Anonymous
map-marker Reading, Pennsylvania

DirecTV Cancelled & Reported to Collections

Had DirecTV for 6 years. The reason I cancelled is because of their High Definition scam.

I received these so called 80+ channels. Without notice, they turned a bunch of them (the popular ones) into pay channels. They told me they posted it on their website. I told them I am never on the website, how about an email, or phone call.

They had no answer for that one. So I decided to cancel my service and use my local cable provider. I called to pay my past due and prorate charge, they told me that I could not, and that when you cancel, it would be automatically withdrawn. Well 2 months later, I received a call from collections agency for a "past due balance"?!?

When confronting Directv supervisor, thay said I have to write a letter (no phone #) to dispute my bill. I think they do this to add late charges to your account.

They are one of the largest scam artists when it comes to cancelling services.

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19 comments
Guest

They are crooks and they lie to you

Guest

Type your message here

Guest

Very dishonest company!Will try and extort money at every chance they can!!

Guest

My bill keep going up, up, and up so i cancelled them the service is horrible I would not ever give them any good review They are the biggest rip off do not get there service you will never be satisfied if it's a storm for get about watching Directv.

Guest

Gosh..after reading some of these comments I'm appalled. I've never had problems with DTV but I don't do auto billing. I suppose since ATT bought

them there must be a pucker factor amoung the troops.

Guest

Yes they are. They put mine in collection for $542.00.

And it was their fault! When I moved they broke their agreement and didn't come move my service to my new home. So I got Dish that I love!

So this directv Account can stay on their forever for all I care! They are not fair at all!

Guest

I had a past due of 144.00 and they put 444.00 on my credit report.

Guest

I had direct tv and cancelled the service because I was moving. About a month later they call and want the cable box back..

So I asked them where to send it. They told me it can only be shipped in a certain box, so I told them to send me that "special" box and I'd gladly send them the recover back. Then they told me that they had already sent that "special" box to my address that i had moved from and obviously I didn't get it. They said they can only send that box once and that I owed them $441.00.

What a bunch of *** It's been 6 yrs and I refuse to pay it. Wonder if there is any way I could dispute that????

Guest

Direct Tv never informed me about there cancellation fee.. I got there service through the phone..

i cancelled it between 3 days because i did not like it.. Guess what they send me a bill to pay $443.10. I told them i won't pay it.. they put it into collection to damage my credit.

After 5 month.. collection call me to settle the pay.. if i pay half they will write everything off for me.. P aid half...

After 3 years i check my credit it the remaining half was still there.. they lied to me.. I called them.. they said they have no account of the collection agency that handle my case..

I WILL NEVER USE THIS COMPANY EVER AGAIN.

DONE FOR GOOD.. AND I WILL MAKE SURE NON OF MY FRIENDS OR FAMILY USE THIS BAD COMPANY.

valerie Wrl

A short time after signing up with DirecTv I had to cancel. It was a situation that could not be avoided and I knew I would get hit with the ETF, again, it could not be avoided.

When I canceled, the agent told me after the equipment was returned my card on file would be debited the "final" billed amount. I recieved a bill for double stating I did not return the equpiment, ugh bf didn't do it!! We called, said it's in route back to them- no problem they said, give me a call in a week to see if we processed it. I did, and they did- great!

My final bill was adjusted the equipment charge and I was then told that they would debit the card on file. A few weeks later, I get a bill for the final bill (minus equipment) so I call to see what it's about. I was told that because there was an amount due, it went out automatically. I inquired about them debiting my card, I was told that there has to be a period of 20 days with no activity for them to charge my card, and the credit of the equipment was activity, with the 20 count starting over, my card would be debited on 4-1-11.

I told him that I would pay but I don't want to double pay if they were going to auto charge my card. He said no problem, just wait until 4-1, it's only about a week away. They never did, and now I've been sent to collections. I was denied a supervisor, when I demanded one, I was told that they wouldn't talk to me because I was a collection case.

I paid the bill, was given an address for the Corporate office in CO and told to write a complaint to The Collections Dept.

I asked for the notations from my account which she read back to me, stating that they would debit my card, but since that's not policy, that's why collections occured. She told me: "what do you think happens when you don't pay your bills!"

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roto
map-marker Dudley, North Carolina

