horrible service, unorganized
Just spent 3 and a half hours on the phone with directv and skylink. No one showed for our scheduled appt to get new receivers and a dish. I was transferred to india and back, repeating my story several times. Got hung up on 4 times. (Put on hold twice, no-one ever came back. ). I will cancel my service. I have a friend who can help me get satellite under the table we will say. I will never pay for satellite or cable again. :)
no service,. regulaunauthorized charges, regulation needed!
Sudden loss of service. Tryed to get in touch with direct tv. No direct service lines. Just ads to buy more or special packages. Finally got in touch wsith someone. A charge for a technician to come to the house. Several weeks now wiothout service; the technician finally comes, says everything is fine and we did have intermittent service to our hd tv. We told direct tv that they must send us a correct bill for only the time we actually had service. We then got a bill for technician fees plus insurance plus—late fees. No, we want a corrected bill no late fees, because we are disputing your bill. After several emails they took off a few days of the bill but kept applying the late fees. By now, we are irritated and said send us a corrected itemized bill and we will pay it, without the late fees. They said they would disconnect us. Once they disconnected us - the contract was broken, and we went to another service. Also, the attorney generals' office has received all email records along with a complaint form and any further correcspondence including an "unauthorized" charge that our charge account credited back to us as a result of informing them immedidately.
We intend to follow this through until this industry has regulations that require them to meet fair business practices and have readily available service numbers and qualified technicians to repair there service.
I love the service with Direct TV - but when it rains, I lose this wonderful service. I have no way of receiving information pertaining to weather alerts or other problems at that time. Direct TV had no resolution for this situation except that I should turn on my radio for weather alerts.
I live next door to the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW); a location where weather is a serious issue.
I called the company and after proceeding through a slew of computerized questions and cut offs, i finally reached Brisa, who sent me to technical support Andy who referred me to a phone number that was connected to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I called back, and after the LONG rediculous computerized idiosy, I talked with a Shara in the billing dept. who referred me to tech support.
Tech support had no answer for me except to pay for them to come out and check my dish. Ha!
NOT going there!
I called back. I got Jessica in billing (another billing bimbo) who shared that when it rains, I am susceptible to lose my service. My whole reason for complaining on this has to do with the fact that there is threatening weather and I lose communications as to my safety. She told me to turn on the radio! Oh My Stars!
I expressed my appreciation for her, but told her, the company was not helping me, the customer in this situation.
Ok, so I called back again. I spoke with Carlos in the billing dept and then he sent me to the Tech support dept to Stacy. She checked my signal strength and capabilities and all seemed to be in fine working order. No problems. So again, I was told that with Direct TV i was likely to lose service during a rain storm or when the satellite has been blocked by weather or other means.
This is not beneficial for life situations and Direct TV MUST find solutions to this issue!
Therefore, Direct TV cannot and will not be able
bait & switch
When I ordered service from DirectTV, the sales representative promised to provide two HD-DVRs, without charge for either. When the installer came a week and half later, I was not home but my wife was. They only install one HD-DVR and one “standard” receiver.
When I called customer service, they said they could not do anything and transferred me to a person, who would only give me the name of Mistah, in the Retention Department. She refused to live up to the initial terms of the deal and, instead, offered to send me a HD-DVR for $130 -- $99 for the unit and about $30 to ship it to me because I did not have that in the initial installation. They claim that the initial order (of which I never received confirmation) was for one HD-DVR and a standard receiver. I asked Mistah to listen to the tape of the call and she claimed that no one had authority to listen to a recording of my initial call with the sales representative.
I sent an email to DirecTV after the call complaining and instead of living up to the offer of their initial sales representative, the representative, a "Brandon C ID 401102" wrote:
"I was able to confirm that you have already spoken with our retention group and we have made an offer that DIRECTV feels to be fair, and will be unable to expand upon this offer.
"Please know that when you call DIRECTV our automated system notifies each customer that 'calls may be recorded for quality assurance purposes.' This does not indicate that all calls are recorded, and the calls that are can only be used to ensure that the call was handled in accordance with DIRECTV guidelines and expectations. These calls cannot be accessed or monitored for any other reason."
Apparently, engaging in bait and switch, lying to prospective customers, and engaging in fraudulent conduct must be viewed as a call that "was handled in accordance with DIRECTV guidelines and expectations." Otherwise, I fail to understand why they made no effort to access the recording of the call (or at least determine whether it was recorded).
It is hard to believe that these people are rated high in customer service. If you decide that you are going to sign up for DirecTV, be forewarned and make sure that you get written confirmation of everything you ordered -- that might help. Of course, companies engaged in fraudulent practices will always do something deceitful, so you might be better off selecting another service – cable or the Dish Network.
This company is a poor excuse in the country. I signed up for Direct TV in Sept 2010 and within 4 days a sales woman called and convinced my wife about a special deal. She did not tell her that you can't go back to the same package when deal is done. My bill just went up $35.00. I asked how much to get out of Direct TV and they tell me $380.00. Holy cow!
It is time to start a Class Action suit against the Bait and Switch tactics of Direct TV the web is loaded with consumers who are being ripped off by this company contact suedirecttv@gmail.com to help organize.
Clint
We need to start a class action suit help me gather people at suedirecttv@gmail.com
my name is Clint
ridiculous charges
Directv has a really bad habit of charging customers for stuff you don't want or even asked for. I was charged for a stupid tri-pod (70 bucks) that i didn't need, they can mount the dish to anything but they said i needed it. If i want the dish mounted on the wall like i asked for i have to pay 50 bucks for them to come out again. They rip you off for everything, here's a letter to prove my point, they sent me this magazine and charged me 4.50 a month for over a year. See for yourself, my letter to directv and the response from them:
Good morning, my name is andre m. For some odd reason you guys signed me up for your directv magazine and even worse charged me $3.99 a month without my consent. I never ordered this product and never authorized the charge to my bill. Please remove me for this unauthorized order, like i said i never ordered this magazine. And i'd like to be credited for all the times i was charged. Sorry for the trouble but this was never authorized. Thank you for your assistance. Andre
The responce from directv:
Response (Anthony d.) 10/09/2008 08:34 am dear mr. M, thanks for writing. I understand your concern about removing and getting credit for the access directv magazine. Per your request i have removed access directv magazine from your account. This change should be reflected on an upcoming bill statement. You may receive a few more issues but your account will not be charged. Directv is unable to credit for the previous months you have been billed for the access directv magazine. However, after reading your email and reviewing your account, i see that you are eligible for some complimentary programming. I've added two months of free showtime unlimited to your account to compensate for the charges for the access directv magazine. We hope you enjoy your free programming. Sincerely, anthony d.Employee customer service catch up to 14 games every week this fall with nfl sunday ticket.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Were you happy with this arrangement?
wrong billing
After my contract ended with directv I moved and decided to join services with another company. Serveral months later I get a bill from directv for ppv movies that I didn't order. How can you end a contract with a company and start services with another. Only to find out that your no longer with the company that is trying to charge you for the months that you have been with the new company.
