Complaint Review: DIRECT TV - Internet
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- Author Not Confirmed
- DIRECT TV http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/index.jsp Internet United States of America
- Phone:
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- Category: Cable Companies
DIRECT TV My name is Heidi and I am from Toledo, Ohio. DIRECT TV STEALS AGAIN! Internet *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account that someone wrongfully takes it from you!
*Consumer Comment: Same boat, but questions. . .
*Consumer Comment: Direct TV unlawfull practice
*Author of original report: The first step is accepting responsibility....
*Consumer Comment: A "cooperation"?
*Consumer Comment: Not Victory
*Author of original report: Sweet Victory!!!
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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 sisters 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 Knowing that was impossible, I looked closer and noticed Direct TV had withdrawn $1240.60 from my account without authorization; overdrawing my account.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 governors office as well as Marcy Kapturs 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 85280This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 10/09/2009 11:35 AM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/direct-tv/internet/direct-tv-my-name-is-heidi-and-i-am-from-toledo-ohio-direct-tv-steals-again-internet-506899. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content
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#6 Consumer Comment
Same boat, but questions. . .
AUTHOR: Daniel - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Monday, February 11, 2013
Yeah, so the exact same thing happened to me yesterday... although I have returned my boxes already, they still withdrew the amount I owed plus the cancellation fee from my bank account yesterday which came to a total of 597 dollars! Which, of course, I do not have.
After reading all the rebuttals and such, I have one question that has been touched on but is not clear to me at all ... I have heard from multiple sources that it is IN the contract that they can remove the money at any time. can someone help me clarify if that is true or if there are contingencies to the wording? Because even though I see alot of people getting their money back... if the contract states that they can remove the money at any time than I am worried I am in no way able to win this battle. In fact, can't my bank, who I am going to call again today simply say that because it was in the contract there is nothing they can do?? this is where I am stuck. Thanks!
#5 Consumer Comment
Direct TV unlawfull practice
AUTHOR: vlindertje - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, December 09, 2009
#4 Author of original report
The first step is accepting responsibility....
AUTHOR: Heidi from Toledo, Ohio - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, November 10, 2009
First of all....I DID NOT give Direct TV permission to access my personal bank account. What I DID do is occasionally pay my bill with my debit card! Sorry...but it sounds like you haven't been paying attention, since I also explained that I mailed the Direct TV boxes back and was never reimbursed! Apparently, you do not understand the law either! When an investigation finds an individual or an organization guilty of removing funds without permission also know as STEALING, the bank has the right to prosecute the responsible individual or organization to obtain their loss. Clearly, that would be Direct TV honey (sarcastic grin).
As far as Direct TV screwing people out of money...take a look! There are countless reports ON THIS SITE! Again, even the governor's office admitted that Direct TV has been the subject of countless complaints and that it has been up for formal discussion multiple times, only to be pushed a side by more pressing bureaucratic issues.
Congratulations on your beautiful 7 year romance with Direct TV. I can only speak from experience when I say after two years of service-our "relationship" went sour FAST and that I intend on telling EVERYONE I meet about it! Contract or no contract-what they DID and continue to DO to people like ME every day-should not be tolerated plus it happens to be illegal!
#3 Consumer Comment
A "cooperation"?
AUTHOR: Stacey - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, November 09, 2009
Please - when you signed up for Directv you signed a contract/agreement for services - If you did read the terms and conditions of this contract/agreement you would know what it stated ie: early termination fee, equipment rental etc etc
I am sorry for your loss but you did not return the equipment as per the agreement therefore they charged you for said equipment - Now how did they get your account number?? By ESP - you gave them your account number therefore they charged you for the equipment that YOU did not send back soooo WHO ripped off who?
Get ready for the same problems from Time Warner - I switched to Directv from Comcast aka Time because of all the problems and now 7 years later NO problems -
Learn to read a contract/agreement before you sign it
#2 Consumer Comment
Not Victory
AUTHOR: Susan - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, November 09, 2009
Woodforest Bank might have given you the money back but you still owe. Probably more now. DirectTV couldn't have taken money from your bank account if you didn't give them permission to.
Your bank gave you back the money, to protect themselves, but they are not going to fight for your debt with DirectTV other than trying to get back the money they gave DirectTV and you. Your bank already paid DirectTV then paid you. Your bank is out twice.
This will come back to haunt you if you don't just let that money sit until the issue is resolved 100%.
According to you $760 in boxes are not returned and there is a $500 early cancelation fee. If DirectTV can prove this to your bank, your bank will take that money back. It would stink to wake up and find your account was over drawn by $1200 plus bounce fees.
Sorry but this is your fault, you obviously gave permission for access to your account.
#1 Author of original report
Sweet Victory!!!
AUTHOR: Heidi from Toledo, Ohio - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Monday, November 09, 2009
I am proud to say that after filing a formal dispute with our bank and awaiting a LONG ten-day investigation into the fact that Direct TV withdrew about $1260.00 from my personal bank account WITHOUT permission, the bank has decided in our favor! The money was promptly returned into our account as well as the overdraft fees!
My faith in the system has been restored! Plus, I will be a life long customer of Wood Forest Nation Bank!!! I assume that our bank will now force Direct TV to pay back the money they stole!!
Although my story ended well, this is not the case for many countless victims! We must stand up and tell Direct TV, "This is NOT acceptable and we will NOT be the victims of BIG cooperations any longer!" Please fight to bring attention to this issue on a federal level-this cannot be tolerated!
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