Scam Spotlight: DirecTV Imposters

A consumer reported to DATCP they received a cold call from someone claiming to represent DirecTV. This representative (who was really a scammer) told the consumer that due to a change to DirecTV’s satellite technology, the consumer’s DirecTV DVR system would stop working in just a few days. The scammer explained that to continue service, the DVR would need to be upgraded for an up-front $200 fee – but the consumer would pay $50 less per month for the next two years. Then the scammer said they would ship the consumer the new equipment.

Days later, the consumer received a new DVR system, as the scammer had promised. Another scammer called claiming to be a DirecTV technician, and talked the consumer through setting up the new device. The new equipment worked correctly. The technician took the consumer’s email address to send an invoice asking the consumer to pay the $200 fee with a check. The invoice contained typos and came from a “Gmail” account rather than a DirecTV account. It also contained a different representation about the future discount offer. Following the invoice, the consumer received a “customer service survey.” Finally, four different email addresses were used throughout the correspondence sent to the consumer. Thankfully, this consumer had become suspicious and did not pay money to the scammer.

This scam attempt is unique because the scammer went to great lengths to convince the consumer of its legitimacy. The consumer received a fully functional new DVR, and spent over an hour on a phone call with the scammer setting it up. The consumer later learned that the “upgraded” equipment they received was the exact same model of DVR they already had – there was no upgrade involved at all.

It is possible the scammer hoped the consumer agree to pay without suspicion after seeing the new system work. And if the consumer became suspicious again later, it would be too late to prevent the scammer from cashing their check or stealing their financial information.

DirecTV will never cold call subscribers to ask for personal or account information, solicit up-front payment for services or equipment upgrades, automatically subscribe them to a paid Protection Plan, or demand payment via check. Consumers are reminded to always ask questions, seek verification, and contact a company directly using publicly available information if they have concerns.