Satellite Bill Confusion Wrecks Local Man's Finances KHSL-TV News Chico/Redding, California
Last Update: 9/23 5:26 pm http://www.khsltv.com/content/localnews/story/Satellite-Bill-Confusion-Wrecks-Local-Mans/o0VwrYwRYkyfkJvpeTm0yQ.cspx OROVILLE, Calif - Kelly Sanders never thought a single satellite bill could send him on a financial tail spin. "It's really affected me severely for the last two months," said Sanders. "I've been in financial straights because I'm $500 in the hole, that I didn't owe." Sanders claims he used his debit card to make a one time payment on his daughter's DIRECTV account. The rest of her bills she paid herself. Five months later when his daughter cancelled her DIRECTV service, Sanders card was suddenly charged more than $500 for all her equipment and the cost of breaking her contract. "Through me making a one time payment they had my credit card on record. So they decided to bill me for it," explained Sanders. Sanders said he returned the equipment and contacted DIRECTV, who told him they would look into it but an investigation could take 6 to 8 weeks. Sanders is a disabled veteran with a limited income. While waiting for the money to be returned his bank account went into the negative, which led his bank to close his account, which in turn stopped his monthly disability deposits. "When my account went overdrawn because of this $540 that they took, they took my V.A. check and then that was gone," said Sanders. We contacted DIRECTV to ask about Sanders bill. In written response the told us they were within their rights to charge Sanders card under their "customer agreement." But they acknowledged that Sanders was not actually the account holder and have agreed to give him back his money. Sanders tell us the whole experience has made him think twice about how he pays his bills. "By using your debit card for a one time payment it gave them my number to bill me for something I didn't owe for. And that's a scary thought," said Sanders. As part of going the extra step we contacted an online billing expert at Tri Counties Bank. They told us all debit card transactions are subject to review. If you want to file a dispute make sure you contact your bank immediately to avoid having your account charged. -- ================================ George Antunes, Political Science Dept University of Houston; Houston, TX 77204 Voice: 713-743-3923 Fax: 713-743-3927 Mail: antunes at uh dot edu *********************************** * POST TO MEDIANEWS@ETSKYWARN.NET * *********************************** Medianews mailing list Medianews@etskywarn.net http://lists.etskywarn.net/mailman/listinfo/medianews
