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DirecTV

DirecTV review: very poor service and unacceptable contract 1397

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

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Robin Patrick
Sep 24, 2007 10:52 am EDT

They did the same thing to me except.

I has not home when my systemm was installed. My wife was. The instaoller ran a phone line to the receiver by RUNNING A CORD IN THE MIDDLE OF MY LIVINGROOM ON TOP OF THE CARPET. I had endless problems with them and many calls to customer service.

They were rude as all getout! I finally told them to shut it off! TGhey told me I had a two year contract. I told them "###" I will not pay it and I did not. They have been houding me for over a year now and I have asked SEVERAL times for them ot produce one single shred of evidence.

They changed their tune and now say the contract was verbal. I again told them "###" no such contract is valid and again to provide proof!

They have ruined my credit and costed me some more money.

Here is the rub. I do have enough money to sue them. I am sorry for the gal above. I will get even with them for all of us!

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Arthur Taylor
Sep 24, 2007 3:10 pm EDT

WOW!
Reading these complaints has helped us tremendously.
We were so close to signing up with Direct TV for our home-we have four televisions that are HD and different kids with different tastes.
Our bill with Time Warner is atronomical but everybody thought Direct would be a better deal and we would get more.
Thanks for steering us away from Direct.

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JD
Sep 27, 2007 12:00 am EDT

My husband and i bought a tivo @ circuit city dec.Of 2004. That time we had sbc services. We decided to go with direct tv when we moved to another place in 2006. We went to exchange the tivo that we bought and got a dvr . It was making loud popping noises. Recently we had to cancel our service due to the apartment having lots of rules and regulations on how to hang the satellite. First we were told the situation was out of our hands that we didn't have to pay a cancellation fee. Called to see how returning the dvr was going to work. During that phone call a lady told us that we would be billed a cancellation fee and that it would be mailed to us.The lady was informed by us on the situation that we talked to a manager and we didn't have to pay anything. We were frustrated because we were told one thing and direct tv totally the opposite. Nothing was never really settle after talking to her and other agents and a manager. A couple of days later we were charged out of our account $87 without us knowing. We called to see how they got our account number an agent said we had to give bank info when starting out. On the hand, we had a different account when we started with them. Payments were made online through our card so they had to get it that way. The second thing happened to us today we were charged out of our account $216. 50. We called and they told us that we had an extra dvr. We explained to the agent that we had bought one in 2004 and then exchanged it 2006when they just started to lease. They told us that once we exchanged it that it was a lease. But, that is not right we originally bought that one in 2004 before they started to do the leasing thing. I hate the fact that you call and explain things to an agent and think you got everything taking care of and only to find out nothing was! It should be a fraud that they take money out without talking to someone!

Sincerely frustrated

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Tara
Sep 27, 2007 10:50 pm EDT

My husband and I bought a Tivo @ Curcuit City Dec.of 2004. That time we had SBC services. We decided to go with Direct TV when we moved to another place in 2006. We went to exchange the Tivo that we bought and got a DVR . It was making loud popping noises. Recently we had to cancel our service due to the apartment having lots of rules and regulations on how to hang the satelite. First we were told the situation was out of our hands that we didn't have to pay a cancellation fee. Called to see how returning the DVR was going to work. During that phone call a lady told us that we would be billed a cancellation fee and that it would be mailed to us.The lady was informed by us on the situation that we talked to a manager and we did't have to pay anything. We were frustrated because we were told one thing and Direct TV totally the opposite. Nothing was never really settle after talking to her and other agents and a manager. A couple of days later we were charged out of our account $87 without us knowing. We called to see how they got our account number an agent said we had to give bank info when starting out. On the hand, we had a different account when we started with them. Payments were made online through our card so they had to get it that way. The second thing happened to us today we were charged out of our account $216. 50. We called and they told us that we had an extra DVR. We explained to the agent that we had bought one in 2004 and then exchanged it 2006when they just started to lease. They told us that once we exchanged it that it was a lease. But, that is not right we originally bought that one in 2004 before they started to do the leasing thing. I HATE THE FACT THAT YOU CALL AND EXPLAIN THINGS TO AN AGENT AND THINK YOU GOT EVERYTHING TAKING CARE OF AND ONLY TO FIND OUT NOTHING WAS! IT SHOULD BE A FRAUD THAT THEY TAKE MONEY OUT WITHOUT TALKING TO SOMEONE!

