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D of Kerrville TX (05/08/08)
Sirius will not let you cancel service on the website account page. Instead they make you wait on hold for hours by phone trying to delay and discourage you.
3 hours of time
Denise of San Antonio TX (05/02/08)
On March 9, 2008 I spoke with a Sirius Representative to cancel my subscription due to poor service and my subscription was almost up. The representative indicated that the service problems I was receiving may be due to the receiver and the antenna. It was agreed upon that I would receive a new receiver and get four months free service to determine of there would be any more problems with service. Also, the representative assured me that at the end of the free service, if I wished to continue my subscription I would be given the option to pay monthly. I was also assured that money would not be withdrawn from my account until the service issues were cleared.
On March 10, 2008 I spoke with another Sirius Representative after noticing that on March 10, 2008 monies in the amount of $76.11 was withdrawn from my checking account to pay for the first installment of a 1 year subscription to Sirius. In no way did I authorize the withdrawal of monies from my account. No monies were to be paid to Sirius until the service issues were corrected according to the representative I spoke to on March 9, 2008. The representative I spoke to on March 10th informed me that the monies taken from my account would be credited back to my checking account and not my Sirius account.
On March 11, 2008 I spoke to another representative after noticing that no credits from Sirius were posted and also five overdraft fee were assessed because of four small purchases I made and the credit card purchase I did not authorize from Sirius. I was told to fax the the bank statement as proof of the overdraft fees and Sirius would correct the problem. I informed the representative that I did not receive paper statements and asked if I could print my statement directly from my online checking account. I was told that would be acceptable. On March 12, 2008 I faxed my bank statement with a fax detailing the problem.
On March 14, 2008 I called to confirm my fax was received and I was told that it was and the billing dept. would be reviewing my compliant and correct the problem. On March 17, 2008 I called to inquire about my account status and was told by a representative that the billing dept. was still reviewing my fax and to contact customer service in two weeks. On March 31st and April 7th I called and was placed on hold for a representative for 48 minutes and 41 minutes, respectively, and was not able to get through. On April 10, 2008 I finally spoke to representative and inquired about my account status and about a new charge from my checking account by Sirius. The representative was extremely rude and I requested to speak with a supervisor. A customer service supervisor informed me that I would need to send in another bank statement because the billing department did not accept the internet printout and I would need to go to my bank and ask for a statement.
All I wanted was problem resolved as soon as possible. I had been extremely patient and have been cooperative with Sirius Representatives. The run-around and rude treatment I have received was uncalled for and unappreciated. I wanted to continue my service with Sirius once the service problems have been resolved because during the previous year I had my subscription I did receive excellent service and customer service and I am willing to overlook the service I had received the past two months. I requested in writing that the unauthorized purchase of $76.11 be immediately credited to my credit/debit card, as well as, the numerous overdraft fees totaling $178.00 incurred due to Sirius carelessness.
Finally on May 2nd I called inquiring about the status of my account and was told that my request was denied. I originally called to cancel my service the day my subscription was set to expire according to their billing records and due to the terms and conditions I had agreed upon when I activated my account the subscription is automatically renewed. I contacted Sirius to cancel a few hours too late according to the women handing customer relations at the corporate office. If I had called earlier in the day I could have had my fees refunded.
I asked what the appeal process or complaint process was and was told that she handled the compliants and our conversation was cut off. Unfortunately, the woman from corporate office had called me after complaining to representatives and supervisors, and after our call was disconnected there was no way for me to contact her. I called back Sirius and was told to bad, to sad. And now I am out $246.11.
David of York PA (04/28/08)
Sirius radio has alot of people being ripped off by both the radio service and there counter part NCO Finanical. The scams have taken place either by continuing to charge credit cards without autorization or the say you did not cancel by calling them and discontinuing the service after they sent an email saying you owed them for your service, but you never get anywhere because they keep using fraudulant pratices and deceptive messures to keep charging you money.
I was shocked at the amount of harrasment that I have recieved from the Radio and NCO Finanical to date.We have talked to maninly one person who says there is no one above him and he really doesn't care what your problem is. We have been told we reactiovated our service in January and never even talked to anyone there. There is a real consummer problem here that needs to be addressed.
Credit reports being ruined and prople sent to collections with good credit.
Alexander of Greenville SC (04/25/08)
Received a Sirius radio as a gift. No problems, great radio. I liked it so much I got one for the wife. Sirius had a rebate deal going on. I buy a radio, pay for a full year and I get back $120 after sending in proof of purchase and all that good stuff, there even a website so as to check the status of the rebate. Sounds decent, no pun intended, great programming, I went for it.
It has been 6 months and I am still waiting for the check. I have emailed, called and checked that site that gives updates as to when one would be receiving their check. I know its only $120 but its the [expletive] i can't put up with. Why offer something and not follow through. I dont get it.
Ive been bamboozled.
Brian of Cornwall NY (04/12/08)
I had recieved a sirius radio as a gift for christmas. It came with 30 days free use. When I called to activate the service they hooked me up to a lifetime subscription with out giving me the details. I used service for 30 days and never maid any additional payments on it as I thought my service was over. I have tried to call to have it settled but a manager will not accept my phone calls. They said they handed it to a collection service and now I have $477.00 bill that i never used. they basically told me that they would not hook my service back up and they washed their hands of me and told me that it was in collections.
