Complaint Review: Direct TV - Greenwood Village Colorado

On 8/3/2009, Direct TV withdrew $1097.35 from my checking/ debit card without my authorization. This act caused me to have additional overdrawn fees in the amount of $713.00. I was unaware of this transaction and never authorized this payment or was notified of the decision to withdraw this extensive amount. I noticed this transaction on 8/5/2009 and immediately called customer service at Direct TV.

Prior to this unauthorized withdrawal, I contacted a Direct TV rep on 7/13/2009 informing her that I was in the process of relocating to another state and hadn't decided if I would continue services upon contacting the leasing office to ensure that I am able to continue services. She said that she would note this and said that if I were to terminate, that I would have a termination fee, and I was under contract; however I never signed a contract and the last contract with Direct TV ended in 2006 to my knowledge.

I found this out when I got ready to upgrade the a year prior. I couldn't understand where a contract was coming from, because when I called to upgrade, that was the first thing I asked, would I be in another contract with you all. The fast talking rep said no because I didn't purchase my receiver with them and he was trying to keep me as a customer because I had informed him that another company had offered me a better deal. She ended the conversation by stating again if I choose to terminate, it would be a charge. I never terminated services; however, I had a past due balance on the account and agreed to pay that, but never said that I would terminate services.

The first person of contact on 8/4/09 was Amanda, she pulled my account and informed me that the fees accrued due to early termination of services and failure to return equipment. I explained to Amanda that I was in the process of moving and hadn't made a decision to terminate my service and she said that it was noted in my account. She also informed me that it was well within their customer service agreements that the money could be withdrawn.

I again explained that I never signed a contract with Direct TV; she said that the terms of agreement comes after your equipment is installed on your next bill and more information can be obtained on the Internet. She also shared with me that I must return equipment; I told her that I was only leasing one receiver from them and she again dropped a hidden bombshell stating that the receiver that I purchased from Circuit City in 2/09 was in fact their property and if I cancel, I must return the property that I purchased. She laughed and said it was an "upfront" lease. I shared with her that my receipt didn't state these agreements. Amanda said the only way that I would be reimbursed would be to continue services with Direct TV.

I later asked for a supervisor, and was placed with Heather. She only reiterated what Amanda said and shared with me that my signature wasn't needed to bind me to their contract. She told me that I could fight this if I choose, but Direct TV would win and humorously gave me contact information to the Office President and Legal Department.

I am basically complaining about four things. 1) I never signed a new contract to renew a contract or to be entered into one. And when I signed my signature in 2004, it was to allow Direct TV to run a credit check, not a contract. I was verbally told by representatives that I was in a contract. And how is it that you can view contract obligations after you have received services? 2) I never authorized payment on the $1097.35 and have is suffering financially due to their insensitivity to contact me prior. 3) How is it that I can purchase merchandise from a retailer and it still be in leasing stage. This was not explained to me by the initial rep when I upgraded. 4) I never terminated, why did I get charged? And if you are a Direct TV customer that moves into an apartment/dorm that doesn't allow service, should you be accountable?

I am trying to figure out how Direct TV can continue to use these guerrilla tactics. There are several unhappy customers with the same problem that I have, yet Direct TV keeps smelling like Roses. I have filed complaints with the FTC, FCC, BBB, Consumer Reports, my bank (who has to dispute DTV before I am reimbursed which could take up to 45 days). Please assist me.

I am asking Direct TV to reimbursement me the funds that they illegally obtained and pay the fees that accrued due to this act. I ask that they produce a signed contract from me. I ask to keep the receiver that I purchased with my money and back pay if I were still being charged as a lease for the HD DVR receiver. I did not authorize the purchase and need to be reimbursed immediately; it has caused me financial hardship.

And to the brain washed DTV employees, do not respond with that mambo jumbo that you all call service agreements. If it were you, this would fly!

Stacey

San Antonio, Texas

U.S.A.