Order Cancellation with No Notification resulting in loss of days pay

Below is the complaint I submitted to Direct TV Attn: Someone who cares! I can only explain my issue by summarizing the turn of events. Tuesday, February 12th: I called Direct TV to order Direct TV at my new home located on : (address), Morrisville, NC 27560. I had already had ATT phone and online service and wanted to add Direct TV for the 3 package deals. The order went very smooth. I had some past credit issues which put me in the category of being requested to leave a sizable deposit of $300 plus the added install or equipment fees which at the end totaled $400. I paid that with no problem and Direct TV was very eager to accept it. I scheduled my install appointment. I was hoping for that Saturday install (February 9th) but I was told my earliest available appointment would have to be Friday, February 22nd. I was not happy about the almost 2 week wait but due to my previous great experience with having Direct TV in 2005 or 2006, it was worth the wait. I tried to get the appointment moved up but was denied very coldly with the option to cancel my order if I was not satisfied. (This should have been my first red flag of the customer service I was to endure in the future). There was no need for the threat and is not a great customer satisfaction tactic. A simple "No I am so sorry but this is the best we can do due to the technicians already packed schedule" would have definitely went down a little smoother. But I was locked in for the 22nd and couldn't wait for the date. I decided to take the Friday off so that I could be there for the installation appointment. (Normal and very common action taken by customers awaiting utility services). Thursday, February 21st: Trying to be proactive as to not allow room for any reason my installation would not go through, I called Direct TV Thursday night to make sure the technician would bring the special HDTV wires needed to install my service. I spoke with a representative (I do not have her name but I am sure my account was noted) and she pulled up my account by my name and phone #. I expressed to her that I wanted to make sure the technician "coming out tomorrow" supplied the wires or I would run out and get them. She informed me that the tech would have all the necessary wiring to complete the job. I felt assured and wished her a goodnight. Friday, February 22nd @ around 10:30am: I phoned Direct TV just to make sure we were still on schedule and I hadn't missed the doorbell or something because that can happen. When the representative pulled up my account I was informed that my installation appointment had been canceled. I was flabbergasted. I inquired as to why and was told that it was canceled because I had an unsettled balance at my previous address back in NJ from 2005 or 2006. Well my first question was, I spoke to the representative last night and she said nothing about my appointment being canceled, what did she miss??? My next question was, well why didn't anyone call me? She informed me that she didn't know but it was Direct TV's policy to cancel and order if there was a balance pending. I can understand that, but again, Why was I not informed of the cancellation. Needless to say I was livid and still am. I took off of work for this install. There are a lot of Direct TV customers that *** for their Direct TV install. It is a common trade off for work being done. But today I am out of work for nothing. Today I lost money because I am a contractor and get paid for hours worked and I stayed home for nothing. Why? Because Direct TV did not contact me to let me know that my appointment was canceled. The representative could tell that I was fuming and what she informed me was, "Well if you pay the balance owed I can still get a technician out to you today." (1st lie on behalf of Direct TV) I paid the $100 balance owed and she put me on hold to process the payment. She then gets back on the phone to tell me that she couldn't get my order processed for installation today and that the best she could do was for tomorrow, Saturday, February 23rd. Well lets take my current situation into account, Direct TV now has over $500 dollars of my money and I have been out of cable waiting for Direct TV almost 2 weeks. And still in the back of my mind I am remembering the fantastic service I had with Direct TV back in NJ so of course I take the appointment but I have to speak with someone about what I just experienced, in hopes that Direct TV would make good on their oops because I am still out of work, No Pay, for this day and now I have to be home all day Saturday waiting for service and because my husband has to work and I have to be at the house all day, my daughter has to miss a Birthday party that she has been looking forward to for the last three weeks. All of this because I couldn't get a courtesy call or letter from Direct TV instructing me or advising me to call in and settle the matter or else cancellation will ensue. Friday, February 22nd @ around noon: After simmering down I decided to call into Direct TV so I could get some sort of resolve for this oops. Here is when things go from irritable to darn right disgusting as far as Direct TV's business practices are concerned and your approach toward customer relations and overall customer satisfaction. I have to start by letting you know that I am a seven year veteran of AT&T/Avaya/Lucent customer service department and know all to well about satisfying customers and the approaches we as corporations should take when we ( the corporations) make mistakes. We all make mistakes but when a mistake is made, and apology is warranted, and admittance of error is acknowledged and some form of compensation is initiated or offered. Well Direct TVs approach begins and ends at "Sorry". I first spoke with Tiffany and very calmly and politely recanted the events that I had experienced and I informed her that I wanted to speak with someone who could help me with my situation. She politely responded "OK well I am sorry for that, please hold and I will find someone for you". Well I got Tiffany back on the phone and she responded "I am sorry but there is no one that can help you with that". Of course that was not good enough for me. Lets remember, I took off a day of work, no pay, to find out the day of my installation that I had been canceled. I asked to speak with her manager and she replied, "That will not be necessary because they will tell you the same thing." I replied, "OK, well let me her it from him or her." She put me on hold for about three minutes and I get another cold emotionless representative on the phone by the name of Ken. I ask him "Do I need to recap or did Tiffany fill you in?" He says, "Yeah she explained it and I