How Not to Get Scammed by Your Cable TV Provider After You Cut the Cord
This is how it works. An ex cable subscriber goes to their local cable provider and tells them you no longer want their service. At termination, you turn in your cable TV boxes. Most people have more than one television, so chances are they will turn in multiple cable TV boxes.
Approximately a month or two later, the customer gets a letter in the mail notifying them they owe the cable provider several hundred dollars for equipment that was not turned in. The customer gets angry and calls the cable company where they are given a long run around. Usually passed to several representatives. And if they are lucky, they may find one that agrees to cancel the charges.
Then approximately another month later, the ex cable customer receives another letter stating they will be billed for cable TV boxes that were not returned and the entire process repeats itself.
Many people who at this point are tired of the frustration of fighting with their former cable TV provider simply give in and pay the fee. Some providers even encourage this telling the customer "It's easier if you just pay the fee."The cable provider wins, because at this point they received their equipment back and ended up getting a nice little bonus as well.
Here's What You Should Do When Quitting Cable
1. Take pictures of each cable box, which clearly shows the serial number of each device. Also, be sure to include any power supplies or additional items which you return.
2. Then print a copy of the photo of each cable box.
3. Take printed copy with you when you turn in then equipment, and make their customer service rep sign the photo with their name and employee ID at the time you turn in the equipment.
This is for your protection. And even doing this won't guarantee they won't send a letter demanding money for their equipment. But there is one more step you can take that will put an end to this nonsense.
When they send you the letter demanding payment for their equipment which you already returned. Send them back a letter and include a copy of the signed photos that show the serial numbers. Along with this letter let them know if they do not stop harassing you plan on taking them to small claims court.
This may cost you a few bucks to file, but when you win, they will be responsible for all fees. And the Judge may give you a little extra for your trouble.
If enough people do this, they will end this shady practice once and for all. Chances are they have already recovered the cost of the cable box several times over from the rental fees they charge. They probably figured out most people won't fight them and will roll over.
This is for your protection. And even doing this won't guarantee they won't send a letter demanding money for their equipment. But there is one more step you can take that will put an end to this nonsense.
When they send you the letter demanding payment for their equipment which you already returned. Send them back a letter and include a copy of the signed photos that show the serial numbers. Along with this letter let them know if they do not stop harassing you plan on taking them to small claims court.
This may cost you a few bucks to file, but when you win, they will be responsible for all fees. And the Judge may give you a little extra for your trouble.
If enough people do this, they will end this shady practice once and for all. Chances are they have already recovered the cost of the cable box several times over from the rental fees they charge. They probably figured out most people won't fight them and will roll over.
So don't back down. Be firm and has hard as it is try very hard to be polite in your correspondence to them. Because you will want to save copies of this also to show the Judge if you end up going to court.
Your local government usually has a franchise agreement with cable companies. So you can can file official complaints with them as well as with your local Better Business Bureau. This needs to stop!
Your local government usually has a franchise agreement with cable companies. So you can can file official complaints with them as well as with your local Better Business Bureau. This needs to stop!
