How can Dish Network still be in business. I have had Dish for close to a year now and a month has not gone by where something has not gone wrong. Customer service is useless and outsourced. As soon as my contract is up I am running as fast as I can away from Dish Network and never (NEVER) looking back.

Dish Network, GUILTY until proven innocent.

I tried to sign up for Dish Network only to find that I couldn't because someone else was already using my social security number. Did they immediately contact the customer in question, NO! Did they make me jump through hoops to prove who I am, YES! It should have been as simple as faxing a notarized copy of my driver’s license and SS card to their office but that’s not even close. I had to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, put an ID security alert on all three credit bureaus, file a police report then fill out a bunch of paperwork, make a copy of my drivers license, have it all notarized and fax it to the fraud department at Dish Network. After doing all that I was told it will still be about 3 weeks before I hear from them. After 2 weeks I received a letter stating that they can’t continue the investigation without a copy of the police report. Nowhere in the paperwork I had to fill out did it ask for a copy, only the police report number which I supplied. I tried to call the fraud department back at 720-514-8568 but all I ever get is a recording and no one ever returns my phone call.

Needless to say I'm now using DirecTV!

Is it just me? I have been a Dish Network customer for many years and have gone through three generations of receivers, (SD, HD & HDDVR). I have never had any type of Dish receiver that didn't develop some kind of problem requiring the unit's replacement at least once. Some were replaced multiple times. They are not used in an unusual environment. They sit on an open shelf under the TV in an air conditioned home. In my world of electronic equipment, the Dish receivers have had a terrible rate of failure while my other computers and electronics just keep humming along. Any one else had this problem?

This past week I contacted my satellite tv provider to pay my bill. I navigated the automated system to access an agent. Once connected I told the agent I needed to pay the amount needed to avoid disconnect but also needed to change account information as we had experienced fraudulent activity in our old checking account and had to open a new one. The agent told me I would have to pay $223.00 and I agreed. After providing the information the agent needed the agent told me she could not post or put the payment through because the system would not allow the changes to be made. I told the agent I needed to get this paid and she suggested using a credit or debit card, neither of which I had and said as much. She then instructed me to go on line to my Dish Network account at the companys website and make the payment there. I went to the site, logged in, updated all the information, entered the amount of $225.00 to be taken from the new checking account to pay our bill.

After confirming the amount to be taken from our checking account to pay this bill I proceeded to the button for complete/submit. When I clicked the button a new page confirming the payment I just authorized popped up. In addition to the amount I had just authorized to have debited from my account there was the payment of $223.00 the agent had previously told me she could not post. Now there were two payments pending for a total of $428.00. I immediately contacted customer service through the chat option at the Dish Network Website. I explained to her what had happened just as I have entered above and told her that one of the payments had to be cancelled because our budget and current financial situation could not withstand this error. She apologized and agreed it was their error but that there was nothing she could do. That I would have to wait for both payments to clear at which time they would make a full refund of the second payment received in error. I told her this was BS and that I needed to speak with someone who could take care of this problem.

She asked me to hold for a minute and then returned saying her supervisor said the same thing. I responded saying this was not acceptable and that I would just call customer service immediately. Which I did. I was connected with a rep who was very sympathetic to the issue and agreed that this was wrong and that even she too would be very upset. She also concluded that this was unusual and no less the fault of the Dish Network Representative who initially handled my first call and the first of the two payments. She received the same supervisory response to give me as the rep in chat at the site. Once the payments cleared they would then refund the second payment either by a re-deposit into my checking account electronically or, send me a check for the amount of the second payment. In either case one or the other in 2-3 business days. This concluded on Friday, Dec. 17, 2001.

I sent 2 emails that same day reprimanding Dish Network for this mess and letting them know how displeased I was with this development. To date I have not received a response. Yesterday I called them and requested a disposition of my refund and when I could expect to receive it. The story changed again. Since my total bill had been $320.00 they were deducting the remaining balance to satisfy the total bill and that I would receive the balance of around $120.00 in 7-10 business days.