can't do anything for you, there is no compensation available for you". Now I know that Direct TV can do better than that. He went on to state Direct TVs policy on order cancellation. I asked him why was I not informed? At first he said, he didn't know. Very non-chalant attitude. I repeated to him that I understood the cancellation, my problem is Why wasn't I given a call? He said "Well I don't know if you were or not." So I asked him to check and he snapped, "I am doing that now". I waited and he said, "We have on record that you were contacted but there was no answer." Again, I took off of work for this appointment. Most people do. WHY WAS I NOT CONTACTED? WHY DIDN'T SOMEONE LEAVE A MESSAGE? My appointment was scheduled almost 2 weeks out, I could have received a letter in the mail as to such. Nothing. Have some consideration. I expressed all of this to Ken, and he went on to patronize me about having a balance. I repeated that the balance wasn't my problem, obviously, I paid it with no problem. He then started in about it was my choice to take the day off. I am an adult, not a peon. I know it was my choice, where is the courtesy is all I am asking. Where is the "Best Business Practice"? Where is the consideration for others? Is it Direct TV's policy to not consider those that owe a balance, there business is not appreciated or worth consideration? I wanted to speak with someone higher. He said there was no one. I asked did he have a manager. He said there was tons of managers but that they would tell me the same thing. So I asked to speak with one and he said specifically, "No I am not going to do that." I said , you have a customer on the phone that is disgruntled and unsatisfied and you deny me to speak with someone who has more authority that you? He said, "Yes, that is what I am saying." So just to be clear I asked him, "So what you are saying here is that you scheduled an appointment with me so I took the day off and you later cancel my appointment without contacting me so I miss a days pay for nothing and that is good business practice, specifically Direct TV's business practice?" He would not answer my question. He just continued to repeat that I had a balance and that is why it was canceled and it was their right and their policy and he was not going to continue the conversation with me. So again I asked to speak with his manager and he denied me again. So I asked him who I contact or write in my complete. He said specifically, "I am the person". I said so there is no hotline or address that addresses complaints, who polices you? He said, "No". So I said to him, "OK I just want to be clear on your position, which is Direct TVs final position on this since complaints don't go pass you......" Then he cut me off and snapped, "Mam I am going to get a manager on the phone to tell you the same thing" and put me on hold. Next up is the ever so cold and condescending Jeremiah. The same conversation ensues. No admittance of wrong doing. He even goes so far as to say, "It's not my problem that you took a day off. You could waited until you had a day off or you could have taken a vacation day. First of all, you don't know my employment situation. Even if I had used a vacation day. It was a day less vacation that I would have used for nothing. Ya know, you Ms. Betiw, Ms. Filipiak, may think all of this is petty but its the principle and the denial of wrong doing and the reverting of responsibility that eats me up more than missing the money. Instead of Tiffany, Ken or Jeremiah saying to me, "Mam, I hear what you are saying and we were wrong. This is not the way Direct TV does business, this was an uncommon occurrence, but unfortunately we do not have the power here to make anything happen but I sympathize with what you experienced. Let me get you this number or this address so that you can write in a formal complaint, chronicle what happened to you, and hopefully then something can be done because this was an unfortunate miss on our part." I would have eaten that and followed thru with the appropriate next steps. But it was the cold, "I can't do anything for you, it was your fault this happened, well you should have chosen another day or waited till you had off, well technically you should have been denied the order to begin with (which was stated by Jeremiah to slam me not realizing that he had just exposed another flaw in your process)" that took this complaint to another level. JUST NASTY! AnD truly uncalled for. Then to be lied to by the woman who took my money for the balance owed and still didn't get my appoint. To be lied to by Ken that there was no one over him or no complaints department. Then to be lied to by Jeremiah stating there was no legal department, misleading me giving me the address to customer service but later admitting that the legal department was in California and refusing to give me that address. Then treating me like I was a child saying he would put me on hold until all he told me sank in. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? After you have over $500 of my money, with me missing a days pay just because you couldn't leave me a message and I still don't have my cable installed. This is unacceptable and I am not going to stop with this complaint or letting as many consumers aware of Direct TVs poor customer support in regard to the department that handles North Carolina. I never had this issue back in New Jersey. What a shame. And all it took was me to put in "Direct TV customer complaints" in the Google.com's search field and was barraged by noted complaints regarding your customer service practices. So I'll add mine to all of the lists and go further until someone stops and addresses this issue. What a small complaint to go so wrong just to deny a mistake and supply resolution. Ken snapped with the question, "Well what do you want from us?" Coupons to the piggly wiggly would have sufficed in exchange for the *** I was given to kiss. Utterly unsatisfied, Mrs. Randle Lastly, did I mention that I asked Jeremiah and Ken for all of the policies they were throwing at me in writing and they said they didn't have to give it to me and that it was not my right to receive it. They said they didn't have to give me anything in writing. What company does not have their policies in writing? And to add insult to injury, you need to actually contact Avaya/Lucent to get their Merlin Legend or Definity phones that block out background sounds so that the customers calling in with complaints can't hear the audience of people laughing at the heated exchange in the background. I'll be sure to let that be known on the public complaint web sites as well.
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Loss:
$500
Anonymous
map-marker Clarksville, Tennessee

