VMC Satellite / Dish Network, Fairfax, VA - I received Dish Network through the VMC Satellite website. For the 7 months we had the service, we had at least 3, probably more, service calls due to no reception

VMC Satellite / Dish Network, Fairfax, VA - I received Dish Network through the VMC Satellite website. For the 7 months we had the service, we had at least 3, probably more, service calls due to no reception

VMC Satellite/Dish Network

VMC Satellite, Inc.

2710 Prosperity Avenue

Fairfax, VA 220312

VMC Satellite, Inc.

10205 Colvin Run Road

Great Falls, VA 22066

Toll-Free 1-877-998-DISH ext 56992•

Local (703) 206-1120

Fax (703) 759-4022

http://www.vmcsatellite.com

I received Dish Network through the VMC Satellite website. For the 7 months we had the service, we had at least 3, probably more, service calls due to no reception. When we moved, in Feb. 2003, the new place was not suited to having the satellite....so we cancelled the service. Within days, my bank account was thrown into chaos by a sudden withdrawal of $240 (Dish Network). When I called they stated it was all in the contract and they would ship boxes to me for the 3 receivers we had to ship back to them. Needless to say, my account was accessed AGAIN for over $500!! They stated it was for the equipment and would be returned to me after they received the boxes - which we in transit to them. Closed the bank account that had been in good stating for 30 years!! Why they made 3 separate deposits, to put it back in my account, confused the bank totally. Especially when they withdrew it in one lump sum.

Then, I have received an EXTREMELY threatening letter from VMC demanding $290 because I broke the contract with Dish Network!! They have stated the are sending my "debt" to their "extremely good" collection agency. Oh, and this agency gets what they go after!! I thought I was done with this when my account had been accessed by Dish Network - WITHOUT notice - for $740!! Now VMC says the site "contract" states I would owe this, if I cancelled before the 12 months was up. Note: We had, at least, 3 if not more service calls in the 7 months we had this service. When we moved it was impossible to install the dish. During several of these service calls, the technicians stated to us that it NEVER should have been installed to begin with. AND - who ever did install it - did not do a satisfactory job. Hence all the problems with service. All service call documentation should be listed through DishNetwork.com.

On 4/12/04 I received another letter from a collection agency (Enhanced Recovery Corp.) for $390! This is for the $290 "debt" with VMC and $100 late charges. I do not understand why I should have to pay two times for the same disconnection of service. All VMC did was supply me with a $49 install certificate - which I paid them for. I did NOT sign a contract with VMC!! Therefore, I am not responsible for any charge from them, other than the $49 for installation.

I have done quite a bit of research concerning similar complaints against VMC, as well as filed complaints with several different agencies in seeking assistance concerning the harassment I am receiving from VMC.

I have contacted, and filed complaints with, the Fairfax Virginia Consumer Affairs office, the Fairfax Virginia District Attorney, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection, and the Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC). Yet, I continue to receive computerize phones calls at home, and at work, from VMCs "extremely good" collection agency. I never respond to these phone calls and will not.

I received a letter from Fairfax County Consumer Protection Division with a rebuttal from VMC as to why I "owe" this $390 and am in the process of responding to them. In VMCs letter, Michael Lausten states that he reviewed my account with Dish Network and states they told him that my service was never interrupted due to service problems. Though, I have 2 other witnesses (who are willing to give notarized statements) to the fact that we had, at least, 3 - if not more service calls - to our home. He, also, stated I refused to discuss settlement offers. There were NEVER any settlement offers made by this man concerning this "debt"! He wanted payment if full, which was conveyed very clearly in the original extremely threatening letter I received from VMC, or he would have his "extremely effective" collection agency pursue this matter. Because of the threatening tone of that first letter from VMC, I refused to continue to be talked to in that manner and stated that I would seek legal assistance.

Since this has transpired, I have become the Power of Attorney for my terminally ill brother. He has several life threatening episodes in the last year that has required all of my resources, as well as that of my mother and father's. Mom and dad are the 2 witnesses to all that has transpired with this company, and Dish network, and they are as disturbed as I am about what is occurring. Due to this fact, and our limited financial resources, we have not been able to retain legal representation.

I must agree that I may have over reacted to the threatening letter I first received from Michael Lausten and may have exaggerated the amount of service calls we had from Dish Network. This was pointed out to me by my father, who was present during the service calls we did have. He remembers 3, and maybe 4, at the most. Though, that still seems excessive. He was, also, present, when we were informed that the dish should have NEVER been installed, and even considering it was, that it was not installed properly and that's why we kept losing the signal. However, I do not know what Mr. Lausten, and VMC, expect when the send such threatening letters to people. My "crime" here is over reacting. However, I still do not understand, or believe, that I owe $390 to VMC.

In doing my research, I have come across similar complaints with VMC that have been resolved. Following are taken from Fairfax Country's website:

02/19/2003 Opened

03/25/2003 Closed

Complaint Allegation(s):

Alleged improper or unauthorized billing.

Complaint Summary:

C alleged that R continued to bill him in the amount of $290.00, which C claimed he did not owe. Through CPD intervention, R cleared C's account to a zero balance.

Complaint Resolution:

Favorable results obtained for consumer through CPD intervention.

05/02/2002 Opened

05/31/2002 Closed

Complaint Allegation(s):

Alleged improper or unauthorized billing.

Complaint Summary:

C claimed that he signed a contract with Dish Network not R for C's satellite system. However, C was charged a $290.00 cancellation fee by R. In their response, R claimed that C purchased a certificate from them for the installation of a satellite television system. Through CPD intervention, R waived C's cancellation fee.

Complaint Resolution:

Favorable results obtained for consumer through CPD intervention.

03/26/2002 Opened

04/16/2002 Closed

Complaint Allegation(s):

Alleged improper or unauthorized billing.

Complaint Summary:

C alleged that R misinformed him when they sold him service for satellite television. Specifically, C was assured by R that there would be no cancellation fee if he decided to cancel the service. C is currently being charged $290 by R for a cancellation fee. After CPD intervention, R cleared C's account and sent C a letter of confirmation.

Complaint Resolution:

Favorable results obtained for consumer through CPD intervention.

I do not understand why VMC has been willing to waive, or clear, other's accounts concerning the same argument I am presenting. But, continue to pursue me so intently. Any further assistance in totally resolving this matter are extremely appreciated.

Thank you,

Vicki C

Viki C

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Comment On This

You broke the contract! 3 service is nothing! With cable I had 1 a week for 2 years.

I do not agree with all your bank withdraws. One should always use a cc and never allow any company access to your bank account or use a debit card.

Break a contract with a bank and see what happens.

Here is an honest Dish TV company for you:

http://www.sysnito.com?crid=12989&linkID=137