I can not help but believe this is wrong. Regardless of the amount of my total bill, I was told that I only had to pay the $223.00 and had agreed to that but they could not set it up according to them. That was the first lie. The second was telling me that I would have to wait until both payments cleared at which time they would make a full refund of the second payment. The third and final lie was to tell me they would make a full refund of the total amount of the second payment in 2-3 business days when actually they were taking a portion of the second payment in error, applying it to the remaining balance of my bill and then telling me it would be 7-10 business days before I received whatever refund I have left.
I can not help but beleive that before this is all over with, they have already planned in delaying my refund and have all intentions of keeping that refund ammount and applying it to my next bill resulting in a great deal of additional stress created by their inefficiancy, the lies, the money(though not that much) that was for Christmas being stolen from us. I would not have considered pursuing this through legal channels if they had just gone ahead and sent the $120.00 in the 2-3 business days. But now, having been lied to so many times, and put into a highly stressful, anxious and depressed situation and having our Christmas ruined by DISH Network, I seriously wish to bring suit against them for damages. This is about priciple and they should not be allowed to get away with this. I do not want to be part of any class action suit. This became personnal when the stole my money and subsequently stole Christmas from our kids. We did not have much to give them granted...but after Dish Networks little games...we have nothing to give them and this just does not set well with me. Nor does sitting here watching my wife go through the hell she's going through because we don't have it to give now.

