Complaint Review: Dish Network

I received a flyer in the mail on some great deals with Dish Network. I called the number thinking I was calling Dish Network. They answer the phone Dish Network, but THEY ARE NOT!

The flyer was from a Marketing Guru, The Elephant Group. They are hired by Dish Network to do sales for them. They peronate themselves as Dish Network and do not identify themselves as the Elephant Group.

They were advertising promotions put on by Dish Network and I was aware of them but they were also doing extra promotions not mentioned anywhere on the flyer.

They then take all of your personal info and sell it other companies, they also put you in these "extra" promotions which you have no contact info for.

I than saw on my credit card bill statement unauthorized charges to Blockbuster on line and Memeber Services. These 2 charges came to about $40 a month.

Thru MANY phone calls to Dish Network and Via Satellie (installers of the equipment) I found out all of this info. I also found out Member Services is E club. E Club and Blockbuster on line were these hidden "extra" promotions put on by the Elephant Group. Their number is not printed ANYWHERE but I was able to get it from Via Satellie. The Elephant Group also admitted selling my info to vacation package groups and they were sent to my home address.

I requested them to stop selling and sharing my personal info and I was told I did not know what I was talking about and they will continue to do so. They said they taped all of my phone calls to them and I said I never gave you permission or had knowledge of it and they started yelling at me and well we will see won't we. They are very rude and do not care because once they got your personal info there job is done with you and off to the next sucker.

I believe this is fraud and taking advantage of customers of Dish Network. I have since found out this has been going for years, Dish Network is very aware of it but they must bring them so many customers they do not care.

I have since cancelled my credit card and will be disputing these charges. I am scared of my identy being stolen from my personal info now being sold all over and out of the country.

I have sent complaint letters to the Consumer Protection of Va and did one on line for the Federal C P. I also contacted the BBB of CO but see they have about 9,000 complaints against Dish Network in the last 3 years. So I am not the only one. Where is the class action law suit?

Deanna
Spotsylvania, Virginia
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

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...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.

STOP! ..before you think about using the Better Business Bureau (BBB)... CLICK HERE to see how other consumers were victimized by the BBB's false or misleading information. Don't be fooled! It has been reported, when there are thousands of complaints and other investigations underway by authorities, the BBB has no choice but to finally give an UNsatisfactory rating to a BBB member business that is paying the BBB big membership fees every year. When a business is reported that is NOT a BBB member, BBB files WILL more likely show an UNsatisfactory rating, then reportedly shake down that company to become a member of the BBB. One positive thing about the BBB is, either way, if a business has an unsatisfactory rating with the BBB, you can be sure, the business is bad. But what about all those BBB member businesses that had complaints filed against them? Consumers never get to hear about them. What about the BBB advertising to the public? Is this a false and misleading perception they are giving about consumer confidence when dealing with a business? Click here to understand more of what consumers and business alike are saying about the BBB. You decide. ..Remember. The BBB membership is not earned, it's paid for!

Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Dish Network