Sincerely FRUSTRATED

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Chuck
Sep 29, 2007 7:16 pm EDT

I agree! I was scammed by there replacemment DVR's as well. The scam is to have sighn the contract for the dvr to be installed free and at no charge for the unit as long as you complete the contract. Here is the thing;;; They send you a refurbished receiver to begin with that you own since you signed the contract. Well about 2 weeks later it starts to give you issues so you call direct tv and have them replace it...Well when you have the one you own replaced they send you a leased receiver and extend your contract with out telling you 1st so you can at that time decide if thats what you want to do. So when they do this you then just shipped them back YOUR OWENED dvr and your contract is extended not another year but 3 YEARS! more. Wow if this is not criminal activity ... By a large corporate company that millions of lawyers could have a hay day with, Buy somehow nothing is being done? Our goverment is allowing them to do this PEOPLE so dont get mad at them get mad at our lobbiest country that only benefits the corporations of america. Direct tv does this because they no theuy can or they definitely would not be doing it trust me! So get mad at the right people that let this happen our Goverment! Oh yea this is" The United States Of Corporations" Not the States people!

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Alex
Oct 04, 2007 5:08 pm EDT

DIRECT TV IS A SCAM! They extended our contract without telling us, so we have a cancelation fee in our credit card. They extended it because they sent a new receiver, so we totally agree with these complaint comments. Can somebody do something about it? IT IS A REAL SCAM! BE CAREFUL CONSUMERS! You should get a different TV service , get out while you can and if you are out...stay that way!

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dontmesswithme75
Spokane, US
Oct 04, 2007 9:57 pm EDT

OMG How can they do this. They just took 669.06 out of my Debit Card, now I am broke. I had service before the new policy went into affect, paid a couple bills online and now they think they can charge this? Unreal.

On July 1rst I called Direct TV and wanted to move my service, they said it would cost $200.00 to move my service. I said to heck with that, I want my service cancelled now, period. They said ok, sure, and were going to send some "prepaid" boxes so I can return the DVR and other receiver.

Time passes, I log into my account online to check to see what is up, or if I can actually tell from online. I see the service still active, they are still billing me for service when the receivers are not even hooked up. I called right away and they said, our bad. I also asked about the "prepaid" boxes that I have not received. They actually did send them, but they were returned because Direct TV did not have the right address, you know the one I gave them, and they say its my fault. Well even if they had sent to the former address, they would have been forwarded. But they didn't even send it to a state I have ever lived in. Now i say your bad.

I show I owed then about $30.00 for service when I cancelled. Today they charged for 3 months of service, you know after I cancelled, and for not returning the receivers, you know 4 days after they said they are sending out "prepaid" boxes to the "right" address. I just called them 3 times and they said when they got the receivers back they would refund part of that, I said you will refund it all. They now claim what they did not claim before, and that is I never cancelled service on July 1, they agreed with me last time i talked to them that I did.

Basically Direct TV lost me as a customer because I moved and they didn't want my service anymore. Then Direct TV wanted to keep billing me. Then Direct TV charged me "behind my back" and illegally for service I cancelled and for receivers they didnt want back, because they on purpose sent the "prepaid" boxes to somebody else.

Direct TV needs to DIE. You will all hear about me in the news one day..." Former Direct TV Customer BLOWS..." Well you get the idea. DIRECT TV IS MY NUMBER ONE AND ONLY REASON TO GO TO JAIL RIGHT NOW. I cannot work next week because they took what money I had. I will go down in a Blaze of Glory for what I believe in.

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Andrea Peebles
Oct 06, 2007 12:00 am EDT

False Advertising; lying; poor service; worse customer service; incorrect billing; false charges; illegal and improper business tactics...

USE THIS LINK:

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.html

FIGHT BACK.

