DirecTV
Extortion, intimidation, and lies = DirecTV CSR business tools! Miraloma

I purchased an LCD HDTV online from Costco on 01-13-08, which led me to a special offer from DirecTV when purchasing a 32" of bigger TV. I placed a web order and scheduled DirecTV installation on 01-23-08 for free upgraded equipment and installation in all rooms. The installer called me at work and I refused to $75 for the living room—not the offer I had accepted. He installed a basic receiver instead of the upgrade reflected on the order. Upon my arrival at home—within hours of the installation—I reconnected to Comcast cable and notified DirecTV via email to cancel the service, pick up their box, and warned them against charging my AMEX.

DirecTV ignored this cancellation of service notification. My phone experience includes CSRs keeping on hold forever or hanging up at all my resolution attempts. They didn't have the courtesy to acknowledge the content of this email and all other related emails.instead, DirecTV CSRs thank me for "joining" the DirecTV family, apologized for the mixed up, and scheduled a delivery of a new box for 02-11-08, which I did not confirmed or accepted. Additionally, My January AMEX bill had a $59.99 DirecTV charge. I disputed this charge with AMEX —service cancelled within hours of installation, did not receive equipment ordered, and the installer's $75.00 extortion attempt.

AMEX reimbursed me the Jan/08 charge and I believed that DirecTV knew I meant to cancel their service. Thus, my surprise with their Feb 25 AMEX charge. Again I disputed and was reimbursed by AMEX. This time, DirecTV called me on 03-02-08. The billing CSR told question why my actions and for the first time DirecTV listened. She transferred my call to another department and this new CSR listened, apologized, and promised a new installer and the HD-DVR upgraded on 03-10-08. However, when I explained reinstatement conditioned on their billing to begin as of March, she transferred me to her supervisor, Sean (employee #402124), the only person who could authorized my request.

Sean denied my request. He told me DirecTV had not accepted my cancellation request and I owed the Jan & Feb service fees. I told him I would not pay for services not received, cancellation within grace period—hours of installation, and this far all email/web communications had been looked at. He threaten a $400 fine instead and I told him then cancel the 03/10/08 service "reinstatement" order. His choice, I could become a customer as of 03/10/08 or never! Sean choose to scream at me, threaten, and deny my request instead.

I complained with DirecTV against Sean and they deleted my "complaint" email unread. Thus, I faxed my complaint to their El Segundo headquarters. I also filed complaints against DirecTV with the BBB, Comsumer Affairs, and Costco. I still have the basic receiver and have not found an "physical" address to return it to and the 03-10-08 installer refuse to accept it.

In my research I discovered that DirecTV poor customer service, illegal billing and business practices are systemic and have NOT been able to discover the governmental entity or California law that protects consumers against these types of abuses and from being victimized by DirecTV.

DirecTV satellites might enable great TV viewing, but DirecTV employees and their irregular, illegal, whimsical business practices stink! I strongly caution consumers against entering into a business relationship with DirecTV!!! They'll rip you off

Company: DirecTV
Country: USA
State: California
City: P. O. Box 425
Site: www.directv.com

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