Well, it’s about time someone blew the whistle on DirecTV. Their cable fees are ridiculous! On Wednesday, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charged the cable giant, DirecTV, with misleading customers with false advertising. In court, the FTC said that DirecTV is ripping off customers with their discounted 12-month programming package. Its advertising does not do a good job at letting customers know that a two-year contract is required. The advertising, the FTC said, did not make clear that the cost of the package would increase by up to $45 more per month in the second year and that hefty early cancellation fees – up to $480 – would apply. The allegations of deceptive advertising date back to 2007 and cover more recent marketing campaigns, such as one in late 2014 that offered the company’s subscription service on a limited basis for “only $19.99” a month. (AP) The FTC says that they require companies to be truthful to their customers, however DirecTV has tricked their customers into purchasing their service. Also, the FTC had an issue with the company’s premium channels (i.e. HBO, Starz) trial offers. They believe DirecTV does not clearly advertise that fees will increase if customers fail to cancel the trial offer before the three month trial period ends. Of course, DirecTV says this isn’t true. The company insists that it has made changes to their promotional materials so that introductory rates and terms and conditions are clearly identified by customers. The FTC is seeking a refund for all customers affected. The actual dollar amount is unknown.