Direct tv fraud and customer service

I purchased direct tv in sept 08. They were so nice but did not ever say anything about a contract. I've been happy until now. My son moved in because of lay off and I requested another HD DVR Plus box. They informed me I would have to go back on another 24 months contract. Never knew I was even on a contract to start with. Also that I did not buy my box for $200 as we were told we did, but just rented it. Everyone I talked to told me something different also. The only paper I signed was to the private contractor that installed and he said that was how he got paid. FRAUD!! Also, that it would cost me $20 a month to get out of their service. First we heard of that. Always pay on time and are seniors. They treat customers like dirt. DON'T MESS WITH DIRECT TV
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1 comment
Guest

Direct Tv told me I was purchasing my receivers. Wrong!

Wait till you get your first bill with the lease fees? I also wanted rf remotes. Wrong! They send you the wrong ones and want to charge you to get the right remotes.

The installers were a joke! I told them I wanted to cancel. Now they want to charge my credit card $480.

Stay away from direct TV! They just don't care and their customer service is awful!

Kaylene Svb
map-marker Alliance, Ohio

DIRECT TV HAS NOTHING FOR LOYAL LONG STANDING CUSTOMERS!!!!!!!!!

DIRECT TV HAS NOTHING FOR LOYAL LONG STANDING CUSTOMERS!!!!!!!!! I called for better pricing and found out that there is nothing for existing customers. I've been with this company for almost three years. I asked for a dvr box,and was told I have to pay 100 dollars plus shipping plus installation.I Just wish they would give the existing customers something to make them want to stay with direct tv.I wish extra boxes weren't extra. I mean with time Warner you can watch TV in any room for no extra.Because I didn't get a dvr box at first,I have to pay big money now!!!
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1 comment
realist

First of all time warner sucks, second of all if you want to be considered and loyal customer you have to be one. Three years really is not that long with a company. I know it seems like it for you. To meet the standards of being a loyal customer with any company you have to

A.) pay all your bills ON TIME or BEFORE THE DUE DATE

B.) with a satalite or cable company you must pay for more then just the lower packages, that means you spend at least $70 + a month

C.) be with them for at least four years (that means three years of paying the regular prices and any equipment)

Now if you meet these standards, most companies, directv being one of them, work with you. They even send special discounts to you, have you gone to thier website and registered your account??? They would probably update you with specials they are having or even weekends that you may get the movie channels for free. If you pay your services on time and you have not had them interupted they will probably work with you. Here is a hint call them in October this is when all the deals with all televison services are out. This is the best time to be shopping around, and let Directv know your concerns with what you feel you are losing by staying with them and not going to time warner. But dont say "I AM A LOYAL CUSTOMER" or "WHY CANT I GET WHAT THE NEW CUSTOMERS ARE!!" Because you either sound like you feel very entitled or that your a big baby. Now dont be surprized that you get put into a new commitment because that will happen if you get any discounts or free equipment. Besides the $100 for the dvr is for the leased one with a commitment anyway.

Anonymous
map-marker Tampa, Florida

DirecTV special offer scam

I called them to order service for our family vacation home. I asked what special they were running at the time and the agent read them off to me. I chose one that was about $39 per month and free DVR upgrade. I explained at the time I ordered that is is a vacation home and there is no mail service and gave them my credit card billing address and cell phone #. He said it was no problem taht they do that all the time. He explained to me that the first month bill would show on my card at the regular amount and them I would be credited for the difference on the next bill. He said we were all set and the install date was set. Everything was going fine and I get a bill in January for a December billing that is for two months at the regular price. I decide that I should open a online account and found that one I had used at my home in the past now had all my information. I check and find that another charge was placed on my card on 2/13/09 for the regular price again so I called to find out why. Welcome to DirecTV ***. I was told that I did not fill out a rebate form. I explained that I wasn't told about a rebate. They transfer me to the rebate department where they tell me "Too bad. It's now past the 60 day rebate window so I will just have to pay the regular price." I explained that no one mentioned a rebate to me and I was told that the form was in my welcome package. I asked where it was mailed and, guess what, it was sent where I told them I get no mail. The bottom line is that they waited and double billed me,eliminating most of my chance to catch the problem in the rebate window, sent the package where I get no mail then told me that I can either pay the regular $65 price or remove service and pay a $450 early cancellation fee. That's a very professional solution to a problem they created. From talking to several agents it become clear that they have canned responses for each item in your complaint so I sincerely feel that the "special" program is designed to hook, mislead and cheat customers. I had them stop the service now I have to begin a fight over the $450 early cancellation charge. They got me good this time but never again !
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Anonymous
map-marker Cleveland, Ohio

Direct TV - You all changed my mind. Thanks

I am so thankful for all of your comments. It has helped me make my mind up. I contacted Direct TV through a sales person calling on me. I was almost ready to sign up, but thought it was strange that the customer service person wanted so much personal info before signing me up. She wanted my credit card number, SS# etc. This made me uneasy so I told her I would need to think about subscribing and my husband and I needed to talk it over. The promos sounded very good and the price was within our budget. My husband said we ought to read reviews to help us make up our minds. Thank goodness for this sight! Any company that charges credit cards without their customer's knowledge, drafts monies from checking accounts without permission of the customer, makes unexpected charges to your bill, let's me know I do not want to do business with that company. These are unethical practices. Thank you so much again! You helped us make up our minds.
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kentucky
map-marker Freeland, Michigan

Direct TV Early Cancellation fee scam!

