Nevada awarded part of settlement in DirecTV deceptive-practices case

Nevada will receive $605,000 as part of a $13.25 million multistate settlement with satellite-television provider DirecTV that was announced Wednesday.

A two-year investigation showed DirecTV violated consumer practices with misleading advertisements and hidden fees, Reuters reported. Nevada, 48 other states and the District of Columbia accused DirecTV of unfair and deceptive sales practices. Nevada joined Tennessee, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Texas on the executive committee leading the multistate investigation.

Consumers with deceptive-
practices complaints about DirecTV conduct after Jan. 1, 2007, may be eligible for a refund, the Nevada attorney general's office said.

The office said the state received complaints that DirecTV failed to clearly disclose prices and contract terms to consumers; failed to clearly disclose limitations on getting a certain price for DirecTV; enrolled consumers in additional contracts or contract terms without clearly disclosing the terms; and enrolled consumers in additional contracts when replacing defective equipment.

Unresolved complaints previously sent to DirecTV or the attorney general about conduct addressed in the settlement that occurred after Jan. 1, 2007, are eligible for restitution, the attorney general's office said. Consumers can file a complaint with DirecTV or the attorney general by June 9 to be considered for restitution.

Consumers with deceptive-
practices complaints against DirecTV dating from Jan. 1, 2007, can visit www.directv.com/ag or call the company at 1-800-317-3288. They may also call the Nevada attorney general's Bureau of Consumer Protection hot line at 702-486-3132 for information about filing a written complaint.