Dish Network (a.k.a Echo Star )Dish Network (a.k.a Echostar Satallite) granted themselves permission to access my bank account Littleton Colorado *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

In Feb 2005, my husband and I decided to give dish a try. We responded to an advertisement through one of Dish Networks affiliates. When the company came to hook everything up, we find out that the plan we had purchased doesn't exist, no DVR which was to be included for free, and instead of 4 receivers we received 2 receiving transmitters; each transmitter able to transmit through the walls to a second TV.

The installation took about 5 hours, and the guys finally called it a day, however, our transmitters wouldn't transmit leaving us with only 2 televisions receiving programming we did not order.

I made the first call to Dish Network within 10 minutes after the installation crew left. I spent over 1 hour on the phone, in an attempt to cancel & have the guys come back to pick up the dish network equipment. The 3rd person I spoke to made this new channel package for us, because the one we ordered did not exist. They never did cancel us at that point.

Prior to our first bill, I was doing our online banking and I saw that Dish had double billed for the initial $49.00 (one month in advance), I spend another hour on the phone with customer service trying to find it in their computers, and then I'm disconnected, so back through the whole process again.

I finally get in touch with someone who is able to search charges by the credit number, they tell me they can only apply a credit to my bill, they cannot credit my credit card. I have 1 check bounce because of the extra money dish decided they needed, and then the bank charge on top of that.

My first bill arrives, April 1st talk about confusion. Charges, and credits all over the place, and $195.00 balance, for a $49 plan working in 4 rooms, and a DVR. No movies ordered, 5 movies purchased (all on the same day (a day we were out of town), all the same movie,).

My husband contacted Dish when we received that first bill, he expressed his concern with the amount due, and informed Dish he no longer wanted service, cancel it (as of 4/5) and come get your equipment.

They didn't cancel it; they didn't come get their equipment either. About 2 weeks later we receive another bill or Service interruption notice. My husband spoke to someone this time that turned off our service, and informed us of a UPS delivery. Delivery being a box (not big enough) to send the equipment back to them in.

We were never informed of Dish Network's policy regarding the return of the equipment. We receive the UPS delivery on May 17, which was exactly 2 weeks (excluding weekends), from the final disconnect date. On May 24th, again doing my online banking, I notice 5 different "one time" charges by Dish Network- all totaling $300.00

After calling and spending 1 hour and 5 minutes on the phone, I find out that I am not going to be seeing a refund until they receive the equipment. Ramon (the service specialist) was nice enough to explain the 10 days dish allows for the return of their equipment. His next sentence he explains UPS has a standard 7-10 business day delivery. After my calculations, it was inevitable that my equipment was not going to be returned to dish within 10 days, who are they kidding?

Now, to close this complaint, I want to mention dish has caused me to bounce 7 checks and promised me refunds for the unauthorized amount they have taken, yet, still not received. They have the equipment, and my money, I have their word!!! I have been getting all of my notes together, and the FTC & FCC is my next step- but after reading all the previous posts I feel like I am up s*@ts creek...

Michelle
BUENA PARK, California
U.S.A.

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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, Rip-off Report.com & Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
EDitor@RipoffReport.com
badbusinessbureau.com
www.ripoffreport.com

Don't let them get away with it.
Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!

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We are not a collection agency.

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...the victims' advocate

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...by consumers, for consumers

CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.