Cable TV subscription Part II

Paul Johnson · 2013-11-21T22:22:10+00:00

Confused, and I'm a woman. So, you mentioned this guy camping out right in front of your house for days, pretending to be a collections agent and asking for yo…

Mark Booth7 Newcomer

4 messages
joined Nov 2015

#21 · Dec 16, 2013

So, this past Saturday, I handed my ID over to two guys—they scribbled down all my info, but I didn't sign a single thing and I certainly didn't hand over the $80 they were demanding. Now they’re claiming they’ll be back today to finish the job. What’s the move here? Is there any way I can just tell them to go screw themselves?

Thanks

mistybear10 Member

13 messages
joined Nov 2015

#22 · Dec 16, 2013

Man, you can't back out now. You signed the paperwork. Now you’re stuck paying off those arrears and dealing with the headache of canceling your local tax registration.

Sent from my iPhone using Reddit

rowdyhawk15 Member

13 messages
joined Nov 2015

#23 · Dec 16, 2013

Mark Booth7 said:So, this past Saturday, I handed my ID over to two guys—they scribbled down all my info, but I didn't sign a single thing and I certainly didn't hand over the $80 they were demanding. Now they’re claiming they’ll be back today to finish the job. What’s the move here? Is there any way I can just tell them to go screw themselves?

Thanks

Look, if you were never a subscriber, never signed an application, and never gave them access to your property, then feel free to ignore them. When they show up, just tell them straight—you have nothing to say and they need to get off your property.

After that, you'll receive a notice of violation—essentially a bill for $80 with a little extra "voluntary subscription" fee tacked on if you decide to play nice. Don't pay that notice; otherwise, you might as well throw your money down the drain.
If this actually ends up in court, make them prove you even own a receiver. Since they don't have a signed application from you, they won't have a leg to stand on.

The issue here is that you gave them your ID, so they have all your personal details. If you run into a particularly shady collector, they could technically forge your signature on the application—then you're stuck trying to prove it wasn't yours. You shouldn't be handing over any information at all, especially not your private data.

Michelle Alvarez8 Regular

299 messages
joined Nov 2015

#24 · Dec 17, 2013

Mark Booth7 said:So, this past Saturday, I handed my ID over to two guys—they scribbled down all my info, but I didn't sign a single thing and I certainly didn't hand over the $80 they were demanding. Now they’re claiming they’ll be back today to finish the job. What’s the move here? Is there any way I can just tell them to go screw themselves?

Thanks

For heaven's sake, why? Seriously, why?? 🙂

vividranger8 Active Member

96 messages
joined Aug 2011

#25 · Dec 17, 2013

mistybear10 said:Man, you can't back out now. You signed the paperwork. Now you’re stuck paying off those arrears and dealing with the headache of canceling your local tax registration.

Sent from my iPhone using Reddit

Honestly, what does giving them an ID even have to do with anything? It's not like they asked him to agree to all that!

Lisa Gonzalez97 Newcomer

2 messages
joined Dec 2015

#26 · Jan 9, 2014

So, I wanted to ask you all—I actually received that notice of violation at my house, blah blah. I didn't open the door for anyone, I didn't hand over any info, and I even sent them an email asking how on earth they got my full name in the first place. Basically, this individual—the inspector—is trying to tell me, under what laws exactly, that they can force this subscription on me? They're trying to bleed me dry for hundreds of dollars over this universal nonsense... just pages and pages of text with nothing clear written down, and then the final sentence says: "All requested information will be available for review during a court hearing before the competent court."
Now, what I'm wondering is, will this actually end up in court? And more importantly—since we live in such a "law-abiding" country—can I actually sue this inspector for misusing my personal data? Should I report him for accessing my private information through illegal means?

rowdyhawk15 Member

13 messages
joined Nov 2015

#27 · Jan 9, 2014

Lisa Gonzalez97 said:So, I wanted to ask you all—I actually received that notice of violation at my house, blah blah. I didn't open the door for anyone, I didn't hand over any info, and I even sent them an email asking how on earth they got my full name in the first place. Basically, this individual—the inspector—is trying to tell me, under what laws exactly, that they can force this subscription on me? They're trying to bleed me dry for hundreds of dollars over this universal nonsense... just pages and pages of text with nothing clear written down, and then the final sentence says: "All requested information will be available for review during a court hearing before the competent court."
Now, what I'm wondering is, will this actually end up in court? And more importantly—since we live in such a "law-abiding" country—can I actually sue this inspector for misusing my personal data? Should I report him for accessing my private information through illegal means?

You probably received that infamous notice of violation. If that's the case, don't pay it—just wait for the court date and let them try to prove you meet the legal definition of a "Subscriber." Usually, if you haven't signed anything and they didn't catch you red-handed, it won't even make it to a judge. It's a classic predatory tactic by companies like AT&T. People see the notice, panic, and pay it—essentially volunteering to become subscribers.

ironviper9 Newcomer

1 message
joined Dec 2015

#28 · Jan 14, 2014

Last year, I ended up paying six months' worth of fees. There were a few of us living in the apartment at the time, so the cost didn't really bother us. The snag, though, is that they have me listed as owning a television, which I absolutely do not own. I suppose that was probably a prerequisite for being able to pay the bill in the first place, since the whole charge is based on owning a receiver. Now, I think I'm stuck because I've been officially recorded as a TV owner, and I've already received my first invoice for this year.