Yeah amazing. I've written to the main office and made several phone calls disputing these charges, but nobody has an awnser. All I get are these stupid letters in the mail, with threats of collections.
This is exactly what people on this board are talking about. You describe the problem and when the employee responds, he didn't address the problem! He said he didn't order the PPV's; yes if it isn't connected to a phone line that info is retroactively posted when the access card info downloads, however, GENIUS, that isn't his problem. Get a clue before you respond, DirecTV employee. You need to listen first, then respond. Problem one, DirecTV. Right there.
Hi,
I work at directv, and you're crazy! I'm sure you were told when you called in that if you order the ppvs on a reciever that isn't connected to a phone line, we have no way of getting that information until it is downloaded from the access card!
What ppvs are $4.99 - maybe $5.99 depending on HD? You watched them right? :)
overcharged
I ordered the $99 per month 'Bundle my Services' offered by AT& T/Direct TV. The way the deal supposedly worked is each bills you separately, but AT&T offers rebates on each bill to offset the amount of the billing to equal a total of $99 per month. Each month for three months I received separate billing: AT&T $120 and DXirect TV $60, for a total of $180. After complaining each month, not receiving credits for the overbilling, and the billing not being corrected, I cancelled the contract. At that time Direct TV withdrew $300 from my account for 'early cancellation fee' and since that time AT&T has turned me over to first collection agencies, then to collection attorneys. I have turned both of them over to my lawyer.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
I have had the same issue with at&t and directv as separate billing and they lied to me that it will be for one month and it continued for two to three months and I canceled directv and they told me that they will clear all the charges because they had lied to me and then I receive a bill for 271.00. They are cheating too many people and are lying to the customers.
I urge all people that complaints about Direct TV and their deceptive sales practices to sell their service to people to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. There is a page there for filing complaints against internet and TV providers.
DirecTV has lied to me repeatedly. From day one when the telemarketer with DIRECTSTARTV called to offer me service to the last contact I had with this company nothing but lies. On the initial call I was promised local channels which I could not get with the present satellite company I had, so I signed a 2 year agreement. Well, guess what, after the initial installation, I called customer service because I could not access my local channels. Then and only then was I told I could not get local channels. I was promised HBO & Cinemax free for 3 months. It was cut off after 2 months & only restored for one more month after a lot of wrangling with them. Then after 2-1/2 years, I decided I had enough crap from this company disconnected my service & went back to the original company I had. I received not one but two statements from DirecTV showing a credit balance for $43.04 because I had overpaid them. When I received my refund check it was for 33.04! This $10.00 dispute is yet to be resolved. I have written the BBB & DirecTV Headquarters. No response from the BBB yet. This company is a rip-off. DON'T DO BUSINESS WITH THEM. THEY ARE CROOKS! I would like to know where my $10 went.
Directv cancelled the Arabic channel line-up 6 months after I enrolled with them (June 1, 2009). I signed up to be a customer with them for the next 18 months provided based on trust that Arabic channel line-up is not cancelled. In return, the package enforces a certain number of American channels in the line-up. They also provided me with a discount in the contract. The service rep who signed me up mentioned I have nothing to worry about regarding change in lineup. When they cancelled, I spoke with several customer service reps this May and they provided very unprofessional responses. e.g. suggested that I change my lineup to some other language (Portuguese or chinese)! Also initial refusal (Kirsten) to defer the matter to senior management, and responses such as "we reserve the right to change the channels" (the word "change" was never defined in the contract. From a customer's perspective, a customer cannot imagine that the word "change" involves as a total cancellation of a channel line-up and downgrading American channels I have been receiving along with the package! They also cancelled the initial offer discount for Amer. channels. Now I have to pay more to receive the same American channels that I had in my previous package.When I was offered no proper package with the same price, I requested out and waiver of the fee. Management refused with the rude and conceited tone "we reserve the right to change the channels". That's called malpractice, price gouging and fraud!
While inquiring about an upgrade in service, a DirecTV telephone representative confirmed that there would be no renewed two year time commitment attached to an account if there was to be a service upgrade to that account. Acceptance of the upgrade hinged on the fact that there would be no renewed two year time commitment.
After installation, DirecTV did establish a renewed two year time commitment that cannot, it seems, be removed. Even if there was a timely return of the items/services purchased, the time commitment will not, it seems, be removed.
This is a most unethical, deceptive and deceiptful practice.
Well where to start... I recently moved back home to my moms house and we were Directv customers about 6-7 years ago.. I'm a big Football fan and I need HD... I received a letter in the mail on how Directv wanted us to be a customer again... My mom is recently a DishNetwork Customer and so was I when i Lived in My Apartment... I took the letter and read it and decided to give them a shot and get another Dish installed So i will have my own Bill.. So I did... They came out 3 days later and Installed the Dish while i was at work and my grandma was home which however she was nice enough to be thier when the Installer/ Tech arrived. I told Directv prior that DO NOT TOUCH the other Satellite Dish and Install a separate one... Well The Tech was Apparently in a hurry and unhooked the Dish Network Dish and Used the connections from Dish network ran about 2 years ago when we got Dish network Installed to make it an easy 30 min job and get on his way.. Little did he know that one receiver ran all 4 tvs in my house... I get a call at work from my mom saying her TV, my grandmas and mine was not working in our rooms... But the directv in living room was fine... He took down the Dish Networks dish and just left it disconnected on the roof.. I couldn't believe what i saw when i looked in the attic.. This was a Friday when i got this Installed.. So i called DTV and It was not a Big Deal told them to just come Fix it back to normal so My Mom and Grandma can have TV in there rooms... No problem we will send someone out on Monday. Cool.. Weekend one Tv Cowboys are on Be fixed Monday right?! Wrong! Didnt show up Monday.. Called Tuesday *Tech replied I will be their at 8pm** NOPE! Tried to call that Tuesday night and his Phone was off! Now im Upset.. Called again and they apologized and made Sure It will be Fixed on Wednesday.. NOPE! never showed up Thursday NOPE! Friday 1 week later he arrives and My Mom is pissed and let the Tech know when he Arrived Their is No Need for Him anymore.. Dish network was coming out to Reconnect the service my mom was paying For that DTV Disconnected... Isn't that Illegal? Oh yes! My mom asked if the Dish network Tech could take their dish down and he Said * No Mam we are not allowed to Touch another competitors Service* The Poor guy had to re run all the wires to get all the Rooms back up and Running took him from 8am to 11 30am to Fix DTV problem... Now i talked to DTV and told them to come get thier Dish i don't want their service anymore its only been a week with POOR customer service... Never Received a box to Return the receiver and they wont come pick it up.. They Charged me $1, 094.78 to my ATM card with no Sort of Warning! For no Reason at all... Now they wont return my Money and it ALL Will be comming back in my account! They will get whats comming to them! I DONT RECCOMEND DIRECTV AT ALL! No Customer Satisfaction What So ever! 10 years Great Service My A**!
