WASHINGTON – Above all other companies in all other industries in America, those that rank the worst in a survey of customer satisfaction are cable companies. Now U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, who leads the Senate panel on Consumer Protection, is laying the groundwork for a new federal law aimed at bringing transparency and fairness to cable, satellite, and other pay-TV billing practices-and she is starting by soliciting personal stories and tips from Missouri consumers.
McCaskill is asking any consumer who believes they have experienced deceptive, or confusing billing practices by a cable, satellite, or other pay-TV company to visit her website, www.McCaskill.senate.govand use the “Submit Your Scam” web tool to tell their story.
The billing practices of cable, satellite, and other pay-TV services rank among the fastest-growing consumer complaints to the Federal Trade Commission. McCaskill cited some examples of common consumer complaints, including:
- Confusing updates to channel line-ups, broadband Internet speeds, or pricing that are not clearly explained to consumers
- Overbilling or ongoing charges that consumers should not be paying
- Excessive (or erroneous) equipment rental fees
- Early termination and/or change of service fees
McCaskill also expressed interest in hearing stories about consumers’ specific experiences attempting to dispute a charge on a cable, satellite or other pay-TV service bill.
“Consumers in every corner of the country share common experiences about fending for themselves against confusing, deceptive billing practices by cable, satellite and other pay-TV companies-and I want to hear their stories,” said McCaskill, a former Missouri prosecutor. “Consumers need protections from these practices, and I’m aiming to provide that and begin holding these companies accountable.”
McCaskill used a Senate hearing earlier this year to challenge representatives of the cable and satellite industry on their billing practices.
Leading the Senate’s panel on Consumer Protection, McCaskill has previously highlighted the voices and stories of her Missouri constituents to force predatory companies and scam artists to answer for their fraudulent practices, and to enact policies to better protect families and consumers across the country. McCaskill has drawn upon tips and firsthand stories to launch Senate investigations aimed at schemes involving reverse mortgages, credit card companies, inaccuracies on credit reports, fraudulent robocalls, and scam artists known as “patent trolls” that threaten Missouri job and business opportunities.