New Member
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8 Messages
how to speak with a customer service agent in United states
I called 11-21-22 to see why my bill increased. Was told I was given the first year at a reduced rate. OK, I asked how to lower the bill and the agent found that by reducing my coverage on my TV, Cell phone and by eliminating a few channels I could reduce my bill, and I agreed. We specifically asked, IF WE ARE EXTENDING OUR 2 YEAR PROGRAMMING AGREEMENT and was told NO. I received an email covering the programming changes and in that email it stated that I agreed to a 2 YEAR PROGRAMMING AGREEMENT! Why do these people do this? They out and out lied to me... ! Is this for real?
I called the number today and to speak with and agent I must agree to a $5 charge to speak with billing... (Edited per community guidelines)?
Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23K Messages
2 years ago
When you call you get the next agent available. There is not an option to request location, cultural background, gender, etc.
A 24 month service agreement should only occur if there is an upgrade of equipment or you get a special discount for 24 months. Changing the package never affects the agreement. Now that info is for the DirecTV side. Anything about your cell phone would be a question for AT&T.
That was false. There is only a $5 phone transaction fee to make a payment over the phone with a live agent, or order a PPV with them, but certainly not just to speak with any agent.
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RobJLis
New Member
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8 Messages
2 years ago
Thank you for that info. The equipment coverage was unknown to me, but we reduced it to the Direct TV equipment only which saved us a few dollars. Being on a fixed income we are watching every penny now-a-days.
I have for a long time now been weary of speaking with support agents overseas especially about account finances. I left a large bank (Fifth Third) because of this. I had a credit card used overseas that was not my doing and I do not know the laws in other countries concerning wire tapping or illegal credit card use. But this whole thing about not being able to speak with an agent I can understand and feel comfortable with is concerning to me.
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RobJLis
New Member
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8 Messages
2 years ago
But it still does not address the issue with the contents of the email I received. I would like to confirm your statement with Direct TV people.
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detuch254
ACE - New Member
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5.2K Messages
2 years ago
A strategy to reach an agent that is usually more educated is by calling DIRECTV (number in my greeting below) and saying ‘cancel’ to the robot. This will send you to the retention/loyalty department.
Remember that you have reached a public forum full of a bunch of customers. Therefore, we can’t fix your bill or make any adjustments to it. Since you were placed in a contract extension, ask the loyalty or retention agent to remove it since you didn’t consent to it. If there is any sort of issue, you then go to the BBB and file a complaint.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23K Messages
2 years ago
@RobJLis
If you have trouble understanding an agent then the option is to callback and try another. Essentially agent roulette. However, saying "cancel" at the voice prompt to route you to the cancelation/retention department usually results in a more experienced agent.
Getting an email with an agreement that you didn't accept is concerning. As you didn't order new equipment, sounds like perhaps a special 24 month discount. But I would call and verify.
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RobJLis
New Member
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8 Messages
2 years ago
I called 800-531-5000 and asked the robot to "Cancel" and sure enough I was forwarded to aa very nice lady well spoken in English (Ashley) and she did confirm that I did not extend my service agreement and did a wonderful thing, gave me a credit on my bill for the misunderstanding.
I am very pleased wit this outcome!
Thank you "detuch254"
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