Tim of Mount Airy MD (04/01/08)
Bought radio from Radio Shack. Sirius had a 30-day no worry guarantee where they would take returned product, if activated and refund all h/w and and service fees if canceled in 30-days or less. Refund in 8-10 weeks. Did all of the above, took 12 weeks to get incorrect refund.
Refund was to be $179.98, they provided $169.99. I had to pay $8.95 shipping also.
Mark of Angola NY (03/15/08)
I purchased a Ford with a Sirius Sat Radio Two Years ago, when the free subscription ended, I renewed. About 6 months ago I purchased another Ford for my wife with a Sirus Sat Radio, her subscription ended this week. On the web site they state that a second subscription can be added for 6.99/month which I'd was happy to do. When I called to do so, I was told I would have to pay FULL price for my wife's radio- because its an OEM radio. Basically- I would have to pay for two full subscriptions for two radio's that can only be used in the vehicles because I chose Factory Installed OEM units!- Totally unexceptable to me. Talked to a supervisor who restated the above and who also said after 1 year I could get the 6.99/month price but not now! This is just nuts... I'm complaining to everyone and everywhere I can think of about this and make others aware of this problem.
Karen of Ancaster OTHER (03/11/08)
I purchased a Sirius satellite radio for home use for my husband for Christmas 2007 along with a $75 gift card. After spending an afternoon setting this up and trying to get decent reception we recognized it was not going to work for us in the home office where we intended to use it, the reception was too poor. In the set-up process, in order to test reception, we had to subscribe. Not anticipating any problems, we used the $75 gift card and paid another $136 for a one year subscription. After about 1.5 hours we decided we would be taking the radio back and called to cancel the service right after set-up as it didn't work and we were not satisfied. We were told we would receive a full refund except for the $75 gift card which was non-refundable. The Sirius employee suggested we use the card to pay for a subscription for internet access to Sirius. We agreed.
Once our credit card statement arrived in January, we saw Sirius did not refund our full amount, only $78. A phone call was made and after speaking to several people at great length with all the details, we were told we could not have internet access without a radio unit and they cut us off (the $75 gift card gone to waste). They told us the Sirius employee who told us we could use it that way was wrong. After much back and forth they agreed to refund us our remaining $57. We called again in February when the refund did not show up and again after much run around we were told we would see the refund on our next statement. It is now March 11th and there is still no refund. Sirius still owes us $57. Today we requested to speak with a manager, after being on hold for 15 minutes we were told The managers are all out for lunch. Sorry I can't help you. Sirius has $130 dollars from us ($75 gift card and the outstanding $57 they owe us) and we have nothing but a lot of aggravation to show for it. I do not believe they have any interest in their customers except getting their money. I do not believe they have any intention of returning our money. I question the ethics of this company. We will never use Sirius again and DO NOT RECOMMEND TO ANYONE!
Dave of San Mateo CA (02/26/08)
I am writing you in the hopes of resolving the dispute concerning my Sirius account. Recently I received a bill from NCO Financial Systems for an unpaid balance due for Sirius Satellite Services. Someone used my identity to fraudulently open up an account; I have never used the satellite radio service. Currently I am in a Catch 22 situation. I have contacted the collection agency and Sirius in hopes of resolving the issue. Each party refers me to the other and no one is interested in resolving the matter.
In contacting Sirius, after repeating my situation to several Customer Service representatives and supervisors they are unable to help me. One of the reasons stated is a company policy of requiring three pieces of identification to discuss an account. No one at Sirius seems to understand the logic that because someone else fraudulently opened an account in my name with a stolen credit card that I do not have this information. I have a copy of a police report I have filed in this matter and want the issue resolved and my credit standing restored. The reason I am writing you is that I have tried to resolve this matter with any success. My last correspondence to Sirius was on January 31st when I wrote Mr. Michael Moore head of Customer Relations.
In addition to being a victim of identity theft, I have paid money for copies of the police reports and filled out reports where my signature had to be notarized. All of this costs money. So far I am out about $100. This is not to mention the time I have spent on the phone trying to explain the situation to Sirius and to get someone interested enough to take action. Its ironic, I am still a victim.
Keith of Mendham NJ (02/22/08)
I'm canceling my subscription to Sirius after being a loyal customer since 2005. The reason why I'm canceling my subscription is because Sirius customer service is not customer focused. On Dec. 7, 2007 I purchase a STILETTO 100 along with a $49.99 subscription gift card for my brother for Christmas. My brother was not a subscriber to Sirius, but enjoyed the Howard Stern show in the K-Rock days. (I got Sirius a new subscriber.) My brother decides that the STILETTO 100 is not going to work well for him since he has a MAC computer and has no wireless connection to the internet. My brother sent me back the STILETTO 100, but it was after 30 days from the purchase date. The STILETTO was never opened, but he did take advantage of the $49.99 subscription gift card that was included with the STILETTO. I called 3 separate customer service areas at Sirius. One was sale, the other was customer care and the third was e-commerce. I was requesting a return authorization for the STILETTO. The cost of the Stiletto was $149.99 with the subscription card. Since my brother used the card (first time subscriber), I was asking them if I could return the STILETTO 100 that was still in an unopened container for $100.00. They refused the returns authorization because of a policy where they don't take returns back for purchases more than 30 days.