Direct TV will tell you anything for a sale! Long Story Short!! Don't believe them! They told me i could cancel early even 'twice'. I returned the equipment although they debited my checking account for the early cancellation fee of $435. Be aware, when the initial order was processed they requested my debit card for taxes & handling. I was assured this was a 1 time only fee and they would not use it again. Wrong! They will!! They said,You verbally went into an agreement with them to do so for any further charges. According to their terms and conditions they never review with you over the phone! I was told this when i called to complain, they didn't care, were not helpful and are obviously use to this Entrapment! Their sales assoc. are trained to handle these Scams!! Anything for a sale! USE Dish network! They are the best!
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1 comment
Guest

I want to know if anyone has won against Direct TV and if so how did they do it?

Kaylene Svb
map-marker Alliance, Ohio

I want better care for existing customers

I called for better pricing and found out that there is nothing for existing customers. I've been with this company for almost three years. I asked for a dvr box,and was told I have to pay 100 dollars plus shipping plus installation.I Just wish they would give the existing customers something to make them want to stay with direct tv.I wish extra boxes weren't extra. I mean with time Warner you can watch TV in any room for no extra.Because I didn't get a dvr box at first,I have to pay big money now!!!
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PurplePanther
map-marker San Diego, California

DirecTV stole my money!

over a month ago directv was having technical difficulties with it's website and accidentally charge my bank account four times for the same bill. With all the bells and whistles we have, they charged me over $800! That was January 2nd. I call day after day and since they oursource their customer service to the phillipines, nobody knows what I'm talking about. Yesterday I threatened legal action and was actually transferred to an American, who was the rudest most unbelievably useless, arrogant person ever. After all i've gone through I don't deserve to be treated like this!
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13 comments
Guest

My advice is to never be on autopay for these crooks. When they make a mistake and pull money out of your account they won't give it back. They stole $400 from my checking account without permission and won't give it back.

Guest

After not paying there bill in a timely manner, Direct TV withdrew 400.00 + dollars from my bank account w/o autherization. After contacting them to rectify they promised the money would be put back on three different occasions but still waiting.

They're excuse was an accounting error on there side which has now extended it another 10 days which I have heard 2X before. I was told by 1 rep to hold after 30 mins I got hung up on.

After calling back was told by another the credit was forwarded to my bank. The next call after noticing it was not, I was told another ten days!!!

Guest

To Seemore

You have got to be working in the PR dept for Directv....if not, go get that job...I did note your addressing Directv as an entity, and not the bundled situation that many folks seem to be bungled up in today...I take it at face value that what you say is true...the company is just trying their best man, to help out the customer and meet the bottom line...but when you have Three different people tell you( the sales rep, the install tech and a service person from the company) that you have thirty days to check out the service and decide whether or not it is going to work...and then you have had your equipment changed out three times and still not work, and have also had your bill double from what you thought you agreed to...along with the absolutely pass the buck from one company back to the other customer service...with no resolution, except that they have you locked,(maybe?) into their contract, and will get, their money somehow most of the time, because many folks will not fight it...that answers your attrition equation...It seems to me, this consumer, that they really don't give a ***...the fix is in... unless you have a contract law degree and know exactly the right questions to ask and can decipher the small print...I have learned my lesson tho...never ever, expect integrity when working on a contracted business deal with any entity...no one takes responsibility for their actions or their word....if what you say is true about the checks and balances at Directv, I should have, out of good customer service, received a call from a supervisor who could actually help me resolve my issues, and give me the benefit of the doubt as the customer...but instead I get a note saying thankyou for agreeing to pay more money for our service....it really is laughable...But trust me, one way or the other I will figure out a way for these companies Qwest and Directv to have to justify the time wasted by me and my wife...have a fabulous Holiday

Guest

DirecTV operates like another large familer corporation that is still in the undertaking 10 years later! ENRON

We ordered dtv Jan 08 through qwest bundle. Contract up Jan 10.

We moved June 30th 2010 and moved our services (still qwest bundle). DTV lost the order despite the conformation email. It was that email that saved the day when you tried to tell me I was still receiving service and living at my old address. I had to prove my change of address to you people! It took nearly a month but you finally moved my service. The supervisor "joe" felt bad and issued a credit for the install fee for the new whole home hd dvr system HE OFFERED US.. We did not ask for this, we were fine with what we had.

In Aug 10 we unbundle with qwest.

In oct 10 we call to cancel and are told we are under contract. Mind you im in law school and study consumer law! I am very familer with contract and this is not a valid contract, it is void, it lacks 3/6 essential elements to be considered a contract. I also subpoened for copies of this so called phone call at the 3rd party verification and low and behold, the phone call does not exist. I subpoened for copies of the phone call with the supe who upgraded us, and again, no existance. Hmm....