On August 6th, 2008 my fiance called Direct TV to settle on our past due account of $807.76(charges for fees on boxes unless returned or account is reinstated.) Direct TV settled on $225.00(we reinstated our account.) Within a day or two I went to make a withdrawl and there was no money left in my account. After going over my account I realized Direct TV withdrew two seperate amounts, one was for $225.00 and the other was for $582.76, turns out to be a total of $807.76. I immediately called Direct TV and spoke with a supervisor by the name of Marisol. Marisol agreed it was there mistake and they would return $585.09 (with taxes). I then explained to her my account was already insufficient and was accumalating fees. She assured me if I faxed in a statement to her all monies would be returned to my account by Friday August 15th, 2008. I was so excited about finding my money and knowing it would be returned to me that I did not realize how long I would have to wait. Today, (Monday August 11th, 2008) my fiance tried to get in touch with Direct TV to explain to them we needed the money returned sooner. Direct TV stated (Jared)they would be unable to return it any sooner. My fiance asked if we wrote a check for groceries if they would pay the "bounce fee, " he also stated they would be unable to pay the fees. Now for the dilemma, we have five children and that was money needed to buy some groceries, fuel for my car to get to work, and school supplies (school starts on Wednesday), and whatever else I needed to do with "my money." So I guess what I am asking is what am I supposed to do until Friday. I borrowed $20.00 last night to buy $7.83 worth of food for seven people for three meals for today and I put the rest in gas at $3.64 a gallon. I need food for the rest of the week and do not have the resources to beg or borrow. How can someone take your money so quickly and easily out of your account. Yet, take as long as they need to return it. I also had two credit cards I needed to pay and they are now past due (first time.) If anyone reads this and can call Direct TV and ask them to please put a rush on this we would greatly appreciate it. Marisols voicemail is [protected] or you can call [protected] and ask for Marisol or another supervisor. If I can get several people to call maybe we can get them to speed up. A check in the mail would get here sooner. Thanks again, Mother of five in McLoud, Oklahoma.
Did not realize I was entering a 2 year contract until after the installation. They tried to charge me more than the advertised price. Installers did not know the digital video recorder should have 2 cables coming in instead of 1. Reported continual loss of signal and they sent someone out who moved the satellite dish but did not fix the problem. 2 more crews came out before the problem was corrected. The installers are contractors who argue with DirectTV right in front of you. One of them asked my daughter for her phone number.
When I moved, the installer did not show up until 10pm, did not know what he was doing, and left around 11:30. DirectTV kept cutting off my service even though I was paying $90 a month. After an hour on the phone they determined that I had changed plans but and they were charging me for the old and the new plan. I asked to be let out of my contract 3 months early. The representative took my information and said someone would call me back. Guess what. You got it, no call.
By far the worst customer service I have experienced in my 55 years.
About a year ago I switched from comcast to direct tv and thought it was good until my bills were higher so I called and stopped service. I then got a big TV and got dish network. I love it ! Then recently without my consent they took money out of my account. So I am very very upset and now I sent back all the equipment before this incident and they told me if I sent back the stuff I wouldn't get charged. They did anyway so I want my money back and to tell everybody diecttv sucks. Beware of hidden charges.
I had problems with my signal, at the request of the service technician I was advised to manually adjust my satellite dish to get an improved signal. This I did following their instructions and lost my signal completely. I called the service technician back and was told that it would cost me $50 to have a technician to come out and realign my dish - in 2 days to 2 weeks. This is unacceptable as I followed the direction of the person who answered the initial call. I called the corporate office and got the same run around. After being a loyal customer for many years - I find that all direct Tv is interested in is how much more money can they squeeze from the consumer. They say one thing in their ads and corporate statements but choose not to honor these standards for the consumer. The corporate office number is [protected], but don't expect any changes to occur, needless, to say I am dumping direct Tv and hope many more do so - get them where it hurts - the wallet...
they have no ethics and morals
We constantly get the 771 searching for signal area. There is absolutely positively nothing that can be in the way and the weather is perfect. They want to charge 79.95 to send some boy out to look at it when it is their product that is the problem. Also they have overbilled us nearly every month for the past year. We have to constantly call and get it sorted out. Correct one month then wrong again. What idiots. And the customer service is rude and useless. And that 2 year contract ! That big cement block around your neck. Never ever again. Never. How companies like this can be allowed to rip people off is just beyond me. They have no ethics and morals.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
I had an Direct TV account for over 12 years and, something really changed with this company. Over the past year and a half, I've had numerous programing problems. Any call to customer service(or in this case customer dis-service) results in over an hour on the phone and even more billing headaches later. For every one thing they fix the mess two more. They billing is mysterious, even with no movies ordered or changes to our programing my bill always has new mystery charges every month, and it would take hours of phone calls to get them corrected. Credits issued never seemed to affect billing. In December of 2008 I had finally had enough and cancelled my service. I had and ending balance 0f $83.95, but DTV owed me $50.00 in credits for over-billing me for a receiver that I did not have. Instead DTV charged my credit card $83.95 without my approval. I considered dusputing these charges with my bank, but decided to just be rid of the headache. However, on Jan 22, 2009 DTV once again charged my card without my approval, this time for $725.28 for "failing" to return receivers, even though they never sent the recovery kit. DTV claimed that Fed Ex had delievered the recovery kits to my home, a quick call the Fed Ex revealed no delieveries to my home in December or January. This company is king of fraud! they will steal you blind and never think twice about it. Buyer beware you have been warrned! BTW Dish Network is less expensive and does not require you to "purchase" rental equipment.
