Complaint Review: DirecTV Satellite Company

While I was waiting for Verizon to start Fios in my neighborhood, I took directv as my satellite provider.  They told me the contract was for two years which would end at the end of December 2009.  In May 2009, I asked for a DVR so I can tape some shows I wanted.  They came and installed the DVR.  But what they never told me was that this was going to extend my contract for another two years.

They neither told me by mouth nor their usual e-mail to confirm an order.  For this DVR box they charged me $100 one time fee for the equipment, and about a six dollars and change for monthly service fees.

Now in October, just two months before my contract ended they now had Fios in my neighborhood, so I switched.  I knew I will have to pay $20 each for November and December as per their explanation of penalty for the early termination of their contract.

When I called them that I had switched to another carrier, that was when they told me that my contract automatically extended to two more years when I took the DVR.  But this they never told me.  Otherwise I would not have accepted the DVR, knowing that I was going to get Fios soon.  Now, how can you extend someone's contract without letting them know, either by verbal agreement or e-mail, or physical contract?  This is a great reap off if I've ever seen one.  I reported them to BBB and Consumer Affairs.  Apparently BBB can't really help me because Directv insisted I have to pay them.

I've decided I will never pay them except for the two months I legitimately owe them for the only contract I know.  I'm still waiting for Consumer Affairs' response.  I am also ready to take it to the State Attorney General if necessary.  Someone ought to stop this ripoff company.