DIRECTV Directv price increase and contract rip-off El Segundo California
I was with DirecTV on the phone for the second time since December. Today 3/24/09 I was on the phone to dispute future charges. Back on December, DirecTV agreed to give me a package for $44.99 for 12 months. Today, I found out that the monthly package I got back on December was increased to $47.99. I wanted to cancel DirecTV immediately. When I tried to do so, they told me that I had a contract with them for 18 months. This is the exact issue I wanted to avoid before I got involved with DirecTV. Usually internet providers and cell phone companies have contracts, therefore, I was careful not to sign any contract with a TV provider.
Before I started with DirectTV, the sales rep said that there was no contract and that I can stop TV services at any time. I had not signed any papers and had not seen any written contract from them. Their excuse is that if you receive services, you are automatically engaged with DirecTV for 18 months. When I asked why they would raise the price of a package, the rep simply said that it is up to the company to do this. Meaning that we MUST abide by the contract but NOT them. Amazing!!
At this point I want to know if there is anyone out there who can help people like us who are harassed by these companies all the time.
Thanks
Ray
Bronx, New York
U.S.A.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
James
Guthrie,Oklahoma,
U.S.A.
directv
#2Consumer Comment
Wed, March 25, 2009
ive been in the satellite business 25 years. just recently dish network started recording verbal agremments while talking to the customer over the phone. since oct 2001 directv has cut off over 7000 dealers nation wide from selling their equipment. mainly for not meeting the quota of selling 25 systems a quarter. now that the market has dropped the number of dealer getting out of the business as increased. i was required by dish network and one time by directv to have 2 copies of a contract. both to be signed by the customer. leaving a copy with the customer. then i would fax the sign copy to them . then keeping the copy i got in my records. if you call keeps records of the number you called , who you talked to, the customer service reps name and id number, date and time, and a brief description of what was said. even calling the bbb in your state wouldnt hurt. also outlook express as a feature when checked . that when your email is sent out was opened. that you would get a reply back when this happened. getting records of what your doing for one. i would request either a signed copy of the contract and or the recording of the verbal contract if that was the way the did it. then calling the atorney general in your state to see what the laws are for you getting have gotten a signed copy of the contract at the time of installation. the installer is required by directv and dish network to leave a copy of the contract. if you call keeps records of the number you called , who you talked to, the customer service reps id number, date and time, and a breif description of what was said. even calling the bbb in your state wouldnt hurt. here in oklahoma one of the local channels as a news featured called in your corner. check with your local news agencies to see how they can help......