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Timmy Young
Oct 06, 2007 12:00 am EDT

I contacted Direct TV's local dealer to cancel service just before my monthly billing period began this past June and I was informed that I would get a final bill in the mail. My next bill came in July and was for a complete month. I contacted Direct TV at this point and they replied that they would cancel my account, but a representative would contact me within forty eight hours to discuss other options with me, I replied that I did not need to discuss anything just cancel my service. This time I did not pay my bill. In August I received a bill for the basic package that I had been receiving, but they did drop Showtime. I did not pay this bill either and both called and e-mailed them to cancel my service and to credit me for the months they had billed after I wanted service stopped, plus the late fees. I heard nothing else from them until September when they had changed me to a bill for minimum service, still had the balance from the previous months, and late fees. I did not pay this bill either and on October 1 I received an e-mail that they had disconnected my service and I would get a bill for all of these charges that I should have not been billed for in the first place. Today I was checking my credit card balance and they had charged the balance to my credit card the next day after service was finally disconnected, without my permission or even notifying me. What happened to the I will send you a bill. This company is the biggest bunch of con artist that I have had the misfortune to have to deal with. I have challenged the billing with my credit card issuer. If this does not work I will file a complaint with the state Attorney General's Office. Tell everyone you know to stay away from dealing with this company.

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Martin Anderson
Oct 07, 2007 12:00 am EDT

Direct TV refuses to show up to scheduled service calls in area 35 miles outside of Memphis. All sorts of excuses - wrong day, too busy. They even LIED and said the technician showed and we weren't there, even after we had spoken with the technician who admitted he would not make it. ONE HOUR phone tree. Obvious discrimination based on area although we pay the same for TV. Have been without service for 2 months yet Direct TV refuses a refund.

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Richard S
Oct 09, 2007 10:05 pm EDT

You are not "screwed", signing a contract for service where the person providing the service does not provide a reasonable version of what you agreed to purchase will change the terms of the contract (i.e. fees) at any time, is called an unconscionable (sorry for spelling) contract. It is illegal to have something so outrageous that they can say we can charge you for wanting to cancel our service because we don't provide the service you are contracted for with us.

Contact the BBB at BBB.org and state your problem, set in the complaint resolution portion that you want out of your contract with no penalties due to them not providing the service you contracted with them for in the first place. If you buy a TV from a store and they never deliver it, you are not bound to pay for it, right? You fill out an on line form and it is quick and easy.

Use the following address in your complaint:

DirecTV, Inc.
PO Box 6550
Greenwood Village CO [protected]

Attention: Ms. Jill LaVigne Vice President of Direct TV

Do it for yourself and others who will get screwed in the future. The more complaints that roll into the BBB, the more attention they will need to pay to it as the competition will be able to use it against them ESPECIALLY when they advertise uptime and customer service unparalleled in the industry. NOTE! When the BBB contacts Direct TV, they will send you a letter, one page, easy read. Read it and check the box labeled the problem is still unresolved, if it is and mail it back to the BBB immediately. If you get the letter and sit on it or worse yet do not return it, they will close the case and let them off the hook. If you mail it back, another letter goes to Direct TV. If they do not reply in time or do not resolve it, it goes on their permanent record for others to see on the BBB web site. For the price of a stamp it is well worth it if the problem is still unresolved.

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Fred
Oct 11, 2007 4:49 am EDT

I have also had so many problems with Direct TV. The level of unprofessionalism their customer service department displays is unreal. It is always "your fault."

The first lie I was told was upon installation. I requested a pole for the Dish. The guy told me I did not request one, (which I did) and that it would have to go on the roof. Then he told me I did not have to have a phone jack next to my receivers (which I now know I do.)

Then every time it "drizzled" the picture would go out.

I try to order a pay-per-view and the receiver says to call them to order. I call them and get charged $4.99 plus the pay-per-view cost, $4.99 for a phone order. I called them numerous times about this problem and complained about the phone in fee, for I had no choice. Then they tell me I have to have a phone line connected to it 24 hrs before I want to watch a pay -per-view. I say fine. Plug it in 48 hrs before, and it still forces me to call them and I get charged again. Then they say, to avoid phone charges order online. Fine. I set up an online account. Get charged $1.99 processing fee every online order. You pay for your events online. I get the bill and what do you know, charged again.

I finally had enough with calling them. Every time you call them, they make it out like you are a fool and they have better things to do than talk to you. I called Comcast and got cable.

So I call to cancel my service. First of all they ask you why you are canceling. So I told them. Then the rep lit me up about how I was doing everything wrong and how it is my fault the stupid dish never worked. Ok, whatever. Come and get this dish.

Then rep then tells me the Dish is mine and it is my responsibility to take it off the roof. In short, I told him it was not mine , I never signed anything saying it was mine; you do not have a paid invoice for a satellite; you do not have any canceled checks that say I bought a satellite; There is nothing in your contract that says the dish is owned by the customer.