After reading some advice on various forums, I decided to just grab the form from their website and follow the standard procedure. I checked the box stating I don't have a receiver, had it verified, and sent it off via certified mail. Honestly, I wouldn't mind getting rid of everything once they show up, because I truly don't watch television. I've done the same thing as others. Is what I've done enough? My plan is to let them in when they eventually visit, show them the place, and let them see for themselves that there isn't a receiver anywhere. But then what happens? Do I sign anything? I can't seem to find any concrete information on this. When the inspector arrives, does he just decide on his own, "Okay, no receiver here!" and leave? Or can he just nod, walk away, and then report back that I actually do have one? I mean, is there some kind of document he’s required to sign right in front of me confirming the absence of a receiver? Because if he leaves and reports that I have one, I'll be right back where I started.

I realize I have the right to refuse him entry to my home, but I'd rather make it easy for THEM—I want them to be satisfied that THEY have verified I don't have that piece of junk. I really don't want to end up in court unless it becomes absolutely unavoidable. That would be my absolute last resort.

Does having a computer and internet access mean I'm still obligated to pay the subscription?

On a final note, when I made that payment last year, I'm not entirely sure if I signed anything. Regardless, they have my Social Security number on file now. I feel a bit foolish if I actually did sign something without realizing the implications of this whole mess. When I called PBS, they told me I owned an Apple television. There isn't even an Apple device in the house, so that part feels a bit forced. To be honest, the collector seemed a bit slippery, so I doubt he had any trouble writing whatever he wanted on the form. Looking more closely at how they operate, I'm starting to think a person with even a shred of self-respect couldn't work for them. Regarding my SSN, can they actually garnish my wages or hit my bank account if I refuse to pay, or if I refuse to let them into my home?

To summarize:
1. I deregistered the television following the method PBS recommends, and I am genuinely going to remove all TVs and radios from the house, so when they arrive, they won't find anything. Is that sufficient, or could the collector just play dumb, nod at me that everything is fine, and then tell his office that I definitely have a receiver?
2. Does owning a computer and having internet access (just a phone and web access, not streaming services) put me in the category of people who are deemed to own a receiver?

Brian Clark4 Newcomer

1 message
joined Dec 2015

#29 · Jan 14, 2014

Well, I finally got caught today. If I had just bothered to read this thread sooner 😢

EDIT: Is there any way out of this mess? I'm a student, and I haven't dealt with a utility bill in five years, then suddenly—boom—I get slapped with a notice of violation.

Michael Morgan5 Active Member

141 messages
joined Dec 2015

#30 · Jan 16, 2014

rowdyhawk15 said:You probably received that infamous notice of violation. If that's the case, don't pay it—just wait for the court date and let them try to prove you meet the legal definition of a "Subscriber." Usually, if you haven't signed anything and they didn't catch you red-handed, it won't even make it to a judge. It's a classic predatory tactic by companies like AT&T. People see the notice, panic, and pay it—essentially volunteering to become subscribers.

So, what’s the actual legal definition of a "receiver" here?
Does that include a PC hooked up to a router if there isn't a dedicated TV tuner card installed?
What about smartphones or tablets?

Larry Howard4 Member

30 messages
joined Jan 2016

#31 · Jan 19, 2014

The situation is as follows: I was living in an apartment in Washington, D.C. and paying for a subscription. Now I've moved out, and the place is just sitting there empty.
I printed out the request from their website—do I just fill that out and have it notarized, or am I also supposed to get a separate notary statement proving I don't own a TV?

And what happens once I get all this paperwork squared away and they show up for an inspection? I won't be at the apartment because I've already moved. Are they actually going to call me and expect me to show up or something?

Jamie Price Member

18 messages
joined Oct 2013

#32 · Jan 28, 2014

The situation from yesterday:

Ding-dong.
Good day, how can I help you?
Good day, I'm calling from PBS...
Get lost, I'm shutting the door.

Samuel Miller Newcomer

1 message
joined Jan 2016

#33 · Jan 30, 2014

Oh man, I’m going to end up being the only one left out here because I missed this thread earlier! 🙂🙂
the situation is as follows. We had some gentlemen from PBS drop by today, and to make a long story short—after a few intimidating threats—my boyfriend ended up signing their paperwork. I know, it's a total mess, but it's already done. They really didn't give him much choice in the matter...
Since he doesn't actually own the apartment (it's actually his brother's place) and he's officially registered at a completely different address back home where his parents already pay for a subscription... is there any way we can avoid paying this? They told him they'd be sending a bill for $80, if not several more (and apparently with a student discount, though he isn't technically a student since he finished his degree, which is what they were told)🙂 I'm not sure if it matters, but they didn't even step foot inside the apartment!

slycyclist342 Member

49 messages
joined Jan 2016

#34 · Jan 31, 2014

Michael Morgan5 said:So, what’s the actual legal definition of a "receiver" here?
Does that include a PC hooked up to a router if there isn't a dedicated TV tuner card installed?
What about smartphones or tablets?