Customer Chat
Chat Transcript
Please wait while we find a representative to assist you...
Welcome to DISH Network Chat.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: How may I help you?
ripped of dish customer: hi
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Hello.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: How may I help you?
ripped of dish customer: i have solo reciever and i asked for dvr to replace it when the technician was here
ripped of dish customer: which was not taken care off
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: I'd be happy to assist you with that.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: For security purposes, can you please verify the last four digits of the Social Security Number on the account?
ripped of dish customer: also when i signed up for the package actually the person whom i spoke to cheated with with wrong information
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: I apologize for that.
ripped of dish customer: he gave me americas everything and i still dont see all the sports channels
ripped of dish customer: its still the regioanal channels which i get
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Can you please verify the last four digits of the Social Security Number on the account?
ripped of dish customer: xxxx
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Thank you.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Do you want to upgrade the standard Solo to a standard DVR or HD DVR?
ripped of dish customer: just an dvr
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Okay.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: The technician did not process the upgrade because it's not part of the order.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Let me check for the available promotion for a DVR upgrade.
ripped of dish customer: also the curremt package which i have and the one the representative said i will get doesnt match
ripped of dish customer: what about that
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: What do you mean?
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: You have America's Everything Pak and Telugu Pack.
ripped of dish customer: i mean i still just get regional channel and games
ripped of dish customer: not all of them
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: What channel are you not getting?
ripped of dish customer: i though i would get all the games for evrything pack
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: You will just get the regional Sports channel on your area.
ripped of dish customer: its today that i logged in and checked what different pACKAGES U OFFER
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: If you want to get other sports channels, you need to have the Multi Sports package.
ripped of dish customer: its same from 120+
ripped of dish customer: when i repeatedly asked the representative if i would be able to view all the games he said
ripped of dish customer: ie all nba and nfl games
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: You'll get NBA channel and NFL Network but it doesn't mean that you'll get all games.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Some of the games are on NBA League Pass.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Other games are on another regional sports channel.
ripped of dish customer: come on man i had enough with you guys its just that i have been a loyal customer and this is how u treat customers
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: The sports channel that you'll get depends on your location.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: In your case, you can get FSN West.
ripped of dish customer: i checked everything u offer now and it clearly makes sense that u still cant provide all the games for one single package u have
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: If you want other FSN and sports channels, you may add the Multi Sports package.
ripped of dish customer: how much would that cost
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Multi Sports package costs $7 a month.
ripped of dish customer: lol
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Blackout restrictions will apply to a majority of the professional sports and approximately 40% of the collegiate sports programming on out-of-market networks.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Do you want to add it?
ripped of dish customer: i would have just added that to regular 120 package and still get all games right
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: You must subscribe to a minimum of America's Top 120 Plus to add Multi Sports package.
ripped of dish customer: why did the representative misinterpret things and made me take this package
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: I apologize if you're given wrong information.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: We cannot guarantee that you'll get all the games on Multi Sports package since it's subject to black outs.
ripped of dish customer: appologise would still cost me money and more that waste my time and the purpose i choose those channels for
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: I understand.
ripped of dish customer: just tell me how much would the dvr cost
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: With regards to the DVR upgrade, you may upgrade the receiver to a standard DVR for free with $95 tech visit fee.
ripped of dish customer: i am being charged 7$ for the solo reciever every month
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: You can add Service Plan for $6 a month so that the tech visit will be $15 only.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: The $7 is for the additional outlet fee.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Once you replace that to a Solo DVR, the monthly fee will be $10.
ripped of dish customer: so instead of 7 i pay 10
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Yes.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: The leasing promotion requires a credit card qualification and a 24 month commitment. Would you like to take advantage of this offer today?
ripped of dish customer: i dont need a tech visit .just send me the dvr and let me know what to do
ripped of dish customer: there was a technician and he could have take care of that
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: We cannot ship the receiver.
ripped of dish customer: instead u send him again and charge us again
ripped of dish customer: this is like ripping of customers money
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: There was no request for a DVR upgrade when the technician went there.
