Complaint Review: VMC Satellite - Great Falls Virginia

Here's a copy of the letter I sent VMC Satellite, Inc:

This letter is in regard to my recent discovery that VMC Satellite, Inc. has sent me to collections in March of this year. I spoke to my case worker at Armor Systems and he informed me that VMC Satellite, Inc is claiming that I owe $290.00 for early termination plus $100.00 in collection fees for when I terminated a contract in 2002.

There are several reasons why I am contesting this claim. First, I did not enter a contract with VMC Satellite. I scheduled and installation of DISH Network with VMC Satellite. I signed a contract with DISH Network. I paid DISH Network a $200.00 early termination fee when I terminated my contract with them in 2002. I paid them this because it was clearly stated in the contract I signed with them.

Second, I informed you of my reason for this dispute back in 2002 when I received an email stating I owed you $290.00 for early termination. I spoke to a representative at VMC Satellite who told me that by clicking schedule installation on your website I was entering a contract with VMC Satellite. This is not acceptable. I wrote you a letter clearly explaining why this is a fraudulent claim. By hitting schedule installation I was doing just that: scheduling and installation. I did not enter in to a contract until I signed one with DISH Network.

Third, you say that a person may be charged a termination fee in your terms and conditions. However, again, you lead the costumer to believe that they are just scheduling an installation and not entering into any contract so one wouldn't worry about reading down to paragraph four of the terms of conditions to find this information. Also the Terms and Conditions button is located at the very bottom of the page sandwiched between News Releases, Testimonials, Privacy Policy and Report SPAM. This is very odd placement for such important information. No where on the page I filled out to schedule installation was it stated that I was entering any kind of contract or agreement with VMC Satellite. In fact it says Schedule Installation in bold at the top of the page. All I was doing was scheduling an installation. The structure of this site is clearly deceptive to your costumers and should be changed. I have each page of the site printed and on file to prove this point.

Four years ago I also told you in writing that if I was sent to collections I would file a lawsuit against VMC Satellite, Inc. I never received a response. Four years later, in March of 2006, you sent me to collections without ever responding to my previous letter. This is further testimony to the unfair business practices of VMC Satellite, Inc.

I know that VMC Satellite was recently acquired by InPhonic, Inc. in April of 2005. I have looked at the Better Business Bureau website and it seems there have been several complaints against VMC Satellite as well as Inphonic, Inc. Unfortunately I did not know this before I scheduled the installation. I also know there is a lawsuit against InPhonic, Inc. in which they are accused of failure to disclose hidden charges, false advertising, etc. This lawsuit was filed by the Attorney General in Washington, D.C in June 2006.

I have officially disputed your claim to the collection agency, Armor Systems. I have also discussed this with my attorney. I am herby giving notice to VMC Satellite, Inc. that you have 20 days to either provide me a copy of a signed contract stating I'd pay you an early termination fee or remove me from collections and issue a statement in writing saying that I do not owe you any money and that you will not send me to collections again. If this is letter is not received and I am not removed from collections in 20 days from when you receive this letter I will be filing a lawsuit against VMC Satellite, Inc.

Kattie

San Diego, California
U.S.A.

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