Complaint Review: DirectTV

Here's a scam that DirectTV pulled on me.

I received a mailer in regards to DIRECTV service, and called to inquire about costs associated with specific packages. I left a message and was later contacted and we discussed different packages and costs. I then told the representative exactly what I needed because they didn't have a specific package that I was looking for.

I was then quoted a monthly charge of $59.99. I asked several times if there were any additional fees to ensure that I wouldn't receive any surprises, and I was told over and over that the only additonal cost would be the taxes.

When the installer showed up, amazing enough, I needed one additional line installed at a $75.00 cost. I was okay with that, due to the fact that it was my choice to have 5 TV's hooked up and DIRECTV had no way of knowing how many existing lines I had in my home, although DIRECTV did not tell me that there was an additional line charge if needed.

Now to the good part....that's right, my first months bill.

Upon receiving my first bill for $89.99, I immediately called customer service to discuss that I was over billed. She told me that I would be credited the difference, and that I should only be paying $59.99 per month. After approximately seven days, I proceeded to pay the bill on line and noticed that there were no credits, and that the bill was still for $89.99.

I called again and spoke with another customer service rep, and this time I was informed that there were no changes to be made, and in fact there is no way that I should only be paying $59.99 per month.

I then cancelled and my service, and guess what, they turned me into collections, on the grounds that I did not live up to my "two year agreement, and would not pay a $280.00 early cancellation fee!"

WHAT ABOUT THEIR AGREEMENT!!

Their response to my first dispute letter that they denied was "We have determined that the charges are correct" and "that the total was $59.99 per month, but in order to get independent programming on each of your 5 televisions, you were billerd $4.99 plus tax for each additional television, bringing the monthly total to $81.15 per month," the part the rep on the phone forgot to mention. "Your DIRECTV account was disconnected before your two year DIRECTV service commitment was met."

Thier response to my second dispute in which I stated that I never agreed to any type of commitment, was "This agreement is verbal and does not require a signature," and "We advised you of the commitment and equipment leas fees at the time you ordered, and when you activated your equipment."

Can you believe this? A verbal agreement! Are they nuts!

For all of you out there, just beware when "verbally" signing up with DIRECTV, and I would strongly suggest that before having the equipment installed that you get a confirmation of all costs by email, or you do what I did, and get service with Cable One or your local ethical provider!

Curt
meridian, Idaho
U.S.A.