I went shopping one day and found that my bank account was overdrawn by several hundred dollars. I immediately called my bank to check my recent transactions and found out that DirecTV had charged my account $621.00. I spoke to a bank rep and explained that these were unauthorized charges and that I did not give DirecTV permission to bill anything to my account.
The rep told me I had to wait for the transaction to actually post before I could file a dispute. I later called DirecTV to ask why they charged my bank account without my authorization. The rep I spoke with told me that when I initially signed up for service, I was informed that if my account was terminated, any fees owed and equipment that was not returned would be billed to my account.
I told her I don't remember being told that (I really don't), since I set up my service online. I informed her that I was disputing it with the bank because I never gave them permission to touch my bank account, as I made my payments myself online. It turns out they keep your bank account information on file. Most companies ask for your consent before doing this, but they did not, because I would have said no, as I always do. My bank made a temporary credit to my account, pending an investigation.
Shortly after, DirecTV sent me a bill for the same amount, which let me know that the bank had taken the money back from DirecTV. Three months later I received a letter stating that the credit to my account was permanent and the investigation was concluded. I advise everyone else to do the same. It's probably not too late to file a dispute with your bank. Something needs to be done about this.
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