I called an 866 number provided in my local telephone book's yellow pages the week of 6/25/08 to get pricing on DISH Network's installation and package pricing. A woman answered (apparently very young) and said for signing up with DISH Network I would receive 3 months of HBO free. I said ok.in retrospect she was a fast-talking phony.
Dish Network Services from Mill Creek, WA came and installed the equipment on 6/25/08. I signed and initialed a 'Dish Network Service L.L.C. Service Agreement' with the understanding if I wished to discontinue service I could initiate a $5 per month service charge for no service until I wished to continue satellite service. The only document I have is this pink copy of what the installation techs had me sign.
The package I ordered was to cost around $50 per month. The first zap was $100.78 straight out of my account. They charged me for HBO. I called and they apologized but did not offer to reimburse me or to honor the original agreement. The second zap was $75.37 and I am still being charged for HBO. They remembered to discontinue HBO but forgot to stop charging me for it. I called again... The third zap was for $92.71. I called again. Once again apologies, I told them to *stop charging me for services not rendered* in much more colorful language. Still no reimbursement offer for the rip-off HBO charges. They kept that money... Of course.
I called today 11/17/08 to close the account. I was informed there would be a $240 cancellation fee. I do not recall signing a contract for a 24 month contract. As a matter of fact the installation techs assured me I would be able to disconnect from DISH but maintain an account/re-connect option by paying the aforementioned $5 per month.
The first customer service person I spoke with at DISH Network identified himself as KCL. He was my first inkling of yet another DISH RipoffNetwork play. When he couldn't offer an option other than a $240 disconnect fee; he forwarded me to the corporate office.
This corporate person identified himself as Gilbert. I had to ask for the last name. So, I am speaking to Gilbert Lopez from corporate. He has nothing to offer at first. I have to pay the disconnect fee. He then offers a $29 monthly package in lieu of $49 service I have. I explain, yet again, I cannot afford that and that I was not aware there was a 24 month contract.
Gilbert says he will get a copy of the signed contract stating I had agreed to a 24-month contract. This will take 14-21 days. I tell him that's fine, I would like to see his copy but do not wish to continue paying the monthly zap.
At this point, I tell him about the cutsy scamming sales girl, the bs-ing installation techs, and that no one offered to reimburse me for the bogus HBO incentive. So, he then offers me a $14 per month package. I tell him, yet again, I simply want to disconnect or would be willing to pay the $5 per month (no service, but still on the books) fee. He tells me that option is not offered to people who are on a contract. Surprise!
He then offers me 3 months free until I can get back on my feet financially OR continue paying the monthly zap until the contract surfaces. Can't do both, it's one or the other. I ask why I can't get the 3 free months (my HBO scam reimbursement) and the copy of the contract he says they have. He says, Because.?
When I balk and ask him what list is he looking at there and what is the next offer he says 1 month free while the contract is found. I comment on his wheeling and dealing tactics and say, ok, one month free and I want to see their copy of the contract.
I then tell him I have been trolling the internet trying to find any consumer who finds DISH Network a company one can trust. And guess what Gilbert, I can't. And I am a good internet troller.
So, we agree on the one month free and they produce their copy of the contract within 14-21 days. Gilbert says he's going to put me on hold while he updates my account with this information. 5 minutes later I am disconnected from the holding pattern on the phone with not another word from Gilbert. I call him back at the number he had given me at the beginning of our conversation. After a little basic searching the phone number he gave me is from the Colorado area where DISH Network corporate offices are located. So, I call him back and get his VM. Surprise!? Not.
Beware new DISH Network consumers. Do not take verbal assurances from *anyone* at DISH Network. From the cutsy scamming telephone girl who rips you for a commission on a 'free 3 month HBO' sign-up bonus that you still get charged for, to the installation techs who feed you a line of bs about a $5 fee to remain connected and neglect to tell you you just signed up for a 24 month contract, to the corporate office guy who wheels and deals verbally, puts you on hold and then just disappears into nowhere after making some shady option offers. They are out to make a buck and they don't care who they lie to to get it.
Jd smith
Burlington, Washington
U.S.A.
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