Direct TV WON'T RETURN DEPOSIT, CALLED IT A FEE! Los Angeles, California

On May 17, 2011 I signed up for DIRECT TV services through AT&T. On the date of the installation, the technician advised me that an additional deposit for the account would be required for an amount of $538.11 and I agreed. After repeated picture quality issues over several months, I decided to cancel my service doing so on or about March 15, 2012. I received the return shipping boxes as promised and sent the equipment back on March 23, 2012. I was told I would receive a final bill with all credits or adjustment applied with in the next few weeks. I did receive the bill several days later indicating that DIRECT TV would debit my account for the early termination fee of $280.00.

I then call AT&T for assistance as I originally ordered the service through them and was advised that they could not help me with the billing issue or the return of the deposit and that I would need to contact DIRECT TV. When I contacted DIRECT TV, I eventually spoke with a Supervisor who identified herself as Lily #44105. Lily advised me that the $538.11 was a FEE and not a DEPOSIT as originally told to me by the sales person on the phone and the installation tech on the date of the installation. I next requested a copy of the agreement or document that I signed indicating that I was willing to pay DIRECT TV a FEE of $538.11 with an understanding that I WOULD NOT have it returned at the end. The DIRECT TV Supervisor referred me to the 7" x 9" Equipment Lease Agreement that I signed on 05/17/2011. 

I have read top to bottom numerous times the DIRECT TV EQUIPMENT LEASE AGREEMENT provided at the time of installation and can find no indication that the DEPOSIT I paid at the time of the installation was in fact a FEE. She then suggested that I go to their website and review the extended version of the agreement there. REALLY, who searches a companies website for the fine print prior to signing up for satellite TV. I have since paid the final bill of $249.00 but to date have not received my DEPOSIT of $538.11. I am 56 years old and in all my life I have never dealt with such a DECEPTIVE AND DISHONEST COMPANY A DIRECT TV. If anyone can help I would sure appreciate it, $538.11 is a lot of money..  THANKS!