I am now talking to lawyer friends to see what I can do about having them come and get their dish and fixing my roof. Direct TV is not worth it. It was the worst year of my life and I will never, ever go back to them. I would rather get a clothes hanger and some fishing line then get them again.

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JUDY BLACKWELL
Oct 13, 2007 12:00 am EDT

This is in regards to my mothers contract she is 81 years old and early stages of altizmers and did this without me knowing about it and now they want $132.52 because is was canceled she didn't understand how to operate the tv or remote

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Cuty
Oct 14, 2007 9:21 pm EDT

My husband and I were so happy to see all the wonderful programs and packages that were offered by Direct TV via mail. We went ahead and canceled our local cable service, and were looking forward to all this new programs that will come on.

Appointment #1 10/2/07: A technician was scheduled to come out and complete the “easy installation process” on 10/2/2007 between 12-4p.m. I was more than happy to take half day off from work waiting for the technician. The technician ended up showing up at 5:30p.m. I was a bit unhappy thinking that I could have been working all day. But since this was supposed to be a 1-time thing. No biggie. The tech guy told me that there were several issues and he wouldn’t be able to install it. He said that since my Internet line has not been switched to a standalone, my Internet service would not work if he installed the Direct TV Service. I explained to him that the Internet guy would come out and fix it 2 days later, and I could live without the Internet service for a few days. Then, he found another excuse not to do it. He told us that they need two plugs on the back of our TV in order to install the DVR, and the only way that can be done is if we are willing to pay $85 and he would run a line thru the attic. My husband and I talked about it over the phone and we agreed to pay and got the whole thing over with. Then, he spent about 2 minutes in the attic and he decided that it was more worked that needed to be done then he expected, he would need to reschedule and come out on Saturday again. This guy is from “Ironwood Communications” located in Chandler, Arizona.

Appointment #2 10/6: After several days of not having our TV service, we were still happy that the same installer would be coming out and installed the dish for us. It turned out that Ironwood contracted some other company to complete the installation for us. Not the same guy who promised me that could come back out. These crews explained to us that they could run a line through one of our bedrooms and still gave us a free installation. While all 3 of them began the installation process, I wanted to confirm that they were aware of the special program I ordered called “ the Jadeworld”. They immediately stop the installation process and told me that they were not being told, and they did not have the “International dish” for programs to come on. They told me they would come out the same night with the correct dish, which turned out to be the next day, and reschedule again to the following Monday.

Appointment #3 10/8 and 10/9: A guy showed up on time. This is a different tech guy again. Prior to the installation, we explained to him that we need a 3LNB dish for Jadeworld channels to come on. He did not bother looking into it and started installing the international dish. We figured he is the expert, not us, and he insisted that he knew what he was doing. After 4 hours of installation, he could not activate the Jadeworld channels. Then he realized that we were right all along. What we need was the 3LNB, not the international dish. Since it was getting really late at night and he could not finished wiring all the rooms, we allowed him to complete the rest the next day.

Appointment #4 10/13: We were on the phone with Direct TV for an hour and a half trying to get this rescheduled. We told them that all we needed is the correct dish for the Jadeworld channels to kick in. Nothing more. Direct TV scheduled with “Ironwood Communications” again for the installation, supposedly between 4-8p.m. My husband called the local office on Wednesday and checked if they could come out earlier. Unfortunately, they were all booked up. My husband and I waited patiently until Saturday, and a guy from Ironwood Communications by the name of “Sean” called us and canceled our appointment. He forced us to reschedule the appointment because “there was miscommunication between Ironwood and sub-contractors”, and “he was not aware our appointment”. He told us that he was just a tech and he had no control over this. Finally, we had to call direct TV again and on hold for an hour, did a 3 way phone call with Ironwood Communications. We were on hold for 30 minutes before someone finally picked up the phone. Not only she was not being understanding in regards to our frustration towards the situation, she was extremely rude to us (and direct TV Staff) over the phone. Direct TV customer service rep explained to them that if they didn’t correct their mistake and came out the same night, the customer was going to cancel. Their response was “that’s not our problem, go ahead and cancel then”.

Each time we dealt with Direct TV, we were on the phone for about an hour and a half, and got transferred from one department to another the whole time. Not to mention none of the supervisor will pick up the phone and speak with any customers. They are Horrible!

