Complaint Review: Directv

Let me begin by stating that I do not have an account with Directv. I helped someone out by letting them use my debit card to make a payment, when the account holder did not have a card to use. On July 22, 2007, Directv withdrew $447.32 from my checking account by using the earlier provided debit card number.

I contacted the Office of the President via email on July 23rd. I was contacted about two hours later and explained the situation to Chris. He seemed very helpful and stated he would be able to take care of the mistake quickly. He asked me to have my bank send a letter showing the money had been deducted from my account, along with my address and all would be taken care of.

I called my bank and had this done that same afternoon. Two days later I phoned Chris again and he stated that the letter was not sufficient, he needed my bank account number and/or my debit card number faxed to him with the other info from the previous fax.

My question to him was, of course, "You were able to charge this to my account, you have my information, why do you need it again?". He stated that this was policy and he would need it to proceed. I had my bank send this information to him.

A few days later, I receive a few voicemails and an email (remember that one for later) from Cynde. She stated that she was now overseeing the account. Cynde stated that I would need to fax her an actual bank statement. I asked why, and she stated that this was procedure. I told her I would do this.

I was unable to fax it the same day and brought my statement to work with me the next day. I decided against using the company fax for personal use, especially for a long distance number and contacted the Office of the President again to see if I could email it to them. Cynde was not available but the gentleman I spoke with said that they did not have access to email. I did not mention the email that Cynde had already sent to me, as I did not want to have an argument at that time.

I left work early and went to an office store and faxed the documentation. I waited two days and contacted Cynde on Friday, August 3rd. She said she received my fax and had sent it to finance. She said she had not heard back from them, but would call as soon as she heard from them.

I spent the weekend being very irritated about the whole mess. I called the Office of the President again this morning, and was told that Cynde had called in sick. The young lady, I believe it was Amy, but I may have that wrong, read through the notes that Chris and Cynde had made and stated that the last note showed that Cynde was waiting for the fax that I had sent the previous week.

There was no mention of receiving the fax, sending it to finance, etc. She said at this time all she could do was to send an email to Cynde for her to receive when she returns. I asked to speak to a supervisor and she said that she already had and they could not do anything until Cynde comes back.

It has now been 15 days since Directv STOLE $447.32 from my checking account. I will say that the reps from the Office of the President have been kind, but kindness does not make up for stealing. I have read a few other reports about them debiting other people's accounts without permission, but at least those individuals had accounts with Directv.

This is, in reality, nothing more that theft. My bank has told me to come in and fill out an affidavit and I will get my money back "in a few days". I spoke with a friend with the local law enforcement, who stated that he believes this may be a crime, but is not sure of jurisdiction.

Perhaps it is time for legal action.

Jerome
Horn Lake, Mississippi
U.S.A.

EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back!

HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO:

Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E.

According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: we could not do anything for you or you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days.

If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.

Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent!

DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER!

Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.

And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.

Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth.

If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.

CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARD

If the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.

Remember Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report .. The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action.

And good luck Let us know how you do!

ED Magedson Founder, Rip-off Report.com & Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
EDitor@RipoffReport.com
badbusinessbureau.com
www.ripoffreport.com

Don't let them get away with it.
Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!

We are not lawyers.
We are not a collection agency.

We are Consumer Advocates.
...the victims' advocate

WE are Civil and Human Rights Activists

We are a Worldwide Consumer Reporting News Agency
...by consumers, for consumers

CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.

Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on DirectTV