Christopher
Elkridge,#2Consumer Suggestion
Sat, December 09, 2006
Anyone can file a complaint about fraud and ripoffs online with these organizations: 1. Better Business Bureau http://www.bbb.org 2. Federal Trade Commission: http://www.ftc.gov 3. Federal Communications Commission: http://www.fcc.gov Fill out the forms on the respective web pages and let the world know what a rip off companies like these are.
Neil
Baltimore,#3Consumer Comment
Sat, December 02, 2006
To Whom It May Concern: I am writing this letter regarding my recent cancelling of my account with this company. My name is Delmon and my account number is sssssss ssss On approximately March 3, 2006, my wife, Lisa ******* called Satellite Sales in order to inquire about satellite television. She spoke with a representative named Jay and at that time was told about satellite television and the advantages of subscribing to the service. At that time she was told that there was a special being offered of $29.99 per month for a period of 10 months and that the $49.99 installation charge would be refunded on the first months' bill. This was supposed to be a limited time offer to get people to sign up with dish network. My wife inquired as to whether the 49.99 was due up front, or it was billed after installation. She was informed that the money was due up front before requesting the satellite be installed at our house. She instructed Jay at that time that the company would have on the authorization to remove the $49.99 from the bank account, and was told that NO other charges would be incurred and Jay acknowledged that he had only permission to take the installation fee from my bank account. The money was withdrawn by Dish Network, and an appointment arranged to have the system installed at the house. When the installer arrived on the 20th of March 2006, he professionally installed the system, and presented myself with what I was told were the papers to sign acknowledging the proper installation of the equipment. It was only 5 days later that a mysterious and unauthorized charge was withdrawn from my bank account in the amount of 19.05. The charge was from an organization called The Elephant Group, and it was only after investigation online, that we found out about the fraudulent nature of Dish Network aka EchoStar. This company gave my personal banking information to a hidden company in partnership with Dish Network and authorized the removal of $19.05 apparently to be taken each month from my account. I was NEVER consulted regarding this, and expressly told the representative at the outset that this company had NO authority to remove any other monies from my account. When I found out who this hidden company was, I called my bank, and had to resort to closing my account to keep Dish Network from fraudulently removing anymore funds from my account. I also found out that Dish Network, under the pseudonym of EchoStar has been sued by the government for nondisclosure to their intent in their contracts with customers and was ordered to pay out millions of dollars to the unsuspecting public that they had duped with their illegal policies and procedures. When I learned of the true nature of Dish Network, I called the company and informed them that I wished to withdraw from their services, at which point I was told that I had signed an 18 month contract, and that I would be charged $240.00 to cancel my account with Dish Network. I replied that I had not been aware that I had even signed a contract and that when my wife initially ordered the service she was not told that there even was a contract. She was only told that the initial deposit would be refunded as a promotional offer after the equipment was installed. We then called Satellite Sales and spoke with Cynthia at 1877 822 2418 ext 3275. She was most helpful, and said that sometimes customers do unknowingly sign a contract, or change their minds and that the contract can be removed (if there indeed is one that has been signed) She then tried to talk to the representative Myra in the Escalation Department, and was told that because I had spoken to them the day previous and I had asked for proof of the alleged contract having been signed by me, that they could not remove my contract obligation. She thought this was rather strange, as she indicated to me that she had successfully help customers in the past to rescind their contracts if they had changed their minds or been unaware of what they had signed. I explained to Cynthia, about the charges coming off my account, and she did relay to me that the company does authorize for this charge, and I should have been informed at the time I ordered the service about it. I told her I was not informed, nor was I informed about the contract. Incidentally, when I reached a representative from Dish Network the day before, I was told that all customers HAD to sign an 18 month contract with the network. That statement was untrue. Cynthia informed me that it was optional, and that I should have been informed of the option when I first inquired about Dish Network. I subsequently called the Dish Network representative back and said that I wanted to cancel my account. I was at this point disgusted with the untruths and half truths that had been told to me regarding the policies of this company. The representative in desperation even stated he was willing to remove my contract obligation if I would stay with Dish Network. A contract that I had no carbon copy of, and that the company could not verify even existed!! I was adamant that my service be cancelled immediately, and I was told that I would be charged $240.00 for cancelling the service because I had now broken my contract (which they still were unsure existed at all). I am disgusted by the lack of professionalism of this company, and I have been in contact with my lawyer regarding this issue, and have instructed him of my intent to sue this company should any further attempt be made by this unethical company to collect money from me. It would seem your not new to complaints of this type see attachments Neil Cc: Better Business Bureau Md Attorney General Rotary Club US Attorney Baltimore Baltimore, MD 21227
Christopher
Elkridge,#4UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sat, December 02, 2006
How true it is... Elephant Group employees are encouraged by their supervisors to put E-Club on customers bills to boost their closing percentages. I can attest to this because I have seen it done. I am a former employee that was terminated because I refused to go along with their deceptive and illegal practices.