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Roseann Richards
Oct 15, 2007 11:12 am EDT

I called them to disconnect in March 2007 after having met my contract. They asked why I was disconnecting. I said Dish offered a free DVR- so they offered to provide me with a free DVR if I did not cancel. Ok. Then in May I canceled because I was moving. After the move I received a bill for $263 for an early cancellation fee. I called and informed them I had met my contract in March- they then said that by accepting the DVR I extended my contract by 2 years! I was not informed of any such thing at the time that I accepted it nor when I called and canceled. So I wrote and sent it certified a letter of dispute to their dispute office. They sent back a letter simply stating they do not require signatures and the debt is valid. Now they have a collection agency threatening to put this on my credit report! I asked for a recorded conversation that I was informed of this extension and they cannot provide it. I do not feel it fair or valid and do not wish to pay this rip off company but do not want my credit ruined!

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Angus Forbes
Oct 18, 2007 8:11 pm EDT

I am so mad at the moment I can hardly write. Long story short, I got charged for programs I did not want... specifically NFL Superfan package. Because the season started I will be charged nonetheless. After I repeatedly stated I did not order it, they pretty much said too bad. Does this mean they can order anything they want for their customers and charge us with no retaliation. I wanted to cancel my service immediately. I started service November 2006 with a two year commitment. I was told it will be $20 per month charge for outstanding months... fine. I just wanted out of Direct TV. Thinking my contract will expire November 2008, I could pay the penalty. I later find out that because I added a Direct TV HDDVR, which I purchased off of ebay, in June 2007, my contract started over with a two year commitment. No one told me!

Seriously, I am crazy or is this plain robbery. I really want to hurt them bad. Isn't there a lawyer out there who wants to start a class action. I want them out of business. The only draw back of putting them out of business is that we will have a bunch of idiot customer service ###s collect unemployment. I AM SERIOUS... PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU NEED MY NAME FOR A CLASS ACTION! I WANT THEM FINISHED!

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JimK99999
Cincinnati, US
Oct 26, 2007 6:33 am EDT

DIRECT TV SUCKS! My 4 month old 5LNB dish fell off the roof in calm sunny weather (due to poor installation), and I was told I would have to wait ONE WEEK for them to come out to put it back up. When I told them to kiss my rear, and switched to TW Cable, they charged me $212 for early cancellation (even though I had been a customer for 4 years). They got me with the typical new contract when you add equipment routine! Since I added a DVR when I put up the 5LNB dish, I was committed for another 8 months. I am looking into suing them now. I paid their fee, because it isn't worth wrecking my credit rating. However, if I can get a lawyer interested, or perhaps just file a case in small claims court against Direct TV & the CEO (named) - he is in California, so I doubt he'll show up in Ohio, maybe I can get my money back that way. Enough is enough! Sites like this are great! CONSUMERS BEWARE!

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Steven Curry
Oct 27, 2007 12:00 am EDT

Direct TV is so incompetent it is almost hard to fathom. I called in early October to make an appointment at my townhome to have a satellite installed. I explained in detail the rules for the townhome including that it had to be installed on a chimney with siding, and set up an appointment for October 13th. I double checked the date, day and time before hanging up. After five hours of waiting, I called Direct TV and they had a difficult time finding any order. They transferred me to the local installer, because they subcontract their work...first huge mistake! They told me the appointment had been set for the 20th. I was angry but told them I would see them next week. After two and a half hours of waiting on the 20th, they called to inform me that the technician had been mistakenly scheduled in Missouri; the problem is I that I live in Minnesota. They apologized and apologized and agreed to come out on a Thursday night, the 25th and told me they would give me a $100 credit on my first bill. I once again told them about the townhome and specifics about the chimney. On Thursday after more than an hour of waiting, the guy showed up. Now this was my third appoinment, and I had waited a total of 8.5 hours. He said they cannot install satellite dishes on chimneys, and refused to even discuss it. When I called the number of the woman who instructed me to call her if I had any problems, she had already left for the day, after promising to be available al evening. Don't waste your time with these sorry ###. They are disorganized liars and cheaters and will only cause you grief. I spent a month trying to just get a person to my home, and it ended up being worthless anyway. AVOID THESE CREEPS LIKE THE PLAGUE, FOR YOUR OWN MENTAL HEALTH AND TO AVOID WASTING TIME. I called DISH network. They agreed to come in two days...we'll see how it goes.