required equipment upgrades
We received a call from a Direct TV representative that stated we MUST upgrade our existing equipment by Jan. 2009 or we would no longer receive the Direct TV channels. This was a Direct TV upgrade and the Direct TV rep stated their would be NO additional charges or fees. Guess what? The bill increased. I tried cancelling their service and was told by 5 different phone reps that there is a $480. cancellation fee. I explained that we did not request the upgrade nor did we want it but we were told it was required to continue service. The phone rep even stated that the direct tv equipment we had was 4 years old and outdated and an upgrade was required to continue getting the channels but the cancellation fee was still required. I was never given a new contract, we were never told that with this new equipment, that we didn't request or want, would require a new contract nor were we ever told that to discontinue their service their would be this fee. The reps said it is in the small print on the back of the contract you signed 4 years ago.The only offer Direct TV gave us was a discount, back to where we started before the upgrade! After numerous call and conversations to the phone reps I have emailed direct tv hopefully I will receive a phone conversation and a favorable response to my complaint. As a consumer what rights do we have not to be taken by these companies.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
I filed a complaint with the FTC about a similar issue. I will file a complaint with BBB as well. I think if the complaints get overwhelming someone will do something. I am going to encourage everyone I know who has had a complaint to file. I don't know what else to do but I'm looking into it. Let me know if you here of other remedies. A class action suitmight be in order.
should not have to pay 125.00
From: [protected]@aol.com
[protected]@aol.com To: [protected]@aol.com; [protected]@aol.com
Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2008 8:13 pm
To whom this concerns,
I received Verizon Phone and Internet in 2006 with the understanding in the future there would be Fios TV. In the mean time I received Direct TV as a bundle. During those two years I had some problems with Direct TV. Since I purchased this through Verizon, I called them and they said call Direct TV. On one occasion my bill went up $30.00. I didn’t know why or who I should call. So I called Verizon. They said please call Direct TV. So I did. They said they change there billing date, so I paid for ½ month extra. This as a customer is what I have been going through for the past two years. I feel that there is little to no communication between Verizon and Direct TV. Now, finally Verizon has come out with Fios TV which I have been o n the waiting list for 16 months. They called and I told them to install as soon as possible so if I have any more problems I can call only on company (Verizon). After I set up a date with Fios to install and had a date for installation on Saturday, October 11 I called Direct TV, cancelation department for procedures to cancel. The woman told me she would take $10. 00 a month off, I told her no that I wanted to cancel. She said boxes would be mailed with return address with postage. She said to call on the day you want us to cancel. I received Fios tv on Saturday, October 11 and on Sunday I call to cancel Direct TV. The man also offered the $10.00 a month off and when I said no that I had Fios already installed he told me that I would owe direct TV $125. for ending an early contract. I said what contract? The one I sign when I updated 1 of the receivers to HD was his answer. The guy who installed the HD never told me about the contract. But what is worst the lady that I called 2 weeks prior for procedures on the cancelling never told me=2 0about the $125.00 charge when canceling. If she had told me I would have stayed with Direct TV for the length of the contract. Why didn’t the first person I talk to tell me about the $125.00? Why didn’t the man who brought the HD tell me about a 2 year contract when I was signing for a box not a contract? Why when I called to order HD did they tell me about a contract? I feel as a reliable customer for 2 years that I was NOT informed and that the $125.00 be dropped. Thank you for listening.
[protected]@aol.com
Agreed. Had technical issues with a box, received a new box via mail - upon activation it extended my commitment contract 24 more months. Went to Cancel 6 months later (after having the service for 3 yrs) and now owe $340 for early cancellation. At no point was the contract extension discussed.
over charge
Last year attempted to move my residential service to my business. During installation notified me that he can not complete the installation and would need to set up a bussiness account, which we did.
Shortly there after started receiving two bills at the same location, after three months, hours of phone conversations and hundreds of dallors later had the service disconnected as Direct TV could not resolve the issue.
Two months after service was disconnected still receiving two bills at the same location with no service and all equipment returned finally resolved with Direct Tv all fees and charges waived.
Now eight months later with no communication from Direct TV I am receiving mail and threating phone calls at my business from not one but two seperate collection companies. Any help
I was sent a flyer from direct tv, saying(please come back to us)Lock in your price for one year.Pick your package.WE chose the CHOICE EXTRA package, $34.99 for 12 months.After 12 months the price would go to reg price of $57.99 for 6months more for a total of 18 months which the contract called for. We have had two price increases in the first 10 months already.When we call and ask them about there flyer that says LOCK IN YOUR PRICE FOR ONE YEAR we are told if we dont like it than cancel.We know if we cancel we will be billed 3 or 4 hundred dollars. I still have the flyer but don't know where to go from here?
Send the following letter to Direct TV...
Direct TV
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone
DATE
Re: Account/Reference No: Your account number
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is being sent to you in response to your notice sent to me dated _________. Be advised that this is not a refusal to pay, but a notice sent pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) 15 USC 1692g Sec. 809 (b) that your claim is disputed. This is a request for validation made pursuant to the above named Title and Section. I respectfully request that your offices provide me with competent evidence that I have any legal obligation to pay you.
To comply with the FDCPA, you MUST provide me with ALL of the following:
Identify the original creditor;
What the money you say I owe is for;
Explain and show me how you calculated what you say I owe;
Provide me with copies of any documents that show I agreed to pay what you say I owe;
Provide a verification or copy of any judgment if applicable;
Prove the Statute of Limitations has not expired on this account;
Show me that your company is licensed to collect in the state of Nevada;
Provide me with your license numbers and Registered Agent;
If your offices are able to provide the proper documentation as requested in this Declaration, I will require at least 30 days to investigate the information and during such time, all collection activity must cease and desist.
At this time I will also inform you that if your offices have reported any invalidated information to any of the 3 major Credit Bureau’s (Equifax, Experian or TransUnion) this action constitutes fraud under both Federal and State Laws. Due to this fact, if any negative mark is found on any of my credit reports by your company or the company that you represent I will not hesitate in bringing legal action against you for the following:
Violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act;
Violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act;
Defamation of Character;
Also during this validation period, if any action is taken which could be considered detrimental to any of my credit reports, I will consult with my legal counsel for suit. This includes listing any information to a credit reporting repository that could be inaccurate or invalidated or verifying an account as accurate when in fact there is no provided proof that it is.
If your offices fail to respond to this validation request within 30 days from the date of receipt, all references to this account must be deleted and completely removed from my credit file and a copy of such deletion request shall be sent to me immediately.
I would also like to request, in writing, that no telephone contact be made by your offices or agents to my home, mobile phone or to my place of employment. If your offices attempt telephone communication with me, including but not limited to computer generated calls or facsimiles and calls or correspondence sent to or with any third parties, I will considered this as harassment and I will not hesitate to file suit. All future communications with me MUST be done in writing and sent to the address noted in this letter by certified mail.
It would be advisable that you assure that your records are in order before I am forced to file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission and Consumer Protection Agencies and/or take legal action.
