Porky77354
07-05-2007, 10:18 PM
Hello,
I purchased a Samsung TIVO based DirecTV receiver from a private party via Ebay about two weeks ago, because I was unhappy with their DVR+ receiver. I already had a TIVO in the living room, and the R15 just didn't compare in the slightest.
I had talked to a rep at DirecTV prior to the purchase, and was told I could do this, and to just call them to transfer my current access card over to the new receiver. I got the TIVO and called as directed.
I was then informed that the TIVO receiver was part of a collection with another customer. I reminded them that the access card controls the service, not the box, and that I had been a customer in good standing for at least 10 years, and had nothing to do with the other customer. She said the box was tied to their account, and they could not release it to me with my access card. She then told me that they could untie the box from the account if I purchased a new access card for $20, which I refused to do. I asked to speak to a supervisor. That person was "in a meeting". She said the supervisor would call back, but she never did.
I then emailed DirecTV on Tuesday 7/2. A rep called today 7/5, and informed us that not even a new access card will help, because as soon as we activate it with the new card, we will then be billed for all of the other customers debts. Huh? Anyone who knows anything about these boxes knows that the access cards control the programming, and as far as the bill in arrears, I have nothing to do with his account. If they have a problem with that customer, let them collect from them.
I even asked if the box itself was part of the collection (in other words is this a leased box, and they need it back) and was told no, which means he bought it at retail I assume. That means it is his own private property to do with as he wishes, including selling it to me, at least as far as I know.
I understand that they have this SN recorded on his account, but it should then be marked somehow as sold to me, so I can then activate it. I have zero to do with this person's account, and have never paid late in 10 years as a customer. Now, they are telling me I have to pay his bill? I don't think so. I feel this is GROSSLY UNFAIR at the very least, and potentially illegal. How can a company charge you for another account holders debts? This is customer service so bad that it's laughable. I don't know where to begin or what to do at this point. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
I purchased a Samsung TIVO based DirecTV receiver from a private party via Ebay about two weeks ago, because I was unhappy with their DVR+ receiver. I already had a TIVO in the living room, and the R15 just didn't compare in the slightest.
I had talked to a rep at DirecTV prior to the purchase, and was told I could do this, and to just call them to transfer my current access card over to the new receiver. I got the TIVO and called as directed.
I was then informed that the TIVO receiver was part of a collection with another customer. I reminded them that the access card controls the service, not the box, and that I had been a customer in good standing for at least 10 years, and had nothing to do with the other customer. She said the box was tied to their account, and they could not release it to me with my access card. She then told me that they could untie the box from the account if I purchased a new access card for $20, which I refused to do. I asked to speak to a supervisor. That person was "in a meeting". She said the supervisor would call back, but she never did.
I then emailed DirecTV on Tuesday 7/2. A rep called today 7/5, and informed us that not even a new access card will help, because as soon as we activate it with the new card, we will then be billed for all of the other customers debts. Huh? Anyone who knows anything about these boxes knows that the access cards control the programming, and as far as the bill in arrears, I have nothing to do with his account. If they have a problem with that customer, let them collect from them.
I even asked if the box itself was part of the collection (in other words is this a leased box, and they need it back) and was told no, which means he bought it at retail I assume. That means it is his own private property to do with as he wishes, including selling it to me, at least as far as I know.
I understand that they have this SN recorded on his account, but it should then be marked somehow as sold to me, so I can then activate it. I have zero to do with this person's account, and have never paid late in 10 years as a customer. Now, they are telling me I have to pay his bill? I don't think so. I feel this is GROSSLY UNFAIR at the very least, and potentially illegal. How can a company charge you for another account holders debts? This is customer service so bad that it's laughable. I don't know where to begin or what to do at this point. Any advice is greatly appreciated.