Direct TV
Unauthorized $681.55 Withdrawal After Equipment Was Returned

After canceling Direct TV and sending their equipment back, they took $681.55 out of my checking account without permission or notice. We are a family of 5, my husband a Sheriff's Deputy and myself in EMS. This withdrawal meant our means of food, gas, and house payment was gone, with overdrafts from automatic payments coming. The actual bill itself for Direct TV was approximately $150.

When contacted, they stated it was part of the agreement upon install of the new equipment that they have the right to take out the money and additional fees. Their additional fees were a service agreement/fine for cancelation and equipment in the amount of $531.55. When asked to produce this signed contract, they could not, and their equipment was sent back via FedEx as they requested, with a tracking number. When first contacted about our cancelation, there was no mention of any of these fees nor the possibility of them being taken out at any time.

I am appalled that a company can simply go into your account and take out whatever amount they deem fit with no regard to any individual or their family. What are our rights in this? Upon the third attempt at rectification, it was stated that the equipment fee would be refunded after receipt, and if a letter was written regarding our cancelation, then a partial refund of that fee would be made as well.

How is an average family supposed to simply get over $681.55? We live paycheck to paycheck, and now we are in the red and will keep going into the red because of overdrafts and late fees for bills such as a house payment that can't be completed. Even if we do get some of the money back, it is going to take a long time to receive it and even longer to make up what we lost. At this time I'm terrified. What am I supposed to do for food and gas to work? TV watchers beware, even Cingular (AT&T) wouldn't stoop this low, and their contract agreements are very well made known.

Company: Direct TV
Country: USA
State: Kentucky
City: Louisville
Address: P.O. Box 9001069
Phone: 8005375000

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