This is an attempt to correct your records; any information obtained shall be used for that purpose only.
Best Regards,
___________________________________
Your Name
Mailing Address
City, State ZIP
rebate referals 50/50 visa cards
I responded to the Direct Tv hook-up through my daughter for a 50 dollar referal for each of us, then I refered my cousin for the same deal. We called and maile in the referal form. They are telling us now that we don't qualify because Direct Star Tv hooked us up and we were suposed to call an 866 number to get our rebates. We were not told that in the begining and it is not our fault that they sub the connecting work out to Direct Star Tv company. WE WANT OUR $50 rebate visa cards.
HOW TO GET A 150$ VISA REWARD CARD AND 100$ OFF OF YOUR BILL (10$ off per month for 10 months) FOR SWITCHING TO DIRECT TV:
I read these complaints and here is the proper way to get the aforementioned deal. What you have to do is call [protected] – this is the only number that works to my knowledge. Say you heard you get a Visa Reward Card for starting service, which is down to 150$, and they will confirm this is available. Then state your friend referred you and he said that you could get more money off your bill. They asked me for the friends full name – I think they are getting tougher about this because everyone is doing it, and his account number. I used a friend that I knew in the area with direct TV. Below I provided my information below, which should definitely work because two other friends of mine have done this and it worked.
When they ask about the friend tell them the following:
My name: Josh Nelson
Account Number: 6229263
Location: Rochester Area
VERY IMPORTANT - after you sign up for service, they WILL NOT send your VISA REWARD card until you submit a form requesting it. This form is found on their website under the rebate center. To get to it, login to your online account (you have to set one up first) and type in "rebate center" into the search field and it is the first item to pop up. Click on it, and a message will tell you if you're eligible for a VISA reward card and provide a link for the form needed to claim it. You have to mail this form in within 60 days of starting service or YOU WILL NOT GET YOUR REWARDS CARD! I sent in the form, got my card, and used it to pay my phone bill.
You definitely get free Genie upgrade, NFL Sunday ticket free and HBO, Cinemax and Stars for 3 months as well. Hope this helps.
I was promised 2 $100 Gift cards for referring a friend, one for him and one for me. They reneged on both the cards. Flat out refused to honor them. I will never refer ANYONE EVER again to Direct TV... That's actually against the law. We need a class action suit.
Of which, I will be working on one.
We got screwed too! We were swayed to change from Dish Network to Direct TV. Part of the promises included getting a $100 in visa reward cards to offset the equipment charges that we would have in switching. I was told by a Direct TV representative to go on line download the form and fill it out. After downloading the form I saw that it was a referral program. I called Direct TV back and said, "I'm not referring anyone"? how can this work for me. They assured me this was the form and to put my name and address on both sides of the form and I would get two $50 Visa cards sent to me. After 8 months I decided to call to check on the status. Now for some reason I was directed to Direct StarTV. They said my request was denied because it was fraudulent having signed both sided and wasn't referring anyone! Well No [censored]! I questioned that in the beginning! After an hour complaining on the phone I got nowhere with Dirett StarTV or with Direct TV. Lied to AGAIN! Nobody will help me at all! Live and learn! Please contact me if a Class Lawsuit is made against these liars! I want on the band wagon!
Just got screwed myself!
I actually was on directtv.com ordering, Had a problem and called the 800 # which was direct star(had no idea it wasn't direct TV). I was lied to about my bill, my installation, and my referral!
Direct TV told me tough luck!
even though they deal with these retailers they don't back there promises! This is bait and switch!
I want in the class action suit against Direct T v
Wow! Same here. I ordered Direct tv and they came out and installed it. At the installation they gave me the refer-a-friend coupon that stated we would BOTH, EACH receive a $100 Visa gift card in the mail and they gave us the number to call and everything was fine up until then. I referred my mother. She called in the referral info like she was supposed to. They did tell us we might not get the cards until June (it was March when the order was placed. She received her card in May and then I waited until June to call because (surprise, surprise!) I never received mine. I was informed by the first Direct TV # I called (the number on my bill) that I was receiving my $10 per month credit for 10 months and then I told them that was NOT the promo I signed up under and they gave me the run around until someone finally gave me the Direct STAR #. I called them and they told me that they showed where it was sent out and I should receive it by the END of June. It never came and now the number you call send you thru a phone loop and you get put on hold and get to listen to elevator music until you want to scream. I have now been on hold for over 45 minutes and I am assuming the office is "closed for the day" although no message comes on to actually TELL you this. Please let me know if anyone files that class action. I am REALLY p.o'ed. steelskye@yahoo.com
oh my god this is a freaking joke why cant do what they say in the beginning and know they wouldnt go back and review my first call to even see what was said . Because they already knew they were wrong i was suppose to get a 100 visa and then 10 credit on bill then my bill was only suppose to be 47.00 and its freaking 67.00 I mean how can they get away with with this i was on the phone 2 and a half hours and ended up speaking with over 4 people .
I have had similar experience with everyone above regarding not getting a referral fee. I had signed up and was referred by a friend. Upon signing up, I provided the customer service rep with my friend's account number and was told that my referral source and I would be receiving $10 per month for the next 10 months for a total of $100 each. Well, it never happen and now Direct Tv will not honor it. They claim I did not call a specific number and that I was a direct Tv customer before and therefore did not qualify for the referral rebate as a "new customer". I am an attorney and feel that their practices are deceptive and fraudulent. I am considering bringing a class action suit. Please contact me if your are interested and have had a similar experience.
Thank you.
direct star lied mabout the stations we would recieve
I made the mistake of originally signing up through DirectStar TV and now I have been told that I will not receive the $50 Visa gift card and neither will the person that referred me. Direct Star TV says they have no record of my account and Direct TV will honor it! because they don't show it on my account either. I followed the instructions perfectly and have a copy of the forms. I would LOVE to be a part of the class action suit! It has been a nightmare! My bill is still no where close to what I thought I was signing up for! Linda R from Houston
charged for movies that I did not view
I received a collections letter for 4 movies I either "rented" with a free view coupon or tried to rent and nothing appeared on the tv. I called customer service and the movies did not appear on our bill, but when we canceled the service we were. The collection agency said the movies appeared in our equipment that was returned. They stated we rented the movies and did not pay for them. DirecTv should check its own records as they took down my customer info. I was not charged at the time that the incidents occured, but a 6 months or a year later.
