This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Satellite television giant DirecTV Inc. has settled misleading-advertising complaints, and some Utah customers may be eligible for part of the $13.25 million settlement reached with 49 states and the District of Columbia.
DirecTV, which admitted no wrongdoing, was accused of failing to disclose limitations on some deals, enrolling customers in programs and contracts they didn't want, misleading customers about rebates, and charging cancellation fees that were not part of any agreements.
The company has also agreed to change how it does business.
Details on how the settlements will be paid remain unclear at this point. "We're still waiting for clarification," said Jennifer Bolton, spokeswoman for the Utah Department of Commerce.
To qualify for restitution, consumers must have unresolved complaints that occurred after Jan. 1, 2007, and were reported to the Attorney General's Office, Consumer Protection Division or the Better Business Bureau. DirecTV customers have until May 16 to file complaints.
According to Bolton, the state has received approximately 90 complaints about DirecTV since 2007.
To file a complaint
Consumers can file directly with DirecTV, the Utah Department of Commerce's Consumer Protection Division or the state Attorney General's Office by May 16. Complaints can be filed online at http://www.consumerprotection.utah.gov/complaints/manual.html or by email, uag@utah.gov.