Yes,
including PCs without cards, smartphones, and tablets—since you can stream audiovisual content over the web.

graniteotter6 Member

49 messages
joined Jan 2016

#35 · Jan 31, 2014

And who exactly are you paying for internet access? You pay your service provider, and that’s it. I don't see why anyone would bother involving the web in this at all.🙄

It’s like saying we should pay our utility bill or Elektra just to have our trash picked up; it makes zero sense.
A TV subscription is simply a fee for using the broadcast towers.

slycyclist342 Member

49 messages
joined Jan 2016

#36 · Jan 31, 2014

graniteotter6 said:And who exactly are you paying for internet access? You pay your service provider, and that’s it. I don't see why anyone would bother involving the web in this at all.🙄

It’s like saying we should pay our utility bill or Elektra just to have our trash picked up; it makes zero sense.
A TV subscription is simply a fee for using the broadcast towers.

Whether you actually browse the web or watch TV is irrelevant; the fee is triggered by ownership, not usage.
So you might as well claim you're paying BNETU for your TV service too.

The issue: PBS issued me a notice of violation because I don't own a TV and haven't paid the media fee. They're claiming I owe it simply because I own a laptop.

The explanation: According to Section 34 of the PBS Act, anyone owning a radio, television, or any other device capable of receiving audiovisual programming is required to pay a monthly fee to PBS. They explain that "other devices" includes computers—both laptops and desktops—since PBS broadcasts its content online as well. However, owners of computers or smartphones are exempt if someone else in their household already pays the media fee. A single household fee covers all TVs, radios, or computers within that home.

Paying the media fee has nothing to do with whether you actually watch TV or listen to the radio. It’s an owner's fee for having a receiver, according to PBS.

There is your answer to the second question. 🙂

Don't beat a dead horse... I am merely stating that the law provides PBS with the legal coverage to collect this.

graniteotter6 Member

49 messages
joined Jan 2016

#37 · Jan 31, 2014

On the contrary, we’re here to help one another and debate things.
I suppose you can ask questions or try to apply some logic, if only to mess with their entire operation.

I won't claim that my current subscription to BNETU or Max constitutes paying for public TV, because those fees cover their specific channel lineup and service package; I don't actually need a broadcast tower to watch them. It’s honestly disgusting that the state broadcaster is so greedy that they lease their channels out just to squeeze more money out of people, but frankly, I couldn't care less. I'm simply paying for the service I negotiated with my provider, so I’m not even arguing that my BNETU or Max bills count as paying for the national broadcaster.

The conclusion is pretty straightforward. Just don't let them in, period. That way, there's no arguing or unnecessary drama. Let them try to prove themselves. And whatever you do, make sure you record everything. When they show up, just tell them, "One second, hang tight at the door while I grab my camera."

slycyclist342 Member

49 messages
joined Jan 2016

#38 · Jan 31, 2014

graniteotter6 said:On the contrary, we’re here to help one another and debate things.
I suppose you can ask questions or try to apply some logic, if only to mess with their entire operation.

I won't claim that my current subscription to BNETU or Max constitutes paying for public TV, because those fees cover their specific channel lineup and service package; I don't actually need a broadcast tower to watch them. It’s honestly disgusting that the state broadcaster is so greedy that they lease their channels out just to squeeze more money out of people, but frankly, I couldn't care less. I'm simply paying for the service I negotiated with my provider, so I’m not even arguing that my BNETU or Max bills count as paying for the national broadcaster.

The conclusion is pretty straightforward. Just don't let them in, period. That way, there's no arguing or unnecessary drama. Let them try to prove themselves. And whatever you do, make sure you record everything. When they show up, just tell them, "One second, hang tight at the door while I grab my camera."

But don't you dare use your smartphone, or they'll try to charge you a monthly subscription fee just for using the phone.🤣

graniteotter6 Member

49 messages
joined Jan 2016

#39 · Feb 1, 2014

🤣
That’s exactly why I specified a camera instead of just using a phone. 😬

hollowmason64 Regular

411 messages
joined Jan 2016

#40 · Feb 1, 2014

Samuel Miller said:Oh man, I’m going to end up being the only one left out here because I missed this thread earlier! 🙂🙂
the situation is as follows. We had some gentlemen from PBS drop by today, and to make a long story short—after a few intimidating threats—my boyfriend ended up signing their paperwork. I know, it's a total mess, but it's already done. They really didn't give him much choice in the matter...
Since he doesn't actually own the apartment (it's actually his brother's place) and he's officially registered at a completely different address back home where his parents already pay for a subscription... is there any way we can avoid paying this? They told him they'd be sending a bill for $80, if not several more (and apparently with a student discount, though he isn't technically a student since he finished his degree, which is what they were told)🙂 I'm not sure if it matters, but they didn't even step foot inside the apartment!

I mean, why would they even bother trying to get into the unit? He already signed a statement confirming he has a TV, so it's all on the record.🤷

Cable TV subscription Part II

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