In 2006 I ordered a bundling service with Verizon (including internet, cell phone, home line and DirecTV). At no time did I deal with, send payments to, or have any contact with DirecTV. I was not told of any agreements (through Verizon) with DirecTV. All information I received was over the phone with Verizon.
After 2 years of service and a TV hook-up added to my home (wires were already there), Verizon's services and billing became erratic. I decided to cancel the bundling program with Verizon. Upon contacting them, I inquired if there would be a problem ending this service. They were great! They said, "No problem, no penalties" and gave me a date to discontinue all services. The only thing they asked me to do was to contact DirecTV and let them know of the shut-off date.
Upon contacting DirecTV, they told me I was breaking an agreement with them. I had to keep their service for another 18 months or pay a $171 penalty. I told them I never dealt with them, that I only dealt with Verizon through a bundling program. I never received an agreement with DirecTV, and I informed them of my past 2 years of using the service. I asked why I would be charged a penalty through them after using the bundling for 2 years. I was told that as soon as I had another TV hook-up, they changed my agreement. I tried to tell them I only dealt with Verizon and I knew nothing of any agreement with DirecTV, and asked how I could be committed for another 18 months.
At no time did I receive any information about the first agreement, nor did the service man who hooked up my TV bring this to my attention. If they had, I would not have gotten the TV hook-up through them.
I was told to write a letter of dispute, which I did. After more than ten phone calls (to Kim, Dillon, Ella, Miss Green, Apple, Bill, Evette, etc.), I was told to pay up or be penalized. What can I do? Verizon will not do anything and told me this is a problem with DirecTV, not them.
Just to show you the absurdity of the TV service for January:
- Discontinued Verizon: pay $160 for the last month of service
- Start-up of Comcast: pay 275 for one month and start up
- Penalty from DirecTV: pay $171 for the next 18 months of no service
Total for one month of TV service: $606
I'm on a fixed income and don't have the time or money to deal with all this. Please help, I really don't know what to do. I feel as if they are taking advantage of me.
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