After what the Georgia Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs calls "serious complaints about sales practices", Dish Network says it will pay 5.9 million dollars. The payment is in response to alleged violations of consumer protection laws in 45 other states. The company, by the way, denies any wrongdoing.
According to officials in Georgia, in addition to the $5.9 million, DISH Network agreed to pay restitution to consumers and to enter into an agreement that limits how it can market services in the future. Joe Doyle, administrator of the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs, say there may also be "the possibility of restitution for eligible consumers."
The settlement resolves allegations that DISH Network:
** Refused to accept responsibility for the misconduct of its third-party retailers and installers
** Made tele-marketing calls to consumers in violation of do-not-call rules
** Failed to disclose all terms and conditions of their customer agreements, including the availability of rebates, credits and free offers
** Did not disclose that purchased or leased equipment was previously used and/or refurbished
** Made reference to competitors' price offers when the goods or services being compared were materially different
** Charged customer credit cards and debited bank accounts without providing adequate notice and obtaining appropriate authorization
According to the Georgia Office of Consumer Affairs:
Unresolved complaints sent to Dish Network or the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs since January 1, 2004 are eligible for the restitution program. Dish Network will notify consumers that they are eligible for the restitution program by sending a claims notice to those consumers. Additionally, consumers can file a complaint with Dish Network, the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs, or with the Better Business Bureau by December 14, 2009 to be considered for the restitution program as long as the complaint is about activity that took place within the last 2 years. To file a complaint with the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs, call 404-651-8600 or 800-869-1123 or go to www.consumer.ga.gov
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