DirecTV
Early Termination Charge Sent to Collections, Hurt My Job Chance

A position I accepted last year was 200 miles from my home and not really ideal for me, and the odds were against me making it work. I told the DirecTV installer not to bother hooking me up in the home I was renting after he told me that there was a 2-year commitment. He quickly added that if I took care of sending the "box" back myself, they would waive any commitment; they just wanted to make sure they would get their property back in good condition. That was what made me consent to the installation of DirecTV.

My position lasted 6 months, and I got the box back to them in good condition. In the next bill I received an early termination charge of close to 400 dollars. I told them what the installer had told me, and they responded that he wasn't an employee of the company and nothing he said was binding, even though it said DirecTV on his truck.

I called the installer and told him I wanted to tape our conversation, and, being an honest man with nothing to hide, he agreed. He confirmed that he was told to say that by DirecTV if someone was unsure of the 2-year commitment. I played the tape to a collection person from DirecTV and she didn't care, so I refused to pay. They sent it to a collection agency, and I told them the story, played the tape and refused again and again. I also disputed my only black mark on my credit with a credit agency. I forget which one. It turns out that means nothing. The consumer has no power at all.

Today I received a call from a company I was pleased to be going to work for. I was supposed to start training for my new job next week. They asked me to explain the only black mark on my credit, which I did, and the woman said she understood. But she also said that because of it I was eliminated from candidacy for any position with the company, and that she was really sorry. Millions of dollars annually would go through my hands, so they can't have any doubts. She said every company I apply to in our industry will be the same way.

As long as there are companies like DirecTV that prey on people who trust too easily, faith will continue to erode in our country. I am no longer one of those trusting people. Thanks to Rip off report for allowing me to vent on what is a difficult day for me.

Also, thank you, DirecTV. I look forward to playing that tape in court someday soon at your next business practices lawsuit. I think the jury will enjoy it.

Company: DirecTV
Country: USA
State: Nationwide
Site: directv.com

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