VMC Satellite dishonest debt collection practices ripoff Great Falls Virginia

We had the satellite installed in December 2005 and received poor satellite service at best. When spring rolled around and the trees around my house began to bloom, we received no service at all. Dish Satellite technicians came out to my house on June 18, 2006 and were there for over 4 hours and determined that because of our physical location (the house is surrounded by trees in a wooded area), we were not able to get a LOS (line of sight) to the satellite and therefore could not get satellite service.

We called VMC the next day, explained the situation to them and were told we could cancel without penalty. Several months later, we received 2 threatening letters from VMC saying that we owed them $290.

I sent 4 emails to VMC explaining the situation. They told us that this reason was not good enough and we are still responsible for the $290 cancellation fee. We have gone back and forth on the phone with VMC representatives. Whenever we ask to speak to a manager, there is none available.

One VMC rep (Anthony operator # 1040) told us that we have to send in the reason for cancellation in writing, attention to his manager "Mike Lofton." We asked if we could fax it because it would be faster and he said yes. Well, we faxed the emails, the work order from Dish Network stating why we cannot get service and an email from a Dish Network representative stating that we had no choice but to disconnect the service and *surprise*, VMC never received our fax.

We've since had to re-fax the information on 3 separate occasions because they claim they never received any of our faxes. We are still in limbo and now have to fax VMC the information everyday and then call them to see if they received it. They never do. As of today (November 1, 2006), Mike Lofton has not received any faxes from us. We have been told that we have to physically mail the information in, and will do so. However, we have a feeling that the letter will mysteriously never make it to VMC.

We are totally getting the run around. They are hoping that eventually we will tire of their game and pay the $290. Well, we do not intend to do this and have stated so several times.

They are claiming that if I do not pay by November 15, 2006, they are sending my account to collections.

I have read many complaints about VMC and all of the stories are similar to mine. Something has to be done about this company. I have opened a complaint with the BBB but I have not received any responses from them. I know they are overwhelmed, but I'm afraid my credit will be ruined by this.

ER
Rochester, New York