First problem — I had Dish Network install equipment in June. The installer said I would get three months of free premium channels because I had four systems installed. I thought what the heck, if it's free I'll take it and cancel after three months when hockey season starts up.
The first month I was not charged. The second month, they charged me an extra $40 for all the premium channels. I called the 800 number to straighten it out (thought it would be a simple matter) and got the rudest person I've ever talked to — until I talked to her supervisor.
The supervisor made the other one sound like an angel. She told me that I had already received the service and I would be charged for it and that's it. She would not even listen wen I explained that I never requested these channels and there was nothing on my contract that even said I was receiving them. I asked what would prevent them from adding other services I didn't want and she HUNG UP ON ME!
I tried several times to get another supervisor and failed. I emailed their "customer care" line and received a response that there was nothing that could be done and that the charges would stand. Long story short, I filed a complaint with the Michigan Attorney General's office and the BBB. The AG office contacted Dish Network within 3 weeks after which Dish Network's head of "customer care" called me and asked what they could do to resolve the problem.
I explained that all I wanted from the start was a credit for what was by now 2 months charges for service I did not request or want. She grudgingly agreed to do that and that problem was solved. Would have taken 10 seconds in the first place — MORONS.
Next problem — hockey season starts and I realize that I can't get two of the channels that are important to me (local channels, UPN and a Canadian channel). This is entirely an oversight by me when I signed up and not the fault of Dish Network. So, I call them and tell them I want to back out of my contract and that I will gradly (?) pay the $240 that is in my contract for early termination. They bill my charge card for the $240 and send boxes via UPS and I return the equipment the same day (11/19/01). I track the shipment on UPS' website and see they signed for it on 11/26/01 — about 7 days after I shipped them. A week later on 12/3/01 they debited my checking account without my knowledge or permission for $420 for equipment. Once again, I try to reason with the numbskulls in the customer service department and get nowhere. They're rude, clueless and don't even try or know how to help. I finally got hold of a thinking human and she connects me with the right department. The guy at their equipment return department agrees that I should not have been charged, says he would be upset as well and tells me I should get the money back in 5-7 business days via electronic transfer (the same way it was withdrawn). Again, the money doesn't appear so I call back and am told that the refund department is "very backed up." Figures, people with half a brain are stampeding to get away from these imbiciles. Finally, I get an email saying that I have been approved for a "refund" and I should get it in a few days.in the meantime, I've filed another complaint with the Michigan Attorney General. This is THEFT and FRAUD and they know it.
I, too, would be happy to join a class action lawsuit against this turd of a company. Even my cable installer, who used to work for them, said that it's commonly known in that industry that Dish Network rips people off left and right. After reading the posts on this website and others, I have to believe there are a whole lot of people who would join in. If anyone emails me I will keep them posted on the results of my complaint with the AG. Email me Good luck to the rest of you and thanks for listening.
Dave Noble
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