ripped of dish customer: there was beofre that
ripped of dish customer: i spoke 10 technician and 10 representatives
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: The tech visit fee was even waived for you.
ripped of dish customer: keep on diverting to different departments and keep ppl on hold for 20-30 mins and hang up
ripped of dish customer: you charged with 100$ for some antenna replacement
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: That's for the antenna upgrade.
ripped of dish customer: and you say u waived the technician fee
ripped of dish customer: y would i need antenna upgrade
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Aside from the $100, there should be a $95 tech visit fee.
ripped of dish customer: i had the telugu package from day 1
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: The $95 was adjusted.
ripped of dish customer: its u ppl who asked me to leave the dish when i moved
ripped of dish customer: the next time when i call u say u need charge 100$
ripped of dish customer: we customers look like scape goats to your dish network ppl i guess
ripped of dish customer: y would there be any fee
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: There is a $100 charge for moving if you have international package.
ripped of dish customer: you say we will move our dish when we shift homes for free
ripped of dish customer: then why would there be a tech fee
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: I understand your concern about the cost to move your service.
The ad that you are seeing is a promotion determined based on the plan that you took advantage in the start of your Dish Network account. Moving can be expensive as high as $300.
The $100 charge in moving your equipment covers professional installation, 60 day warranty and installing state of the art compatible dish.
ripped of dish customer: why would you charge me for a dvr is what i dont understand
ripped of dish customer: u still take the reciever back
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: The DVR upgrade is free.
ripped of dish customer: and still charge for sending the technician
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: You just need to pay for the tech visit.
ripped of dish customer: that is what i say
ripped of dish customer: i can istall it on my own if u send me the dvr
ripped of dish customer: instead u insist for tech visit and charge
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: The receiver is not available for shipment.
ripped of dish customer: put urself in or shoes and let me know would u considder such thing as a service
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: I understand your concern.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: If it's available for shipment, I've offered it but it's not.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: You can add Service Plan for $6 a month so that the tech visit will be $15 only.
ripped of dish customer: i am in no way able to pay for the tech fee
ripped of dish customer: u already have squeezed every penny i have
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: We cannot waive the fee as much as we want to.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: And the receiver is available for installation only.
ripped of dish customer: kindly find out with one of ur supervisors if he can consider my request and even consider it for once
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: One moment.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Let me check it for you. Just give me 2 minutes.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Here's what we can do, for only $6 a month we can add the Service Plan to your account today. By adding service plan, you will receive this technician visit completely free, and any visit thereafter only $15. This is an instant savings of $95. Please keep in mind that if you remove the Service Plan within the first 5 months you will be subject to a $25 cancellation fee.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Would you like to add it?
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: I have not heard from you in a while and your chat window shows you've been idle, are you still with me?
ripped of dish customer: u mean to say u cant guarantee a hazzle free service and its for our good we choose an optional service plan package for which we have to pay 6$ everymonth no matter technician visits us or not
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: I apologize, however due to the lack of response I will now be ending this chat session. Please feel free to chat back any time with additional questions or concerns. Thank you for using Dish Network Live Chat!
ripped of dish customer: wat the heck
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: The Service Plan covers all DISH Network equipment and costs only $6 a month. This warranty provides free shipping on replacement equipment and reduces the cost of service calls from $99 to $15. This gives you priority technical support, replacement equipment, video cable and power surge repairs, and in-home service.
ripped of dish customer: i was typing
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Aside from getting this tech visit for free, the next tech visit will be $15 only instead of $95.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Do you want to add it?
ripped of dish customer: let me check few things in that case and revert back
ripped of dish customer: kindly make notes of this
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Sure.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: The promotion is good until January 31, 2011.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Is there anything else that I can assist you with?
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: I have not heard from you in a while and your chat window shows you've been idle, are you still with me?
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: I apologize, however due to the lack of response I will now be ending this chat session. Please feel free to chat back any time with additional questions or concerns. Thank you for using Dish Network Live Chat!
ripped of dish customer: yes
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Is there anything else that I can assist you with?
ripped of dish customer: quick thing can u help me with package change
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Sure.
ripped of dish customer: the last representative completely ripped me off with what i see
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: What package do you want?
ripped of dish customer: America's Top 120+$44.99

