DIRECTV Leads Competition in Complaints
December 17, 2009 by tisha
Consumers in the state of Washington do not exactly think that DIRECTV is all they are cracked up to be. Rob McKenna, the Attorney General of Washington stated that the national satelite television company has brought in more consumer complaints this year than any other company, bring a three year total to over 700 complaints.
Largely, consumers feel that DIRECTV has been practicing unfair tactics for new sales. The complaints also claim that DIRECTV is deceptive in their advertising of low cost services. The ads which tout small prices fail to explain the many hidden fees buried in the small print of the service contracts. Attorney General McKenna states that the fine print as measuring in at 5.5 points on the bottom of the advertisement and argues that even with the assistance of a magnifying glass, consumers could not substantiate the true nature of the ‘deal’, which involves a two-year contract, monthly services charges that increase, and a near $500 penalty for canceling a contract early.
Other issues uncovered by the Attorney General’s office against the California-based DIRECTV include:
Not-So-Free Stuff
DIRECTV offers in their advertising ‘free’ installation and upgrading of equipment or channels. The ‘free’ items are typically promotional offers that when expired, become paid subscriptions or rental fees.
A Cheaper Route
DIRECTV offers a package priced at $29.99 a month but fails to mention it is only available to consumers who set up automatic debits and who meet financial stipulations.
Contract Extentions
DIRECTV did not disclose to customers that each time a new accessory or upgrade is added, the length of the contract is extended.
Protection Problems
DIRECTV charges customers $5.99 a month for their Protection Plan that covers repairs to equipment. Some customers were initially unaware that they were paying this additional fee but learned that canceling the services cost them an additional $10.
Credit Check Charges
For consumers that fail to provide Social Security numbers or do not meet eligibilty requirements after a credit check, had to pay up to $300 in deposit funds to acquire service. If cancellation occurs early, the deposit is used and customers received only a partial refund of whatever money remains.
In addition to the state of Washington, California customers have also filed a class action lawsuit against DIRECTV. This lawsuit addresses the company’s practice of debiting the amount of cancellation fees from a customer’s bank account without the consent of customers. Washington states Attorney General is seeking from the court a ruling that would change DIRECTV’s business practices while providing costumers restitution for their losses, as well as have the court impose civil penalties for their actions.
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