Needless to say we continued with the cancel. I paid the bill online as a one time payment for the month of aug and sept 10.

I told dtv to send final bill and I wrote a dispute letter to start the process and sent it to Greenwood vil col. BARE MIND THAT WHEN A CONSUMER IS DISPUTING THE VALIDITY OF A CHARGE YOU CAN NOT EVER ATTEMPT TO COLLECT THE DEBT THAT IS IN VIOLATION OF THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT. I have successfully sued creditors and collection agencies over less then $400 and received tens of thousands back for my legal fees and pun damages. Your next.

Anyways, the day after thanksgiving you decided to bill my bank account $480.14 11/26/10. Considering the $400 is in dispute you have broken the law. Its called felony theft. Amongst other things. Furthermore, on 11/27/10 I got my "final bill" finally, and it shows a late fee of $5.00....um, #1 how can it be late when I just got the dam bill and #2 you helped ourself to my bank account so again, how can it be late?? #3 you do not have permission or my signature to bill my account without permission.

We will see when Wash DC makes a ruling, DirecTV will come tumbling down and all of its peon employees will gravel at our feet.

Guest

I have had issues with DirecTV's unethical business practices as well. I reported them to the Better Business Bureau. There are so many complaints filed against this company for their bad business practices.

Guest

I had DirecTV and they were supposed to bundle my cable with AT&T.

They assured me that the bundle installation would all be on the

same day. It was not! I had to contact AT&T and in the process

was told about AT&T Uverse which sounded a lot better than DirecTV.

AT&T worked with me on DirecTV's bills to me as well as my first

cable provider. Then DirecTV billed me for the disconnection fee

and AT&T helped me. DirecTV took $500 out of my bank account

without my knowledge and AT&T and I both put a stop payment

on my checking account. Once DirecTV gets your money it leaves

one high and dry when following through on its bundle accounts.

I should have never had to contact AT&T about connecting my

phone and internet, that was DirecTV's job and they said they would do it when I first got it. At this time I am very happy with

AT&T and I hope to continue to be.

Guest

for the comment on the 2 year contract. Yes they do tell you about it and there is also a form that you sign usually before the install or sometimes after, if you people dont read what you sign then well thats your fault :upset

Guest

I have been a customer for 12 years. I have never had anyone I purchase anything from treat me the way they have this month.

I pay every month on time.

Suddenly, yesterday, I find that they have removed 500 from my bank account. I call and spend three hours on the phone for everyone to say, it is a mistake, but it will take them a month to put it back.

As advised, do not give them any source of money that you can not cancel in the event you foresee issues with them, or don't use them.

Guest

I kept reading but never thought it would happen to me- well it just did.

I get a call from Directv and they tell me my bill is late- I say I have autopay, you better look again and hung up on them. I'm on my computer 10 minutes later and get an email confirmation of the $262 payment made by phone!

Not only is my account up to date but there was no authorization for them to charge me on that card!

this was an old credit card I used before I put them on a different account to make tracking bills easier! *** Them

Guest

You people are pathetic, paranoid and are probably liberal Democrats that think everyone should get everything for nothing as well. For anyone that thinks that all businesses are out to get you I would encourage you to get professional help immediately before you kill again. While occasionally one of you may have been victim of an error or perhaps even an intentional act of deception for the most part most of you are simply clueless or qualify as perpetrators of fraud yourselves.

A company the size of DIRECTV has a legal department the size of a small Midwestern town that advises them on every policy and practice that they employ. Now I'm not saying that there are no instances of an individual that works for DIRECTV misleading a customer, intentionally or unintentionally. But as a corporate entity DIRECTV has everything to lose by setting policy and engaging in practices that are detrimental to its bottom line. The only way to avoid attrition is keep the customers you have happy so they will tell others.

DIRECTV has about 18 million customers and they continue to grow. Apparently most of those 18 million are pretty well satisfied because DIRECTV has been ranked #1 in customer satisfaction for 9 years running. If they were p-i-s-s-i-n-g (Funny isn't it, that a website that is called Pissed Consumer won't let the word *** be used in posts. Pretty hypocritical.) off even 1% of their customers there would be about 180,000 people or so that should be posting on this site yet there is only a handful. Now of the 18 million or so people who are DIRECTV customers they are either 18 million of the stupidest people on the face of the Earth or the less than 1% who claim to have been duped are. Which is it? My money is on the 180,000 or less.

DIRECTV agents are trained for 2 weeks before they take a single call. Then they go through another 2 weeks of On-The-Job training under the watchful eye of trainers. And once they are allowed to take calls without extremely close supervision they are subject to frequent monitoring to ensure that they deliver a quality consumer experience. Every call an agent takes is recorded and archived. They are required to quote accurate pricing based on what they are told by the prospective customer. If the customer attempts or does provide inaccurate information in an attempt to get service or discounts they are not entitled to how does the DIRECTV or one of its agents have responsibility for inaccurate pricing or information that could result. Agents are required to inform all customers that they are leasing, not buying equipment and upon termination of services the equipment must be returned to DIRECTV or the credit or debit card that they provided when they became a DIRECTV customer would be charged for the cost of the equipment. Customers are told to review their 1st bill and the Customer Agreement that is included carefully and to keep both for their records. New customers are told the length of their agreement and if they break that agreement due to early cancellation then they are subject to early cancellation fees. Currently this is $20 per month left in the agreement term. It will be charged to the credit or debit card they provided when they set up service.

