Is Dish Network abusing seniors?
My friend in her 70s ordered Dish Network and has had it since Dec. 6th, 2008 for an 18-month contract, they tell her, although there has never been a signed contract. Every time she has called for help which has been quite often, she has been told steps to take to make corrections, however, her hands are very painful with arthritis and to hold the telephone with one hand and hold the controller with the other has been too painful.
Each time a new man came to her house to “help” her, the television worked for a short period of time only, so she had to call again. The people on the telephone have argued with her every time she has asked to discontinue services ? always giving her a “special deal” to keep it. The last deal was with a monthly payment of $17.99 ( she had been paying $32.99/month until then), however, when she didn”t receive her monthly billing she called and was told not to worry about receiving a bill, just to send in her money order. She asked if the new deal was still in effect and was told, “yes.”
Finally after many calls for assistance and many different men coming to her home, the last man told her that she had old equipment and that was the problem and that she needed new equipment in order for Dish to work. He took away many wires as “not ever necessary” and hooked up the new equipment. When she didn”t receive a billing in four months, Dish Network turned off services. Then they sent a billing for $65.89 and then another one in the same month for $53.97. She went ahead and sent them the money orders she had bought each moth for several months, waiting for a Dish billing to pay. Now they have her money, but have not turned on her services. She called and told them she didn”t want it any more under the circumstances and to please come retrieve their equipment, but they have not and her television is still connected to their equipment.
She has been waiting for months and hasn”t known what to do. I also understand another friend has had the same situation and when she had hers turned off and finally taken away after many arguments not to do so, Dish took 18 months payments out of her credit card anyway.
Shame on Dish Network for abusing seniors. There is enough to be concerned about as a senior without companies being rude and refusing excellence in their services. If anyone else has had similar experiences, please let the Record-Bee know. I believe shining a light on what is wrong will stop that wrong from happening to others.
Beverly J. Owen
Clearlake
