DirecTV’s PPV Charged But Not Rendered!

Sophia Johnson    DIRECTV, News    

Even after settling many disputes with Attorney Generals across 50 States of the United States, there is this billing dispute that has cropped up against the company. DirecTV is mired by another billing problem which a subscriber has complained of recently. She has alleged that even after disconnecting the DirecTV services, the company sent her a bill, which is quite surprising! How can she pay for services, which was never rendered to her? Well, we again an example of unethical business practices, where the satellite TV giant is highly misleading consumers.

The subscriber is very upset with this billing goof up followed by DirecTV. She has clearly revealed that after cancelling the services, she and her husband received a mail that said stated that they had a due bill of about $48.96. Again they received a mail with an amount of $5.00, which she immediately paid off. Finally, they received a call to pay the amount that was due, which is $43.96. This call greatly offended the couple and they called up DirecTV customer support to ask for an explanation. The representative on the other side of the phone told them these were for their PPV adult movies services.

It really came as a jolt from the blue, because according to the subscriber, they never watched these movies! Moreover, they never subscribed for DirecTV PPV, since it requires a phone line that is attached to the TV. What was more bewildering was that the rep admitted that these were never watched!! Then the question arises that how can they charge a subscriber for services which were never provided.

In fact, the representative also clarified that the bill has gone to collections, whereas the subscriber is of the view, “A customer does not go to collections unless they are more than 120 days past due and certainly not before they get a bill.” If the subscriber did not have an e-mail as proof, then certainly, she would have faced more severe circumstances from DirecTV. However, the customer is definitely annoyed at these malpractices that are still followed by DirecTV.

Restitution for Consumers : A Lesson for Satellite TV Providers in America

Sophia Johnson    DIRECTV, News     Satellite TV Provider

The business of satellite TV providers is in the upswing! Although there have been many accusations against some of the best known providers in the United States of America, these have actually not hindered the growth process of these business giants.  There have been allegations that these satellite TV providers are following malpractices and cheating on their esteemed customers, who truly believe in them. It has been rather proved, taking examples of various lawsuits ruling against these providers, that these companies have really indulged in deceptive advertising campaigns misleading common man. They have, indeed, violated business ethics and practices.

But the question that perturbs us is should these companies be allowed to continue with their scams? Do they have the right to play with the sentiments of customers? Are they not afraid of losing their brand identity? These questions remain unanswered as for an example if we take DirecTV, a highly popular satellite TV company in the US is brave enough to continue with its malpractices. Yes, it has been alleged to follow all kinds of goof ups to retain its customers, in spite of fairly enjoying a higher customer base of about 18 million! There have been billing issues, service issues, problems with promotional offers, settling termination fees, and with upgrade services.

If you think you have been misled by any of these providers like DirecTV, you can file a suit against it and be eligible for restitution that falls under the agreement between attorney generals of 50 states of the US and the company. You should immediately get in touch with your state’s attorney general in case you have been dragged into unethical practices. Based on the agreement, the providers like DirecTV are asked to change the procedure of their business and monitor closely the activities of the dealers and 3^rd party retailers.

It feels really sad to know that the term ‘fair business’ has almost vanished in this world and people are doing business compromising inner conscience just to earn profits. It has been reported by the Council of Better Business Bureaus (BBB) that it had received over 53000 complaints over the last 3 years against satellite TV providers. Let’s hope that before the issues are resolved, companies realize their mistake, take lesson from this compensation procedure, and reach the zenith of success walking right path of business.

Customers in Vermont Finally Reach Settlement with DirecTV

Sophia Johnson    DIRECTV, News     Settlement, Vermont

The Vermont Attorney General’s Office and DirecTV have reached a resolution over its deceptive practices towards customers, Attorney General William Sorrell announced today.

According to a recent news release, under the terms of the settlement, DirecTV customers in Vermont will receive refunds, and DirecTV will make a payment of $185,000 to the state.

“DirecTV’s offers did not make clear that customers would have to extend contracts and be subjected to cancellation fees or additional costs”, the Attorney General’s Office said.

The settlement calls for creation of a neutral claims administrator for resolving consumer complaints if customers cannot reach resolution with DirecTV itself.

In addition, the agreement settles allegations that the satellite TV provider “engaged in unfair and deceptive sales practices in its advertising and contracting,” the news release said.

“DirecTV must change its business practices and provide full disclosure of the requirements of its promotions and rebates, of the costs of equipment fees and leasing and of the availability and costs of programming services and cancellations”, the Attorney General’s Office said.

The settlement has been filed in Washington Superior Court. The state is receiving $185,000 out of a total $13.25 million payment to 49 states and the District of Columbia, the news release said.

What consumers ought to know:

Consumers with unresolved complaints that were filed with the Attorney General’s Office or with DirecTV after Jan. 1, 2007 are eligible for refunds and resolution of their complaints.

Consumers can also file complaints with DirecTV or the Attorney General’s Office by June 9, 2011, to be considered for the restitution program, if the complaint is about activity that occurred after Jan. 1, 2007.

DirecTV will first attempt to resolve the complaint with the consumer. If the complaint cannot be resolved, the company will send the consumer a claim form for the claims administrator to resolve the dispute between the consumer and DirecTV.