Action 9: Woman billed for satellite TV she didn't have; Man pays for car he couldn't drive

ORLANDO,Fla. — Action 9 has helped two people who said they were duped by some businesses.

A Cocoa woman claimed a collection agency was demanding payments for satellite TV that she never had.

Violet Straessler thought she could save money with an AT&T/DirecTV deal, but then changed her mind when it meant cutting services.

“’So I'm not changing nothing. So just forget everything,” said Straessler.

Days later, she found an AT&T technician outside her home hooking up the service and told him to leave. But Straessler said she received an AT&T bill for $84, and she talked to several managers to challenge it.

“Eight people in one call. Still making me pay,” said Straessler.

Then when a collections agency threatened action, she turned to Action 9.

DirecTV has been in trouble with the FTC for billing issues. AT&T is rated A-plus with the BBB, for how it responds to consumers.

After Action 9 contacted AT&T, Violet said the billing finally stopped.

“You were definitely able to help.  All it took was that letter,” said Straessler.

AT&T said it’s reviewing the incident.

Ulrich said to make sure to getting everything in writing.

Meanwhile, a Sanford man who said he paid thousands for a car he couldn't drive was able to recover some money after contacting Ulrich.

“It's broken down on me three times,” said Jesse Napier.

Napier paid $3,000 cash for a used Toyota from Absolute Auto Sales that broke down the same day, and then he could not get a title for it.

Napier said Absolute Auto Sales refused to help, so he called Action 9.

Ulrich went to the Groveland auto dealer for answers.

“Can you work with him?” asked Ulrich.

“I'd be very glad to work with him fixing the car,” said the manager.

But that didn't happen.

Action 9 helped Napier file a claim against the dealer's state bond, which paid him $1,500, and the DMV gave him a title to sell the Toyota and recover more money.

“I really just want my money back,” said Napier.

More stories on WFTV.com:

• Drunken man passes out in road, sues Lakeland police for negligence when he's run over
• Palm Bay babysitter charged in 5-year-old's drowning death 
• 'Old School' Florida postal worker charged with stealing government checks from route

Cox Media Group