softwear update

seems like it

DTV sends updates via the sats

@jameslukas 

Updates are delivered automatically by the satellites. Nothing to show or for them to call you about. That was a scam.

He called back trying to get me to reset the receiver.  Said Directv put up a new satellite and he wanted to make sure my receiver worked with it. I told him all softwear is downloaded from satellites.  He would not take that for an answer,  said in three days I would lose my service.  I said if that happens, I will call Directv.  Weird Scam.

I believe the first part of the scam was to reset the receiver while you were on the phone for 15 minutes waiting for the self check and satellite connection. That’s when the real scam would start. Free movie offers. Or pay for a year up front and get 50 dollars a month off but you have to pay in amazon gift cards. Etc

@jameslukas 

He was using social engineering to get you in a comfortable spot to make the scam offer. DirecTV NEVER calls you to make updates, do a health check, offer discounts, etc.

DirecTV has been shutting down their MPEG-2/SD-only feeds. Some crooks are trying to use that info to trick people. Those that are affected by this real situation get notice (by email or bill insert) about it and to call DirecTV (so the official customer support number verifying it really is them) to discuss the needed swap of equipment. DirecTV does not call customers about this as their support is inbound.

To see if the MPEG-2 shutdown affects you, just post back with the model numbers of your boxes. If any qualify, then you know to call their customer support so can be sure you are talking to the actual company and not another crook.

Thanks to both "Constructive" and "Juniper"  for your help with this scam issue.  Very Appreciated.

(2) Model C41W-500

(1) Model HR44-500

That would be the 2nd generation Genie and the 1st generation wireless Mini Genie Clients. There is nothing required to change as that is all current equipment.

The only thing that might be suggested, is considering when you have your next free upgrade to replace a Client with an HDDVR. This is because Clients have no capability of their own, each stealing a tuner and using the recording space of the main box, plus going down if it does. HDDVRs have 2 tuners and 500GB (as of recent models) recording space each. But only Clients have the wireless option being simpler devices. So just something to think about.

Thanks.  Good info.