Dish Network
Unauthorized $580 Charge, Told Reactivation Fee Needed to Get Refund

Im August I signed up for a promotional package through the Dish Network for what I thought was a decent price for cable. I had just moved into a brand new house in a brand new neighboorhood. Since the service was started, we have not received one single bill from Dish Network. On November 3, I received an unauthorized charge against my bank account in the amount of $580.

I immediately called the bank to dispute the charge. When I talked with the bank representative, I was told that the charge was from Dish Network and that we could start filing a fraudulant charge claim, but that it could take up to two weeks to get it resolved. I was then advised by the bank representative to attempt to contact Dish Network and resolve the issue with them before filing a fraud claim, as it would be resolved much faster this way.

I called Dish Network and told them I would be happy to pay any balance on the account since August, as we have not received a bill and that I would like them to refund the $580 as I did not authorize it. I was told that the only way I was going to get the $580 back is if I re-activated the account, which had a $25 fee associated with it, and paid for the next two months of service in advance. This came out to $178 dollars including the amount we owed.

I was perfectly happy with paying the balance on our account, but I was not happy about having to pay a re-connect fee or two months of pre-payment for a disconnection that was due to the fact that they never sent me a bill or tried to contact me in any way.

This is organized extortion, period, plain and simple. They charge you a ridiculous early termination fee, with no notice, no phone call, no bill, and then proceed to charge you extra fees to get your own money back.

I went ahead and paid the re-connect fee and two months of pre-paid service, but only because I had outstanding checks that were going to bounce if I did not do it. I was lucky enough to see the transaction the day that it happened, unlike others on here who only found out after their checks bounced.

The thing that really bothers me is that I am totally unhappy with the service now and still have to finish out my contract with them, unhappy or not, less they charge my account for $580 again.

Do not do busines with any company that requires any kind of 12 month contract! Absolutely do not use dish network! You will get ripped off!

Company: Dish Network
Country: USA
State: Colorado
City: Englewood
Address: 9601 S Meridian Blvd
Phone: 3037231000

  <     >