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Steven Curry
Oct 29, 2007 12:00 am EDT

As I previously wrote, Direct TV is pathetic and rude and lies about returning calls, having experienced technicians, when they will show up, and extending credit for poor service. I reached DISH Network and was pleasantly surprised. The technician(s), a team of two, arrived on time. They were experienced, intelligent and polite, and they did a difficult installation on the chimney of my townhome in less than 2.5 hours. They also took the time to instruct me on the system use, and gave me phone numbers if any issues arose. I was incredibly pleased after dealing with the no-brain twits from Direct TV. Do yourself a favor...if you are looking for satellite television, call DISH Network. There is a huge difference in service, and the cost is less than cable, has more services and will save you a ton of anger and impatience.

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C.A.Beverlin
Oct 29, 2007 12:00 am EDT

Forgot to mention that Tony in AL (Badge number U7402) asked if we had a good pair of garden clippers. He suggested we cut the exterior wiring in 4 or 5 places to make sure the local Ironwood contractor would replace it. Kathy, the customer service supervisor who solves problems in 3 hours, had some interesting facts. No customer service rep is allowed to make any outgoing calls. So much for the promise Tom in OK had made to call back. Kathy also said supersivors can make outgoing calls, but only once per week. What authority! I would never work for Direct TV. The level of self-worth their employees must have is below anything I never want to know. It must be hard for Direct TV to find employees with so little concern and kindness for others.

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C.A.Beverlin
Oct 29, 2007 12:00 am EDT

Tom said he would correct this and call in 4 hours to make sure everything was working. No call ever came. The next night there was a 3 hour conversation with Supervisor Kathy. During that conversation it was discovered our credit card had been charged $21.24 for shipping and handling of something. She didn't know what it was and our billing account had been charged $70 for repairs. She should be fired. It should not take a "Supervisor" 3 hours to do nothing but set up another repair appointment that we would again have to pay for. I let her set it up and the next day called our local Ironwood company. They do the contract work for Direct TV here in the Kansas City area. Valerie in their office was a gift from GOD. She set up an appointment for the next day and the problem was solved that night. It apparently was the dish itself. Meanwhile I spoke with Supervisor Justin in ID (Badge #U1058) . I told him an unauthorized charge was made to our credit card. He determined Tony in the Retention Dept in Al (Badge #U7402) had authorized the $70 charge to our statement. I told him those were to be removed. We are contacting the Attorney General in MO. Let's hope Justin keeps his word and removes the charges. Can't wait until our "Contract" is up. BEWARE OF DIRECT TV.

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Brian
Oct 30, 2007 9:09 pm EDT

I had a very similar experience a couple days ago.

(keep in mind I haven't had a contract with them for SOME time, i completed it successfully)

Last summer, and this summer, I had a whole bunch of reception problems with my dish, which kept going unresolved, I figure it was due to placement since the leaves are gone in the winter maybe thats what it was, but this summer it kept happening, so I got some people to come out (from DirecTV) to look at the problem, they basically told me they couldn't move it because they didnt get paid enough money that the "real" guy would have to come out and remove the dish and re-install it... he came out and basically said that there was "no need to move it" that it was due to this one tree (which I doubted), I broke all the limbs off it, and still had the problem... I wrote them and said "this problem cant be resolved then I will be forced to cancel"... nothing... so a short time later, I ordered cable service and sent them an email (through their website) stating i specifically wanted to cancel... at the time i owed them about 63 $ ... I waited... nothing... (at the time I couldn't call them oh a home phone, and basically could only contact them through email).

I emailed them back and said "I WANT MY SERVICE CANCELED"... finally after a month and a half or so went by I got an email from them saying they couldn't cancel until I called them on the phone... I said, Ive told you i cant call you, this is the only way I can contact you, they basically said thats not good enough... (ridiculous)... so another month went by... I notice my termination date was changed and my service was continued... again and again... and then all the sudden the other day I receive an email saying my service was gonna be cancelled and that my balance was like 200 $...

Last night i looked at my bank account and BOOM 204.75 was taken out of my bank account without my permission... I was LIVID to say the least... furthermore it OVERDREW MY ACCOUNT and I got charged an overdraft fee...

Long story short I called their customer service [censored]ing at about 3 am and was basically told that it would be sent to the billing dept and they would contact me in about a week (or less?) to see if they could "help me somehow".

I dont believe for a second that Im going to get my money back... I dont mind paying them for the month i owed them in July but I refuse to accept that the rest of that was my responsibility since I specifically asked to be disconnected more than one time, in fact numerous times.

What can I do?

