
Lewisville, US
Jul 27, 2012 2:06 pm EDT

Nice try Brenda, but you wrote this review so you'd have something to snark at.