Please take the 16 adult movies off our bill because we did not order them Thank You Marie Johnson
I got my bill today and there was 16 Adult Movies on it I KNOW that my husband and I DIDNOT WATCH those dirty things WE ARE CHRISTIANS WE WERE SO SHOCKED TO SEE THAT MESS ON OUR BILL PLEASE TAKE IT OFF OUR BILL My email is nannieree28@yahoo.com My account no. is [protected] My name is Marie Johnson Thank You
unethical practices
I am not sure who will receive this but for direct tv services I am sure there is enough information provided for them to search my information. Where are the laws that protect consumers from companies do unauthorized credit checks. On the evening of 10/9/08 I presumed to contact direct tv on behalf of my husband regarding a promo offer in the mail and I actually received very good customer service, the sales person was very knowledgeable. But I repeatedly stated that I was only calling to inquire about the products not order the service. I was asked my name, I said that I didn't have a job and that my husband is responsible for the bills so therefore I would not be placing a order. I was asked yet again, then I was asked if they could do a soft credit check, which the rep preceded to say that it would not be a credit check on me but a check on the address to see if the address qualified. I gave her no other information and then the next thing I know I being transferred to the resolution dept. People listen if I have a bill, yes it has to be paid. But this was not handled very professionally. I was asked 3 times about running my credit and 3 times I said no. Direct tv rep did a credit check after saying no 3 times. I asked for a supervisor or manager 2 or 3 people got on the phone and refused to give me a supervisor, or a manager, their last name, their location, or even a help line. I was told by one rep she was going to drop the call. I am not a disgruntled old bill customer... I was highly upset the fact that I didnt give a social or anything or any approval and my credit was ran. I guarantee if I pull my credit report their is an inquiry by direct tv. It is amazing that direct tv would be quick to search someone information without permission but utterly refused to give any information about their own company. Which leaves to think why should I have given my maiden name when asked. You have already pulled my credit. Yes if there is a dispute it has to be handled. I feel baffled right now anybody could have called up and gave a common name as I have and you mean to tell me that gives you the right to run a credit check. I have just went through a process that just was settled in court for the same reason. Do the companies not know the laws? I am sure I will have enough money to pay any debt that I could possibly owe... If I had the service it would have been several years ago... And what is really going on. I just called in for info on an offer not to go through a hassle such as this. The reps have the sales pitch down pat but they may want to re train on the areas of obtaining consumer information. May the economy is so busted right now that no one cares about the fair credit laws and such. Sorry I ever called in...
Not only does DTV not honor their pricing but their installation service is the worst. I initially signed up for DTV because it was the only provider in the area in which I moved. The installer who initially showed up could not do the job because he “didn’t have the right equipment”. I waited the next day for the team to show up again, and was left waiting another two days only to find out they still could not install it. It took over a week and four days of my time waiting on them to show to get the job done. When I moved I attempted to keep them as the service contract was for two years, to avoid their disconnection fee. The second install was just as bad as the first one telling me once again they did not have the “right equipment” and would come back the next day. The next morning I was called and told that they had two “no calls-no shows” for work but would get the job done. Well, after waiting all day Saturday and no show or call I called Sunday only to be told that I mysteriously cancelled my contract. The fiasco continued for a few more days and when I asked to be compensated for my time I was pretty much dismissed.
It is inconceivable that this company is allowed to do business in such an unethical unlawful way and the BBB or Attorney General’s offices do not seem to care. How can they still in business without having to pay for their shortcomings? They expect customers to sit and wait until it is convenient for them to show up or until they get their story straight about what the “package really costs”! Hello? How is it that consumers are being railroaded by this company?
They are the worst and should not be allowed to do business ever.
billing for service never received
I just got off the phone with the service department and could not get my issue resolved. I came in from a business trip on Sunday and found that service had been disrupted. I called customer service earlier today and together we discovered a charge on the 8/19/08 bill in the amount of $79.95 for a service call on 8/18/08.
I did order a service call but not one came. It was not an emergency situation so I figured that was the end of that and went about my business. In doing the research today I found out about the charge and called to have the service department reverse it.
I explained the situation and was told that they would "absolutely not" reverse it because according to your records the call was made and because I had not called "immediately" after the no-show. I should have called sooner.
I did not call "immediately" because I had no reason to call - no one showed! I did not call "immediately" because I had not noticed the charge on the bill until today. I did not call “immediately” because I would not have even thought to look at it was it not for the service interruption. I pay my bills electronically and would never have noticed the charge if not for the spike in the bill which led to the disruption. I would have paid the bill and been none the wiser and DirecTV would have gotten over on me.
You better believe that I will be taking a magnifying glass to my DirecTV e-bills from now on. I cannot believe that DirecTV would treat a long time customer this way. I did not know that you had an expiration date on courtesy.
verbal agreement?
I had occasion to talk to directtv, after getting repeated automated messages which I wanted to squelch.In talking with the representative, it came out that they "have in their records" that my contract was extended two years this summer after I replaced a faulty receiver. They claim that by getting the receiver replaced, there was a verbal agreement to the two years contract. I would have never made such an agreement as I am moving and planning to cancel them within the next few months. How do they get away with this? What does a consumer do about this?