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AP
Oct 31, 2007 12:00 am EDT

On the day I canceled they told me they'd charge me $120, I told them even on that day I wouldn't have the money in my account, can I pay half now and half in two weeks. I was canceling not because I wanted to, but I had no choice it was due to circumstances beyond my control. Not only did they not care, they automatically withdrew $160.33 and caused me overdraft fees. I talked to TEN+ reps about this, and everyone's reply was the same "It's our policy, it's automatic and we couldn't take your credit card off the account." STAY AWAY FROM DIRECT TV! CABLE MAY COST A LITTLE MORE BUT I TRUST IT'S BETTER SERVICE!

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AP
Oct 31, 2007 8:22 am EDT

The same thing happened to me, only on the day I canceled they told me they'd charge me $120, I told them even on that day I wouldn't have the money in my account, can I pay half now and half in two weeks. I was canceling not because I wanted to, but I had no choice it was due to circumstances beyond my control. Not only did they not care, they automatically withdrew $160.33 and caused me overdraft fees. I talked to TEN+ reps about this, and everyone's reply was the same "It's our policy." STAY AWAY FROM DIRECT TV! CABLE MAY COST A LITTLE MORE BUT I TRUST IT'S BETTER SERVICE!

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AP
Oct 31, 2007 8:28 am EDT

Unbelievable! These people treated me like a second-rate customer, refused to work with me to pay my cancellation fee rather than charging it to a card that had sufficient funds (thus causing me overdraft fees) then had the nerve to keep calling asking me to come back!

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willie caldwell jr
Nov 06, 2007 5:27 pm EST

I am going to cancel my service with direct TV. Because they are adding additional charges to my account without my authorization.They have told me I am responsible for a old account that did not belong to me. That was account under my father name Willie Caldwell that was in the past. When I started with direct I paid them 112.00 that they don't have any record of my payment. They say I got started in April and a payment wasn't made until may. That is not right; APRIL PAYMENT-112.50 MAY-42.89 JUNE-61.89 JULY-76.89 AUG-8984 SEPT-48.06 OCT-78.06.OCT bill was not paid, do to the additional charges of $265.91 That I was not responsible for. In all they won't me to pay$346.67 to keep my service. If needed I do have all my bank statement. They also bill me for magazine special price for 12 months for 2.99, that I didn't ask for. Please let me hear from you if I can get some help.

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Wanda Bowman
Nov 14, 2007 6:29 am EST

I have recently had several problems with Direct TV. My ex-husband upgraded to HDTV. When he paid $100 for the receiver, he was never told is was a lease. He moved out and cancelled the HDTV. He had to send the receiver back or I was going to be charged. Second, my service got cut. There was a $212 early cancellation fee on my account, I have had the service since 2000. When I called, I was told that when he upgraded to HDTV that extended our contract till Feb 09. This was never relayed. Now, I called on 10/19 and made a payment over the phone. At that time, I was told they needed to have a credit card on file. Two days later, another charge was taken out of my account I did not authorize. I have called 4 times, received 4 different responses and the last call, I was told that whenever a credit card is given, that is authorizing automatic payment. When I said this was never relayed, I was told that it is within their guidelines and it is posted on their website. Something needs to be done about them.

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patricia backmon
Nov 17, 2007 12:00 am EST

i intalled direct tv in my home about 3 yrs ago and i was told if i paid i would get a rebate. of course nothing happened. i filed a caomplaint with the attorney general's office in pa to no avail. i recently bill about a settlement received a notation in my cable a settlement

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mark moon
Nov 19, 2007 7:38 pm EST

I can't add anything different, $ 200+ deducted with no human contact options. CLASS ACTION seems like the only option for any of us. Let me know the next step. Good luck all!

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Doug Baer
Nov 21, 2007 5:17 pm EST

CONTACT YOUR STATE ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE ASAP - THIS IS A CRIME... and these are the only people who can help.

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Penny Huffman
Nov 24, 2007 2:59 pm EST

I have had Direct Tv for a long time I paid my last bill however the representative failed to let me know there was more that I owed. Needless to say they cut me off. I called their customer services hoping to get some help instead I got two rude ladies with one that told me I should pay bills. Well at this point I was very upset I have had enough that was out of line to talk to a customer like this however the two witches can ride there broom south because I plain on paying this bill and filing a large complaint. Direct tV customer service sucks.

