InDirecTv

I have found that companies that try playing games with me is simply unacceptable. For years Sara and I paid a monthly bill to a satellite television corporation. In June of 2007 I called to cancel my programming. As is the custom of these corporations they want to keep you as a customer. I said I just wanted to cancel the account, but they persistent and I finally let them "Park" my account for six months. What I didn't know was that they would reactivate my account without contacting me, and start billing me for the service after that period.

This weekend I happened to open a letter from this television distribution corporation and saw a bill for $125. My first thought was, "What the Hell?" I was certain that I closed that account, and I had no intention of continuing service. My second thought was, "Good thing I didn't just dump this in the recycling like I usually do." I proceeded to call the service center to find out what was going on.

A very nice and polite lady took my call. She was more than willing to help me but she said I either owed them $125, or I had to pay back a $150 credit that they gave to me. They gave me $150? I don't remember cashing that check, and my bill was paid up when I closed my account. I didn't use the service that they were charging me for so how could I owe them any money? I was a bit irritated, and told her I didn't owe them anything, but could she please get a supervisor. I didn't feel the service rep was responsible for such poor business practices and I didn't want to be yelling at her. Already my voice had been getting harsh.

After making me wait for nearly five minutes, "Chris" my service rep supervisor got on the line. Now, "Chris" didn't sound to be the brightest bulb, but I suppose he could have been educated thru high school. He tried, as the service rep did, to convince me that I owed them money. I let him speak his bit, and then responded, "Look, the only reason I let you 'Park' my account was because I was being badgered and I just wanted to get off the phone and get on with my life, and as for the 'credits' you gave me, I received no money or check from you. Now, you know I'm never going to pay you for something I didn't use, and I'm not going to pay back a credit I never received. You can either continue to waste our time or you can clear and close the account." To which "Chris" responded that he had closed the account and reversed the charges -- just like that. That was very smart as I was about to reach through the phone line and knock him upside the head with the receiver. I have to admit, I was very surprised, and kind of delighted that he resolved that situation so promptly after my spiel.

I think it is amazing how difficult corporations have become and the tactics that they use. If I agree to put something in "Park" or on hold or however you want to describe it, and I don't return the call to continue service the account should just be closed. Or if they are determined to keep my service, they should be required to gain my okay to continue the service. This process of resuming billing without a verbal acknowledgement is unacceptable. Now some might say I received a bill from them, but I also receive tons of junk from them and most of it went directly to the recycle bin. Anyway...the lesson is don't be nice to these corporations, it will only allow them to take advantage of you.