Consumer Advice

Last year, “representatives” claiming to be from AT&T were canvassing local neighborhoods telling residents that they have to get their current DirecTV box changed out in order to continue to receive service. The scammer sometimes calls ahead of time to schedule the work or they show up on the doorstep to take care of the problem on the spot.

Victims were told that changing out their box wouldn’t cost them anything. They were asked to sign a contract but not given a copy, then a few weeks later were surprised to get a bill from AT&T in the amounts between $400 and $500.

Well guess what? These scammers are back this year and their campaign is specifically targeting the elderly. Bill wrote about this scam last year and we are starting to receive calls from residents who are getting taken again this year. One reader received a bill for $469 from AT&T. Since he is on a fixed income, this bill isn’t something he can afford so now he is going to have to fight over not paying the bill because he was told it wouldn’t cost him anything.

If you get a call or a visit from someone claiming to be from AT&T wanting to change out your box for free, send them packing. Typically DirecTV and AT&T don’t contact us directly, we contact them. If you have already been caught up in this scam, write a letter to the billing party (in this case AT&T) explaining the situation and send it certified with a return receipt requested so you know they received your correspondence.