Wow! What’s that all about?
DirectTV to #BlackForestfire victim who lost it all: You still owe $400 http://t.co/4LxxZNvfrb @DIRECTV
— The Gazette (@csgazette) June 14, 2013
Geez. @DirectTV really stepped in it – charging #blackforestfire victim! https://t.co/hb0gFmmt28 CYA: http://t.co/Z9bQlYwAf9
— Michelle Malkin (@michellemalkin) June 14, 2013
From The Gazette:
After Jeremy Beach’s Black Forest home burned to the ground Tuesday, leaving him with little more than the clothes on his back, he started making calls to cancel the trash pickup, utilities, and other services for a house that no longer exists.
Most of those providers were understanding, he said. Then he got to DirectTV.
They told him he would owe $400 for a satellite dish and two receivers destroyed in the blaze.
Douchetastic!
The story did not resonate well with Twitter users:
https://twitter.com/ASherrillRN/status/345536126888579072
"@AnthonyIndy: @DIRECTV seriously? You want money from #Colorado #fire victims? That's why I left your company. Shady!" #heartless ⚡
— Alysse Stewart (@AlysseStewart) June 14, 2013
@DIRECTV is your company that much of a shit hole? Can't help out a fire victom..someone who lost EVERYTHING because of a natural disaster!
— Desiree DeBias (@DesireeDeBias) June 14, 2013
@DIRECTV Shame on you for not doing more to help the Black Forest Fire victims.
— Tracy Baldwin (@teb618) June 14, 2013
After it was clear that a public relations disaster was at hand, DirecTV started backpedaling like a bicyclist with broken brake cables careening out of control down a mountain road:
Recommended
We will help ALL CUSTOMERS affected by #BlackForestFire per our disaster policy http://t.co/zxgkgUrv1x
— DIRECTV (@DIRECTV) June 14, 2013
RT @ryanparkerdp: @DIRECTV's disaster policy will provide assistance for #BlackForestFire customers http://t.co/EqreHfR5gs
— The Denver Post (@denverpost) June 14, 2013
@AprilENowicki please know we will help this customer and others as DIRECTV has a long standing disaster policy: http://t.co/zxgkgUrv1x.
— DIRECTV (@DIRECTV) June 14, 2013
For some, that simply wasn’t enough:
@denverpost @ryanparkerdp @DIRECTV 2 little 2 late. Sick of companies pretending 2 do the right thing in the interest of $$ #BlackForestFire
— I Saw Goody Proctor With the Devil (@Dramaminefield) June 14, 2013
And there are still unanswered questions:
@DenverChannel @DIRECTV the policy specifies that it's talking about things damaged by "the storm." Unclear if its a typo or a loophole.
— Julia Leonard (@Julia_E_Leonard) June 14, 2013
Here’s one catch that won’t put DirecTV at the top of anybody’s list of great companies:
Get this: @directv will only cover your equipment lost in the fire, along with the rest of your house/possessions, if you keep your service.
— Derek Suboticki (@InsiderSubo) June 14, 2013
That’s true, according to DirecTV’s disaster policy (which is itself a disaster). That must be part of their “we’ll do the right thing but only if we’re sure we’ve got you for life” package.
That brand of horrible customer relations is nothing new. The Gazette noted that during the Waldo Canyon fire one year ago, DirecTV also charged for destroyed equipment.
@DIRECTV I read your disaster policy, but according the @csgazette victims from last year's Waldo Canyon Fire had the same issues. 🙁
— ren (@groovypebbles) June 14, 2013
@DIRECTV Bullshit. "waive any fees"?? You didn't waive fees for the Waldo Canyon Fire and now you're screwing the Black Forest Fire Victims.
— Jennifer (@JennPossible) June 14, 2013
Twitchy will keep you posted as this example of disastrous customer relations continues.
Related:
Two confirmed dead in Black Forest fire; More than 15,000 acres burned, 5 percent contained
Black Forest Fire rages on: Over 94,000 acres evacuated, 360 homes destroyed
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