You see, when someone calls to sign up for DIRECTV some do not listen closely to what they are being told. It is my assessment that those who claim to have wronged are probably among those who wanted to rush through the sign-up process, argued with the agent about the length of the agreement, felt the cancellation fees were unfair or just ignored any information that the agent provided that didn't line up with their own personal perception of what they did or didn't have to do to hold up their end of the bargain. They think that to provide TV service as content rich as what DIRECTV provides is free, that DIRECTV gets 100% profit from every dollar they take in. Get a clue. Every business that exists today makes an investment and has an expense before any profit is made. DIRECTV is no different. Typically it takes DIRECTV at least 18 months to break even on a new customer. Let me repeat that for the really thick-headed among you. It typically takes 18 months for DIRECTV to break even on the installation and set-up of a new customer. No business exists to just break even and no business continues to exist if they don't make a profit. Since its establishment DIRECTV has continually improved its service, content and technology. No business in the television service provider industry has a record as good as DIRECTV.

Some people complain that satellite TV use to be free. Really? If I recall a satellite system with a dish the size of Rhode Island ran about $8000 or more. That is about 6 years of DIRECTV service with the Premier package that contains over 285 channels of the most popular programming content available. No other TV service provider has anything even close. Of course, one does not have to have a TV service provider. For those of you who think TV should be free as your God given right, you can put up an antenna and get reception of local channels if you can get a strong enough signal. But shut your pie hole and don't complain when there is nothing to watch on TV or there is 30 minutes of program content and 30 minutes of advertising to pay for “free” TV. Or maybe you can watch programming content provided on the Internet that is free. But my friends, that is not free either. You either at least have to have Internet service which is not free, you are a mooch who only gets WI-fi from places like Starbucks or McDonald's (God love ya) or you are stealing service from someone. Who is the unethical one now?

Are you familiar with the Pareto Principle? I doubt it. Simply put 80% of effects are derived by 20% of causes. It is also referred to as the 80-20 Rule. How does it have relevance to this monologue? 80% of the problems/complaints are generated by 20% of the customers a company has. These disgruntled people also increase the expense of doing business and guess who gets to cover the bill? The 80 percent who are relatively satisfied. Do me/us a favor, go kill yourselves now, before you cost me/us another penny. I/we will be eternally grateful.

Kevin, you are full of it. I will bet that is why your eyes are brown.

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Kevin G Zjh
map-marker Shallotte, North Carolina

Direct tv is way too 'fine printed'

I have until recently been with DirectTV for over 8 years. A few months ago one of my receivers went 'out' and I went to Best Buy to purchase another one. Thankfully a very young sales rep. informed me that even though I am purchasing a new receiver, I don't OWN it, I am only purchasing it at a discounted rate and that when I call DirectTV to activate the new card I will be re-committing myself to a new 24 month contract,(think cell phone services). Well, luckily my parents had kept their old receiver so I switched out with them, however with all the new promotions and such from DirectTV, I called their customer rentention department and asked 'hey, you are offering new customers the same package I am paying 52.99 for only 29.99, if they sign up for a 24 month auto-pay commitment...can I have that'...they repeatedly said it's for new customers only. While I went on to tell them that I have been with them for 8 years, so, I am happy, that for continued 24 months of more happiness they need to give me the new offering plan or bye bye..guess what, they offered me a $10.00 discount, now keep in mind, these are receivers that are 8 years old, so I am being charged 52.99 plus 5 more for the extra receiver, that's 57.99 plus local channels, 5 bucks more, 62.99, plus taxes and such and I'm busting 70 dollars easy each month, and for new customers, they get NEW DVRS up to 4 rooms, and for the same package I had for only 29.99 a month...guess what happened...bye bye directtv..hello dish network...I signed up for 24 month commitment with Dish Network, got all the same channels I had and then some with them, for 32.99 month, plus 5 dollars more for the extra dvr...so..DirectTV..you can kiss my ***...for my 8 years of commitment to you, and you wanted to offer me customer rentention in the form of 10 dollars a month for 6 months..well I went shopping, found a better deal, and committed to your competition....while I am only just one person..I can at least control who get's my money..take that you *** *** companys
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fefo
map-marker Waukee, Iowa

Why cannot I choose the channels I want?

