Direct TV
Unauthorized $566.02 Debit After Hurricane Delayed Returns

On August 29, Direct TV went into my checking account and withdrew $566.02. There was no authorization given to have this or any other amount automatically deducted.

I had recently cancelled my service and there was a last bill due. Apparently, the company had sent boxes to me so that I could return the receivers. However, I was not home at the time of the delivery, so the boxes were left with a neighbor. I live in Georgia, and at the time of the delivery we were experiencing bad weather from Hurricane Fay. My elderly neighbor did not get me the boxes until after the storms.

Direct TV's stance has been that because I did not return the boxes in what they deem a reasonable amount of time (a 2-week time frame between the delivery of the boxes and the withdrawal), they were within their rights to make the withdrawal from my account.

I called customer service and explained the situation. I was told the quickest way to obtain a refund was to reactivate my service... which I did. And I should get a refund within 3-5 business days. I called back today, 9/5/08, and was told that it would be 7-10 days before a DECISION was made and that I would have to wait even longer for the actual refund.

I asked the rep if there was someone in the financial office that I could speak with, and she advised me that there was not a telephone number for that department. She said I could write to that department and wait 7-10 business days for a response, but by then I should have a credit.

As a result of the unauthorized deduction, my checking account is currently $57.00 negative, and I will not be able to pay my rent or purchase groceries until 9/15/08 for myself and 4 children. However, I was promptly billed $78.00, which is due on 9/18/08.

This hardly seems like customer service to me.

Company: Direct TV
Country: USA
Site: directv.com

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