Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin reminds Rhode Island consumers to file a claim with DIRECTV before the June 9, 2011 deadline to receive restitution as part of a multistate settlement with DIRECTV.
As previously announced by 47 states and the District of Columbia in December 2010, DIRECTV agreed to pay restitution to consumers and to alter its business practices in the future. The agreement was the result of a multistate lawsuit that alleged DIRECTV engaged in deceptive trade and unfair sales practices.
Consumers complained that DIRECTV failed to clearly disclose the price for the service and the commitment term to keep service. Other complaints include DIRECTV’s enrollment of consumers in additional contracts without clear disclosure, the enrollment of consumers in additional contracts when replacing defective equipment, failure to clearly disclose to consumers that they would automatically renew a seasonal sports package and that the company offered consumers a cash-back deal which, in actuality, gave consumers credits on their bills.
Consumers may file a complaint with DIRECTV or the Attorney General’s Office related to the above described conduct by June 9, 2011, to be considered for the restitution program as long as the complaint concerns activity that occurred after January 1, 2007.
If a complaint cannot be resolved, DIRECTV will mail a claim form to the consumer, triggering action in which a Claims Administrator will review the dispute.
Consumers may download a complaint form at www.riag.ri.gov. Completed complaint forms may be mailed or faxed to:
Office to the Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit 150 South Main Street Providence, RI 02903 Fax: 401-222-5110
Or
DIRECTV Office of the President PO Box 6550 Greenwood Village, CO 80155-6550