Dish Network ripoff ..I'm a victim of dish500 SCAM

I signed up with Dish Network On February 23, 2001. They told me everything was FREE, the dish was free, the 2 receivers were free and installation was free. I must sign a 1 year contract and pay about $45.00 a month for the 100 channels package.

I used their service for about a week and noticed most of the channels were repeat, so I had Time Warner Digital Cable installed. I signed up for a DISH-BUYBACK package with Time Warner, by giving up 1 receiver to them, I get $50.00 off each month for 1 year. I called Dish Network to reconfirmed that the RECEIVERS were free and they said "yes, the receivers are free,"
so I was very satified with my new CAble Company, even though they took 1 receiver, and I am paying the monthly bills to both Dish Network and Time Warner.

One Year later, February 22, 2002, I called Dish Network to disconnect the Service. They told me "sorry, We can't disconnect your service, you have to call back tomorrow, when it is one year of the day you sign your contract." So I patiently waited til the next day and called them again. The respond I received was "Sorry, You have to call back tomorrow, according to our Computer, your contract isn't fulfilled and we can't disconnect you." I already paid for the last month of the service, why does it matter? But anyway, I patiently waited again til the next day.

Well, After the many waiting and transfers I finally was directed to the correct department. They questioned me why I want to disconnect I said I wasn't using their service all year. They asked why and I honestly told them I was with Time Warner. The Man started to sound irritated and asked me why again. I said I need Time Warner Road Runner Service and it was no more cost to have 200 TV CAble Channels for a whole year! The Man then told me that he will Disconnect my service, but I must return the receivers.

I told him I do not have both receivers and he said "if you do not return both receivers within 10 business days or it will be $389.00 PER receiver, charged to my Credit card" I was stunned. Out of all efforts I couldn't find my copy of the contract so I asked for a fax of the contract and I was refused. I called the salesrepresentative who sold me this wonderful plan, he happens to be very nice, but he still mislead me the day I signed up. I asked him if it was true he told me the DISH500 and the receivers were free. He said "yes, the dish was free, and the 2 receivers were FREE TO LEASE."

So here I am, utterly disgusted, questioned him why they are making me pay $398.00 per receiver. He helped me call Dish Network Return Department and they came to a decisiion that I am to pay $399.00 for the package of equipments if I do not have them. I guess that is better than $389.00 per Receiver, but I am still a victim of their scam.

I am digusted with Dish Network and will never reconsider business with them ever again!

Brett T
Suagar Land, Texas