Hindi: Mega$49.99

Solo Receiver$7.00

DVR Service$6.00

Multi-Sport w/ Redzone$7.00

Telugu: Telugu Pack$29.99
ripped of dish customer: this is what i am looking at
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Okay.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Just a moment.
ripped of dish customer: okay i see no reply
ripped of dish customer: r u there
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Yes.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Just a moment.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Since you will be removing a programming package which has been added within the last 30 days, a $5 Service Change Fee applies.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: The $5 fee is for every program.
ripped of dish customer: what does that mean
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: It's $5 fee for every package that we will remove.
ripped of dish customer: pleaswe i do not have patience or temper to hear about any more of your fees
ripped of dish customer: this is getting way too much
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Since you have 4 movie packages now, it's $20 plus removing AT 250 is another $5.
ripped of dish customer: for evrything i mean everything
ripped of dish customer: i guess u will be also charging to chat
ripped of dish customer: who asked for those packages
ripped of dish customer: he added me to all this crap
ripped of dish customer: which i dint choose for
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: You may change the package after 30 days from the time you added it so you'll not pay a fee.
ripped of dish customer: he said only 5 $ for change fee for americas everything
ripped of dish customer: and now u split it into packages
ripped of dish customer: kindly do smthing and waive the fees
ripped of dish customer: i have alredy been paying way too much out of my budget
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: The America's Everything package is composed of different packages.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: You may change the package on 12/24 to avoid paying these fees.
ripped of dish customer: u should inform that earlier
ripped of dish customer: how does it matter for u guys
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: That's why I'm informing you before I change the package.
ripped of dish customer: please do smthing
ripped of dish customer: it was not my choice i was misguided
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: You may wait on 12/23
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: You may wait on 12/24 to remove the package without paying any fees.
ripped of dish customer: i should sue the representative for misinterpreting things
ripped of dish customer: at no way help
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: I can only waive 1 $5 Service change fee.
ripped of dish customer: thats no way a help to me
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Do you want to change it now?
ripped of dish customer: yes but i dont want to pay any fees
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: I apologize but I can only waive $5.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: The rest you need to pay it.
ripped of dish customer: as i was never under the impression that u would chaRGE ME THE AMOUNT as the rpresentative on phone misguided me completely
ripped of dish customer: KINDLY consider this request atleast
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: I really apologize but we cannot waive the $25 service change fee.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: We can only waive $5.
ripped of dish customer: how can u not take responsibility of things which u interpreted falesly
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: This was disclosed when you changed the programming.
ripped of dish customer: to whom
ripped of dish customer: i was never informed of this
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: It was disclosed to you
ripped of dish customer: u can check back ur tapes
ripped of dish customer: to make sure
ripped of dish customer: he clearly mentioned just a 5$ fee for americas everything package to any other
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: December 24 is just a few days from now, you may change it then without paying any fees.
ripped of dish customer: what would i do until then
ripped of dish customer: this thing is of no use to me
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: You can watch the channels.
ripped of dish customer: i picked a package which pays u more
ripped of dish customer: dont understand y u still object
ripped of dish customer: what chaneels
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: The Everything package.
ripped of dish customer: so now u guys decide what i need to watch
ripped of dish customer: what a great service
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: I'm only giving a suggestion so you won't pay a service change fee.
ripped of dish customer: would u consider it a suggestion if i insist u to watch some stupid channels thats of no use to you
ripped of dish customer: that it enough
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Are we going to change the package now?
ripped of dish customer: keep the 5$ too else u might charge me additional some 100$ tommorow for waiving this
ripped of dish customer: i will publish the chat and whatever i experience to all my frns who have dish and onto websites
ripped of dish customer: i will also take the necessary steps if needed as u guys misinterpreted falsely everything
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: I'm sorry that you'll do that.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Do you want to change the package to America's Top 120 Plus?
ripped of dish customer: its not only a waste of time to chat as u keep on asking to add things and nothing else
ripped of dish customer: u dont consider customer requests or look into his problems
ripped of dish customer: i would want to at no additional cost
ripped of dish customer: if u cant do that...let me do what i can
ripped of dish customer: sorry if i was harsh
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: I understand your concern but we cannot waive these fees as much as I want to.
ripped of dish customer: but this service that u provide sucks completely to the core
ripped of dish customer: its been an hour and all u offer wa new services to make money
ripped of dish customer: u dint even address one single problem correctly
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: I'm informing you of the fees so you will not be surprised if you'll see it on the bill.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: I just want you to know the charges that will incur with these changes.
ripped of dish customer: wow suprized i am already with the bills and packages u presented to me
ripped of dish customer: i donmt want anymore changes until i deal with this
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: I'll not make any changes on the account then.
ripped of dish customer: thanks
ripped of dish customer: every dish customer should know what u try to do to them and i will make sure its conveyed in the right way
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Okay.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Are you still there?
ripped of dish customer: s
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Is there anything else?
ripped of dish customer: u want to rip me off for more money
ripped of dish customer: i dont understand y else would u ask such question
ripped of dish customer: let me know if i may of any assist to make dish network more rich by paying for evrything without getting anything
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: The charge is a valid fee.
ripped of dish customer: no it is not
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: The Service Change Fee offsets the cost to us when modifying programming more than once within a 30 day period. Charging it allows us to keep programming prices low while still allowing you to have the most flexibility.
ripped of dish customer: in what way
ripped of dish customer: its no way a low fee when u charge me for something thats of no use
ripped of dish customer: and when i bring it up and ask u to change it
ripped of dish customer: u again charge and give me such kind of excuses
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: The Service Change Fee is a charge because you want to change the package which was added within 30 days.
ripped of dish customer: i dint opt for this package
ripped of dish customer: y dont u understand that
ripped of dish customer: i was misinterpreted
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: This will not be added if you did not request for it.
ripped of dish customer: and this is what u got to say for loyal customers who have been with u for more than 2 yrs
ripped of dish customer: i can imagine the fate of new customers
ripped of dish customer: i didnt
ripped of dish customer: request them
ripped of dish customer: i was asked to take this
ripped of dish customer: with falsew interpretation of things u offer
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: I really apologize but the service change fee will still be applied if you change the programming now.
ripped of dish customer: i dont want to
ripped of dish customer: y u making a point to do it now
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Just wait until 12/23 and you may change it without a fee.
ripped of dish customer: that will adressed too
ripped of dish customer: be
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: There is no way to change this now without applying the fees.
ripped of dish customer: ok
ripped of dish customer: i dont want to
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: Okay.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: We'll not change it.
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: I have not heard from you in a while and your chat window shows you've been idle, are you still with me?
(03) MKtech Fahren V.Z0V: I apologize, however due to the lack of response I will now be ending this chat session. Please feel free to chat back any time with additional questions or concerns. Thank you for using Dish Network Live Chat!
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