A DirectTv, DishNetwork complain: You pay for a high monthly service and half of your channels are GARBAGE! Why can we consumers choose the channels we want? Are we really a nation of suckers? Why don't we complain and force these crooks to provide the service we want in exchange for the hard-earned dollars we pay them? Where can I bring these complains to? one more thing: When I signed up for the service, I was charged a monthly "leasing" fee for my equipment. After a year, I was told the equipment is mine, but I still see the charge on my bill. When I called, they now say is a "programming fee" for each receiver. Is the charge for copying the programming from one receiver to another. How convenient, uh?
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Loss:
$15
Anonymous
map-marker Hummelstown, Pennsylvania

DirectTV and Verizon tied me to a contract they can't fulfill

Verizon's Triple Play can not provide internet service to everyone, but they will "sorry you were misinformed" you until after contract with DirectTV is signed. Now neither company backs the other. DirectTV will not work with you. You Signed a contract on good faith with "Verizon". Verizon will only offer phone & TV for $95.00 mth (Triple Play was offered at $74.88) DirectTV has already secured a $346.28 deposit directly from checking account now wants another $480.00. Must be hurting for money not customers because all they had to do was offer a solution ie: a lower rate, shorter commitment, something all i got was " SORRY YOU WERE MISINFORMED"!
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Loss:
$775
1 comment
Guest

i would sue for breach of contract since the contract was to purchase access to services they are not willing to provide and in the interim i would change my bank information and dispute the charges that they already got from you

nasus
map-marker Washington, District Of Columbia

Directv

I Hate Directv - What a scam especially their fake cancellation fee that makes no since at all. If i no longer want or need your service..a simply cancellation should be enough. How do they get away with this is a mystery to me and bad business. I cancelled b/c when i was having trouble i needed the repairmen to fix the problem. They also charge $50.00 to come out and for what? They never get it right the first time so now you are in the waiting game paying for something that does not work. PLease think 2x before using Directv for cable.
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niece s
map-marker Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Billed for ppv movies that i didnt watch

I was a directtv customer for 2 yrs. For two years i searched for a signal.I got sick of the high priced service and decided to go with somone else for service.

When they got my boxes back they sent me a bill for 10.59 for ppv when i called i was informed that i owe 42. dollars.For movies that was ordered, but i never thought i could order ppv without having a landline phone. When trying to clear this up i was told by Kimberly that I have called about this before and why was i calling back. HUH its my money who wouldnt call if they felt this is wrong.

They still tell me that the charges will stay. So i will pay cause they do keep your credit card numbers even though they say the don't.

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2 comments
Guest

I just got off the phone with Direct TV and let me tell you that I was a loyal customer fro 7 years. I sent my box back and now received a bill for 3 pay per views from 2007.

Charlene from Direct tv informed me that if my phone line was not plugged into the box, they had no way of knowing that I ordered pay per view. They can only charge me when I return the box and access card. So.....if you are stuck in the contract, unplug your phone line, order all the pay per view you want and just don't ever return your box or access card.

You will be charged the $45 for the box but all the free pay per view you can handle. Good luck.

Guest

The same thing happened to me when I returned a box which didn't work. The "customer service" representatives who I was bounced back and forth between all had the same response: "the card inside the box says that you ordered the pay per view with your remote control".

Each time, I told them: "no, I did not! I have never allowed the option for pay per view with my remote control. From the first day this service was installed at my house, my account has been double password protected. I have had to call the DirecTV automated line, provide a password to access my account, and provide an additional password in order to purchase pay per view.

I set my account up this way for added assurance that they would not screw with my billing. After three years of sevice, they tried to screw with it. Get this though: they did not bill me for the supposed "adult pay per view purchase with the television remote" until more than two years after the box was returned to them. Let the wrath of the refuse-to-be-scammed customer begin!!

I was infuriated, first of all, that they would even attempt to give the "these were purchased by your remote control 2 years ago because the card inside the box says so" explanation. This was their "proof" for cause to be billed?! Not proof for me. I told them to review my pay per view history and show me one record where A) adult pay per view had EVER been purchased on my account (other than what they were trying to show me now) and B) a record of pay per view purchases authorized via remote.

All records would show "VIA PHONE".

I demanded that they credit my account and remove the "***" from my billing history; they would not do either until I threatened to cancel service. My advice to anyone: return your boxes and request a review of the ID card inside the box for possible dispute purposes prior to actually cancelling your service so that you are not being billed and sent to collection or your credit card is wrongfully charged for illegitimate reasons created by DirecTV.

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Anonymous
map-marker Morgan Hill, California

Direct tv bad service

I'm a long time customer with Direct Tv till the date that I switched to HD everything was okay. A Month into this service things went so bad that I wanted to be disconnected from the service with Direct Tv, this would happen at 04-13-2009 bad I been disconnected at 04-01-2009. After several phone calls from at least 30 minutes over the last several day I had my final phone call today 04-04-2009 for more than 90 minutes with the runaround conversations and spook with six different persons with no ability to solve my connection problem. There comments where you have a disconnect running and we cannot give you a service visit to solve your problems. I told them that I will not pay the bill bud that will be bad for my credit report. I'm a disappointed ex Direct Tv customer with no respect for this company anymore R van Rosmalen
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