unfair business practices
My husband and I moved to this new area about 8 months ago. We had Direct T.V. for many years prior to moving to our new home. We decided to get service with Direct T.V. again. We have had service with them for the past 8 months and have received numerous mailings promising local channels and that we could bundle our internet (currently with Comcast) with Verizon since they have some sort of relationship with them. My husband called and requested local channels with Direct T.V. and after many weeks we finally received a letter in the mail stating that they were not available. We had to watch the olympics on the internet and since the economy has been so tight I need to get local channels to see the local grocery store sales. We also contacted Direct T.V. and requested that we get the internet bundled promotion to save $$ and have a combined bill in which they told us that the specific program was not available in our area. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that this is FALSE ADVERTISMENT! So, my husband and I received a great offer in the mail from Comcast to bundle our cable and internet and save $50 a month so we decided to change our service. I called Direct T.V. to cancell our service and the representative informed me that I had a two year contract with them and was cutting the contract short by 18 months. She then informs me that there is a $366 cancellation fee. I expressed that no one ever told me that there was a two year contract. She told me that their contract was written on their website. She also stated that the installer should have told me there was a two-year contract and that if I had refused that he would have never installed the service to begin with. I expressed to the lady that the installer never told me about the two-year contract and I asked her what normal individual just goes to a companies website to look up their contract. I'm a college educated woman and I can honestly say that I don't run to the internet and read a companies contract everytime I do business. I rely and trust the companies representatives to explain things to me. Then the Direct T.V. woman starts reading me this cue card and in her statement she says that any cancellation fees will be billed to my credit card. I immediately told the lady to put a note on my account that I am NOT AUTHORIZING Direct T.V. to charge my credit card. She states that she made a not on my account. Well a few weeks go by and I receive two Direct T.V. bills stating that I owe $0 dollars, one bill even shows a $12 credit. The next thing I know I am looking at my online banking and see a Direct T.V. debit for $366 which throws my account into overdraft. I immediately called Direct T.V. and explained the situation and the lady Marsha that I spoke with even verified to me on the phone that I had NOT AUTHORIZED Direct T.V. to charge my credit card and the fact that I stated that I was not going to pay the $366 cancellation fee. The sad thing is, Marsha stated that there was nothing that she could do about the situation and that she was the last call stop for the consumer. How you dispute something with them is once you get to her department, they take the notes you tell them and type them on your account, they then pass this on to their billing department who I was told would give me a call. Well, after two weeks I get this generic email from Direct T.V. stating that I had signed a contract with the dish installer and was cancelling the contract 18 months early and that I was responsible for the $366 and that if I had any questions, I could call Direct T.V. (I am thinking in my head, all they did was send me an email about the same conversation that I had already had with Marsha and they were telling me the same thing that the first lady I spoke with when I called to cancell their service told me. I'm also thinking to myself that if I call them again it's not like I'm going to get to talk with the billing department directly, I'm gonna have to put in some sort of another request). So, I decided to go to my bank and file fraudulent charges concerning the debit. I explained to my bank that I specifically told Direct T.V. that they were NOT AUTHORIZED to debit my debit card. The $366 had since been refunded to my account. I have not heard anything from Direct T.V. as of yet, but am sure that they will send it to a creditor service agency and will make me pay the fee or else my 700+ credit score will suffer. I DO NOT think what they are doing is fair business practices and now come to think of it, they ask you for a debit card over the phone to get the installer to come out to your home and they call this $100 fee an installation fee. I believe they ask you for the card so that they can put it on file and if you decide to cancel your service they just come at you with some bologne that you knew there was a contract and that their contract can be found on their website (which I must say is EXTREMELY legally written to benefit their company, I have been in the insurance business since college and believe that insurance companies treat their clients better than Direct T.V.) My best advice to people out there is that if you are caught by surprise like I was about a cancellation fee when you call, ask the Direct T.V. Representative to put a mandated note on your account that you are NOT AUTHORIZING them to debit your account, then if the debit shows up, go to your local bank and tell them that the transaction was not authorized and have them refund your money...this is what I did. I know that I will have to face consequences with Direct T.V. billing me now for the $366 and probably turning it over to collections without billing me to try and ruin my GREAT CREDIT that takes a lifetime to build and one crappy company like Direct T.V. to ruin it. But, I have slept better this last week because I feel like I showed Direct T.V. who's in charge of MY CHECKING ACCOUNT. I don't know what else to do about Direct T.V., but are currently looking for ways to complain to our government and regulators about their unfair, unregulated, and untrustworthy business practices. If there is a two-year agreement, I feel Direct T.V.'s installers should be trained on how to sit down with you in your home and explain to you in lamens terms that you are signing a two-year contract (I have to do that when I sell insurance contracts), instead of sending some sweaty, over-worked and under-paid installer to you home who may or may not speak good English to install your satellite and he's rushing out the door so fast because he's got 2 or 3 more work orders after you and it's already after lunchtime!
bogus contract
Hi All,
So I have been fighting Direct TV for months now. In a nutshell, I never knew about this bogus contract and early termination fee. I called and fought with them and finally I got throw to this guy named Brett. I asked him for proof that I actually signed a contract. He couldn't produce anything and now all the letters and calls from them have ended. Gee, I am hoping this is all over. Take a look at the letter they sent me. If it helps, call the number and demand physical proof that you actually have a contract.
Dear Ms.---
Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding DIRECTV account # 35308xxx. We attempted to contact you at phone #xxx-xxx-xxxx in response to your e-mail but were unable to speak to you directly regarding your concerns.
Our records support Brett requested a copy of the signed agreement, per your request, and we are waiting for the paperwork to arrive from our Home Services department. As we are aware of this situation and the request for the agreement, we will ensure you are contacted after we receive a response from Home Services.
At DIRECTV we strive to provide the finest in satellite television entertainment and outstanding customer service. For further assistance, please contact us at [protected] between the hours of 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM MT.
Sincerely,
DIRECTV Customer Advocate Team
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.Krise143@yahoo.com Let the war begin, you will NEVER get 75.00 out of me. And we are getting more names of others daily.
dispute bill
I was charged a 400.00 disconnect fee when I cancelled my tv service with Direct tv. No one ever informed me when I was cancelling that I was under a contracted. I later found this charge to my account and called to ask why. They informed me that I had a NEW two year commitment because I received a new DVR when my old one was struck by lightening. I then informed them that NO ONE told me of this commitment and they then told me to send a letter the the bill dispute department and said there was no number to reach them.
I want EVERYONE to be aware of this fraud and be careful when signing with Directv. They will CHEAT you!
I cancelled my service after two months because I was unable to get service. Was told that I could not cancel my service. They suspended my service for 6months. After 6months without my knowledge they began charging me. They sent me to collections saying I owed $400 for an early cancelation fee and $213.00 for service I never received. They are a rip off company and dishonest. I too was told there was no contact number and that I would have to goggle their dispute center. Disgusted!
i was charged for 6 years for a box that I didn't even have in my possession, but was being charged for it.the box was still activated, but not in my home.when new ones were installed 2007, the installer kept one of the boxes in which never was installed, but I was paying for it.contacted a agent about this, and I was told that I was being charged for it for the 6 years and I wud receive a refund, called dtv back, but there is no information of it.I told the agent the devil is a damn lie today, u will not get over on me and think u are goin to get away with it.by any means necessary, I will handle my business.I have been a customer for 14 years.they will not cheat me and get away with it
i also have a problem with dtv they charged my acct 710 dollars and i have never had dtv and my bank is trying to tell me its not considered fraud how can this happen and it not be fraud
My complaint is we were moving. Directv wasn't going to move us unless we pay $200. So we cancelled their service. Told them do not take money from our account after this last payment. They "put" it in the notes and said that wont be a problem. Well very untrue. They took money left us with a balance of $0.00 in out account. Not once or twice but three times. Leaving no money for food or gas for the week! Each time calling and telling them they have no authority to take money as it is now illegal to do so...I had to go to the bank to have them dispute this! So the only way to have them NOT take money is to change my bank info...REALLY?
