Complaint Review: Dish Network - Echostar

When I signed up as a new customer with DISH Network, they said they required a credit card number to confirm that I was who I said I was and lived at the address where the installation was going to take place. I was told they WOULD NOT charge my credit card. I was also told that I would not have to pay an activation fee.

When the first month's bill came, it showed an activation fee, but it also showed a credit for this, so that was fine. I paid my bill early & enjoyed watching my DISH.

Unfortunately, when I received my credit card statement, there was an unauthorized charge on my card for the SAME activation fee I had already been charged (and credited for).

After waiting on hold for over half an hour, I was told by a very rude customer service rep that I had to pay the activation fee. I explained they had no authorization to charge my credit card and he said I had given them my number, so they felt it was OK to use it!! Unbelievable!

I disputed the charge with my credit card company. Another bill came from DISH, and I paid it, in full, before it was due. A few weeks later, my service was cut off. Without a call, or email or notice by mail.

45 minutes to talk to someone about the issue and they told me I had bounced my last check and they cut me off. I called my bank, and no such thing had occurred. DISH said someone (at DISH) had probably entered the wrong routing numbers.

30 minutes later, I spoke with an account manager who said I HAD NOT bounced a check. It was because I had refused the unauthorized charge on my credit card. I told him they had no right to charge me. He agreed, then said I would still have to pay the $49.99 activation fee + $35 re-connect fee and $10 returned payment fee. In addition to all of this, I would have to pay two more months service up front and I would not be able to pay by check for 6 months, even though my checks had never bounced!

I was feeling very frustrated at that point, so I said: Just cancel the account. He then informed me that it would cost $255 for me to close my account with them!

I NEVER received notification of an early termination fee. I did not even sign a contract when my DISH was installed. Finally I told him it wasn't fair that I had to pay a reconnect fee for an unauthorized charge! Not to mention it was supposed to have been free activation!! He agreed to reduce the re-activation fee to $15, but I still have to pay the $49.99! With a money order besides. I live 45 miles from the nearest post office.

I am very disappointed in the service and attitude of DISH Network's customer service reps. Not to mention that the sales rep said nothing about a contract or early termination fee. Apparently, customers are supposed to guess what the contract says. I have perfect credit and have never paid a bill late or bounced a check in my life, and I am being treated like dirt. They should be ashamed of themselves!!!

I guess I should have listened to the DISH installer when he said they were crooks. He should know... he works for them.

Marcia
Kelsey, Minnesota
U.S.A.