Directv multiple debits for service

I recently subscribed to Directv service for local channels and International programming. I was signed up by an agent who noted down my credentials and subscribed me for the service.

I saw a $221.70 debit from my bank account by directv. On asking a representative, I was told this amount has been debited since based upon my credit rating and this acts as a security deposit with DirecTV which

will be refunded to me with a $10 credit on each bill.

The loophole here I noticed is that you sign up for a contract for 12 months but it will take 21 months for you to claim the security deposit amount. On multiple inquiries on this anomaly, I was finally confirmed by a representative that

you are not required to go for a 21 month contract to claim the refund. If I discontinue after 12 months they are still gonna refund the amount to me.

The cause of my frustration really began when They deducted the deposit amount of $221.70 three times from my bank account. On first instance it was legitimate, but on 2nd it was due to their automated process of new account.

The installation guy forgot to install the dish on the first visit and they promised next schedule within one month.

Then out of the blues after 10 days a guy calls me to schedule an appointment, comes in, installs a dish and opens a new account on my name.

This caused the 2nd $221.70 deduction. On muliple complaints, they finally refunded the amount to me.

But on the 31st of the month, (01/31/07) they again deducted $221.70 from my bank. On multiple complaints to their customer service, I was told its a mistake and they have escalated the matter to accounts department to initate the refund. I was told by Accounts department that it will take atleast 8 business days for the refund to work. It caused me so much inconvenience to settle bills/monthly rent which are due in first week of the month.

Today is 15th Feb, and I still have not received the refund amount of $221.70 from DirecTV.

I hope some serious legal action can be taken against DirecTV for causing so much inconvenience to customers.

Thanks,

--

Bhuvanesh

Evanston, IL 60201