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Jaimi Smith
Nov 27, 2007 6:59 pm EST

I also have had the same issue, deducted $160 from my bank account with out authorization. I have spent over 15 hours on the hone with their Customer Service people, spoke to various "supervisors", was "accidentally disconnected" along with being spoken to like I had an IQ of below 70.

I just sent my receiver boxes back that same day, so I am just waiting for another debit for "not" getting the receivers back, in their pre-paid boxes. I am also ready for a CLASS ACTION SUIT. Needless to say I am not sure who to contact about a SUIT. Of anyone can help please let me know.

Thanks.

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Deborah Frye
Nov 28, 2007 11:50 am EST

In September 2007 Verizon offered a package deal includeing Direct Tv for an extra $15.00 a month. 3 months later and we are still paying $62.94 a month for Direct tv basic package. We have tryed several times to get this matter taken care of both through Verizon and Direct TV and they say they have no record of the offer. My advice to everyone is Never get involved with any offer through Verizon for Direct Tv.

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Cristhian Morales
Nov 29, 2007 2:38 pm EST

Im in a similar situation. I cancelled my service and I specifically asked for information on the previous balance I had with them. Their customer service representative said that Direct TV doesnt do payment arrangements and that I will have to pay all at once when I can pay. NEVER DID SHE STATE OR IMPLY that it would be deducted from my account..$202 thats what was missing from my account yesterday not to mention overdraft fees from the bank...

CLASS ACTION... Im down and I just need to know what to do next...

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Darren Swain
Nov 29, 2007 5:49 pm EST

### Direct TV. Have you ever tried to get through to someone. It's near to impossible and if they need to transfer you, you will alway get disconnected after long wait times. And forget asking for a supervisor. They don't exist.

I believe DT is run by Apes and chimps... I hate these cheating ###.

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A. Pismo Clam
Nov 30, 2007 8:42 pm EST

We just went through the refurbished scam. Got a new one, but only because of an honest service man.

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Jeff Reese
Dec 01, 2007 12:00 am EST

WARNING! Buyer beware! I
Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 12/01/2007 - 1:26pm.

WARNING!

Buyer beware!
I went down to Best Buy and paid for a HDDVR, it took two month to install due to Direct TV had to many orders.

A year later I disconnected the service and I come to find out the HDDVR I paid for was just a lease and now they want it back.
how do you spell ripped off DIRECT TV.

you need to know the HD they are selling is just a smaller screen, I have a big screen TV and if I put it in HD it is reduced on all sides to half the size of the TV screen.

Don't waist your money, oh they are charging me the 2nd years of the contract for HD service for the disconnect charge.

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Martin Bergstrand
Dec 05, 2007 8:53 pm EST

Called Direct TV today to cancel my service. I just moved into a new house and do not feel like having holes drilled into my walls and roof and probably left unsealed again.

Was told that I would be charged an early termination fee for not fulfilling the 24 month contract that I was never made aware of and never agreed to. I picked Direct TV specifically because I could find no mention whatsoever on their website that specified that you would be signing up for a commitment of a certain duration.

If there were in fact such information buried somewhere in a click-through license agreement it was never stated on the main pages that outlined pricing and conditions.

I was further informed that "for my convenience" the termination fee would be charged to my credit card on file. I informed the CSR that that credit card was used only for one time payments and they were not authorized to make any charges against it. That did however not seem to concern him the least. I then asked him to kindly remove my credit card information from the file but he said that was impossible because it was in my _file_. While I realize these CRSs are paid to just repeat the scripts they have been given, this company seems to have no regards for laws whatsoever.

One question, did any of you that had Direct TV charge your accounts call your bank to inform them that the transaction was not authorized by you?

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Cathy Ford
Dec 07, 2007 5:36 am EST

I signed a one year agreement with direct tv last dec. I called to cancel this month and had already paid this months bill. The lady I talked to said my contract was not up til the end of this month. I already paid for this month. today they stole 121.00 out of my checking account. When I called to ask for my money back I was told I had a two year agreement. They are theives, and they know it.

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jason
CN
Dec 09, 2007 11:24 am EST

Direct TV SUCKS! We should all take them to a class action. WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE. I AM NEVER TAKING THEIR SERVICE. I JUST SENT TO 35,000 EMPLOYEES IN MY COMPANY REGARDING THEIR POOR BEHAVIOR.

YOU ALL SHOULD DO THE SAME. LET THE WORLD KNOW ABOUT THEM.

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