Directv deducted $614 from my account without authorization to do so. I tried to cancel my service with them but they swore I had signed a contract. Their explanation of a contract was the paper that I had signed when the service was installed. I asked for a copy of the paper that I had signed since the installer did not leave a copy with me, they said that they didn't have a copy of it and directed me to their website. I don't understand how such business is legal when there is no signed paperwork anywhere to back this up! I would strongly recommend that NO one uses this service! They are out to take any and all money they can from you! Their service is beyond unsatisfactory and their business ethic is far worse than any company I've ever worked with before!
I sent this to Direct TV e-mail
Direct TV has deducted from my account $1, 095.56 for services and equipment.
my husband called in July and said this will be the last month we will be using DTV. So we just last week received the boxes to return the equipment and now you have gone into our account and deducted that amount. I called this morning and talked to a Carms who put me on hold for a long time waiting on a supervisor than came back on posing as one and hung on me after I asked her for both the persons ID # I am not sure how legal this is I have never signed an agreement with DTV. this deduction is causing me to have several overdraft fees. This is bad business. you need to go to medlawplus.com and check out all the complaints you have. This would be a good story for Ken Amaro in Jacksonville. I am not sure how legal an unsigned agreement is but I will look into this with my attorney.
Sharon Raffaniello
I have been getting charged a monthly bill after being told there was no line of site and they couldn't hook me up, called supervisor told them to suspend my service and have been getting billed since now it is over 1, 000 $ ridiculous
direct tv is a big scam they charged our account 300 dollars because we disconnect our sevrice and tel us we had 180 days to pay it and take it out of our account without telling us they will pay for it what goes around comes around stay away from direct tv if that was the last tv on earth i will do without tv
Yes i a gree direct tv is a big rip off if i dont have tv i will do without before going back to direct tv they charged our account 300 without telling us and then we had to pay a no bounce fee so i will warn people stay away from direct tv
i got the same charge today! and i asked for an address for the dispute center and they said its on the back of my bill well guess what its not! I would never recomend them to anyone, i didnt sign any contract, i didnt get any of my local chanels and they came to my house three times to fix it, my dvr never worked properly, and when i called to complain the lady accually swore at me! i would never refer them to any one i have a 400 bill which they took out of my account but im glad i have nothing to do with that awful company and service again, when i called to disconnect they wouldnt even disconnect my account they shuffled me around person to person, i talked to 10 different people i bet just to cancel, they must be hurten for buseness or something, i dont even know why i went through them in the first place when dish network has cheaper packages.
billling
When I signed up for satillite svc I was given 4 receivers. I was not told at any time that there would be a $5.00 monthly fee for each receiver. I spoke to several representatives and they al assured me the receivers were free. At now time was I told of the monthly fee. Is this bait & Switch?
Every directv mailer (in very small print) shows the additional charge for the recievers on it. Your install tech had you sign a contract that has that information on it, and you acknowleged that you have a copy of that contract by paying your bill. I think you heard what you wanted to hear, and didn't pay a bit of attention to what you were told.
contracts @ hidden gotchas
You'll enjoy this one! A brilliant business plan!
I've been a DirectTV customer for several years...never really had a problem with their service. Although a little more expensive than their competitors, I get the basic package that I pay for.
Almost a year ago (Oct 2007), DirectTV notifies me that I have to swap out my equipment becuase of upgrades they've made to their system. The upgrades in equipment would be handled for free and not doing so...would affect my service. In other words, if I didn't have them come out and change out the old equipment for the new upgraded equipment...DirectTV wouldn't work anymore.
Of course I said, "ok...change it." What did I care... They made an appointment and the service guy came out and changed the dish ( I remember him saying something about chagning to a 3 wire...instead of a 2 wire...or something like that) and he changed the box for the same reason. Still...no big to me. It didn't seem out of the norm for a company to upgrade their equipment.
In the last week, I called them with the idea of cancelling service. I was told that I was "within contract" because I had upgraded my equipment last year and if I canceled...I would be charged a cancellation fee! I discovered that when they upgraded the equipment...they hid a 2-year extension or contract on me.
I recapped the situation and how they "DirectTV" had requested and told me I had to upgrade the equipment and that I had never requested it be done. NO MATTER...they denied any chance of removing this contract period from my account saying...you had the option of not upgrading the equipment...I loved that one!
The fool proof way of retaining customers...tell them they have to upgrade existing equipment (whether they need to or not) and hide or play down a contract extension when making the swap.
I told DirectTV this scenario...but really...did I have too? They did it to me...and how many others have enjoyed this same treatment.
DirectTV...NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER...sign up for their service.
I'm looking for any advice on who, what, when, where, and how to get this situation resolved. I want to part ways from these bandits...
Thanks for reading and I hope you have an answer to my problem.
Email me: [protected]@sbcglobal.net
yes basically...if they 'upgrade' your equipment or you get a new 'box' they 'automatically' put you back in a 2 year contract--its amazing...without telling you b/c its written somewhere in the 'fine print' tho i doubt it and once u activate your 'new equipment' youre put back in the contract---its awful...they could care less...its just another way they scam and cheat their customers...
DirecTV is a bunch of thieves! I'm so displeased with their service that I canceled. Their contract was cheaper to pay to get out of ($300!) than to transfer my services twice (had to sublease while waiting to close on new house). I've called them FIVE times to send boxes to return their equipment.. and still haven't received them. I've tried 3 different addresses too, and still NO BOXES. Now they're they're charging me $575 for unreturned equipment - even though it's on them for not sending me the boxes to do so! [censored]s. And I'm not impatient.. this has been going on for 3 months!
They are liars who steal and cheat hard working citizens and tax payers out of their money. I will never recommend them to anyone I know. In fact I will discourage everyone I make contact with not to use them. I am in Sales and I would never have treated anyone the way I was treated. They are a disgrace to the entertainment industry.
"If anyone has heard about a class action lawsuit please let me know."
No doubt that there are others similarly situated with less-than-full-disclosure contracts. I'm on the same hook.
I don't think this contract is binding because ... there was not a "meeting of the minds reduced to writing." Basic contract law.
I'm not a lawyer, but if there are others, I'm interested in such a suit. I too had returned their "upgrade unit" but was told that I'm on the hook anyway.
Moe in Fort Washington.
I had the same thing happen to me through signing up for DirecTV through Qwest. I was never told anything about the 340 Cancellation charges. They said they would bill my card on file. When I asked which one, they wouldn't tell me!
I wonder how many others have a problem with directtv underhanded approach to a contract that was not mentioned at any time before hookup or at cancellation. Today I've called 4 times and have spent a total of 46 minutes on hold and then disconnected. I was never told about a contract when I "bundled ." I received a bill for 340.00 for a supposed early disconnect. These people are ripoff artists.You can never speak to anyone about the problem because they disconnect you. If anyone has heard about a class action lawsuit please let me know.
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