My name is Heidi and I am from Toledo, Ohio. About a two months ago, we switched cable providers (From Direct TV to Time Warner) in order to save about $100 a month. Direct TV sent us a FedEx box to return our three cable boxes in the mail. Sadly, it slipped my mind and then my 32 year old sister was found dead in her apartment-which then became my primary focus.
About four days after my sister’s funeral, I noticed my checking account was overdrawn. Knowing that was impossible, I looked closer and noticed Direct TV had withdrawn $1240.60 from my account without authorization; overdrawing my account. I immediately called Direct TV who said if I mailed the cable boxes, I would be reimbursed about $760.00 (Which I still have not received) but that I would not be reimbursed the remaining amount (close to $500) claiming it was an "early cancellation fee." Although I explained the unique circumstances to Direct TV, they said there was nothing more they could do.
That day, my husband filled out paperwork at our bank stating that the withdraw of these funds were unauthorized but it takes at least 10 business days for the investigation. Meanwhile, we were unable to pay our house payment or any other bills. I have since called Direct TV about 7 times to see if they had received the cable boxes and to find out when they would be crediting my account. I spoke to a gentleman named James who agreed the withdraw was ridiculous and apologized; however, stated he could not refund the fees unless we would switch back to Direct TV from Time Warner! Appalled, I said I would NOT return to a company who conducted business in this manner!
Direct TV is now claiming it will take 6-8 weeks before they will credit my account. My husband and I are furious; this appears to be another example of a big cooperation taking advantage of the “little guy.” My husband has called the governor’s office as well as Marcy Kaptur’s office to complain. Agreeing to share this information, their office admitted they have received many complaints against to Direct TV. for the very same reasons! Something must be done, even on a federal level, to keep this from happening to another vulnerable family!
EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back! HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO: Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E. According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: “we could not do anything for you” or “you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days”. If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges. Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent!
DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER! Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get. And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state. Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth. If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.
CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARD If the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here. Remember… Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report ..
The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action. And good luck… Let us know how you do! ED Magedson – Founder RipoffReport.com Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com Rip-off Report PO Box 310, Tempe, Arizona 85280
Why file a report here? Ripoff Report is a permanent record! Other complaint sites copy our content then remove reports for money.