I don't understand why Sirius would not take back a radio from a loyal subscriber. I then told them that I would cancel the subscription if they would not authorize the RA. They really didn't care about losing a subscriber; they were more interested in the 30 day return policy. So as of Feb 22, 2008, I'm no longer a Sirius subscriber, but I still have Howard TV. I decided to dispute the charge with my credit and send the radio back to the Howard Stern show. Looking at some postings on the web, I see there are a lot of dissatisfied people with Sirius customer service. It's real surprising that customer service is not interested in keeping subscribers. The $100 dollars was worth more to them than a life time subscriber.
Glen of Redding CA (02/15/08)
I have a Sirius Starmate radio receiver and boombox. The equipment is made so poorly that any flexing of the power cord or antenna cord breaks the wires causing either intermittent playing or not playing at all. After reading the complaints of folks just trying to cancel subscriptions, I know that there is no use trying to work with the Sirius company. It's a shame because I enjoy the service mostly, but when the power cord causes the radio to shut off, or the antenna cord can't be held at just the angle that will allow the radio to play, the interruptions of the program are intolerable. The only recommended solutions by dealers, and apparently Sirius is to replace the unit. That is unacceptable. This is not a monopoly operation, I think it is collusion between Sirius and the FCC to rob consumers who then have no recourse to legitimate grievances. If anyone has any experience with hardening the connectors between the radio unit and the boombox, and between the receiver and the power and antenna cords I'd really like to know about it.
I've bought a second Starmate receiver and antenna on eBay, but I'm not going to continue to replace this shoddy equipment. I can see that the only solution to unacceptable performance of Sirius radios is to give up on Sirius and make sure I put a stop on any attempted debits to my bank account.
Mark of Morganton NC (02/13/08)
Sirius is selling Home Indoor/Outdoor Windowsill Antenna that will not work without static. A supervisor at Sirius told me that since the FCC made Sirius cut their signal power, a lot of people with these antenna's have static with the music. The best signal I could get was a 3 level with static with this piece of junk. This is a rip off to the consumer. I would like to see Sirius refund the money for these antennas. It is a big hassle trying to get a clean signal from this company and they don't seem to care. Just sell those subscriptions.
Time and hassle.
Douglas of Clarksburg WV (02/10/08)
In July 2007 I started receiving pre-recorded collections calls from Sirius Satellite Radio. Each month they called, and each month I told them I am not a customer and do not call again. I wrote a letter in Sept. 07 demanding them to stops calling. The calls continued, then I started receiving pre-recorded sales calls to returned to Sirius. I have received 13 calls which I have been logging for legal action. I was never a customer nor will I ever be. See you in court Sirius. You have violated federal and state consumer protection laws.
Jamie of Llano TX (01/21/08)
My husband and I purchased a new vehicle with Sirius Satellite Radio in July 2006. When the free year was up, I called Sirius and spoke with Johnathan to see how much it would be to continue service. I declined and told them maybe later I would but at this time I do not want it. I started receiving bills. I have called every month since August 2007 and I have e-mailed twice telling Sirius I do not want their service. I received bills every month. Then in January 2008, I received a statement from the NCO collection agency. I called and disputed the claim. NCO told me the claim was for a cancellation fee. I told them there was never anything to cancel. I called Sirius and spoke with Carl who told me it was out of his hands. I asked him how I could be billed for a service I did not receive and called every month and told them I did not sign up or want the service? He told me he was very sorry but there was nothing he could do.
My husband called and spoke with Blaise. Blaise told me I had called July 23, 2007 and spoke with Johnathan and told him to sign us up. Blaise told my husband that I called in Oct 2007 and Dec 2007 with questions about my bill. My husband said the only question we ever had is 'Why are we receiving a bill?' Blaise told my husband that the satellite signal was never confirmed. My husband asked him if the signal was never confirmed then why bill someone? Blaise just kept saying it was a cancellation fee. My husband asked him what was canceled because we never opened an account. He apologized and said there was nothing he could do. I know it cannot be legal to open up an account without permission and then bill someone for a service they do not receive then charge a cancellation fee on the account that was never authorized in the first place.
This matter has been sent to a collection agency. Although it has not been posted to our credit report yet, it is only a matter of time before it is. I have spent countless hours on the phone trying to rectify this problem. My time is valuable especially since I have 3 children. These are hours I will never get back.
John of Mahopac NY (01/20/08)
Let's talk about the service. Sirius has changed the output power of their FM transmitter in car units. The result is, in areas with a lot of FM stations, you get poor reception. ANY weak signal on an FM band will cause static and dropout of your Sirius unit signal to your car FM. Sirius's answer is that: 1) The FAA made me do it and 2) You need to hard-wire the unit into the car (at great cost and at loss of portability). Overall, this situation defeats the advantages offered by satellite Radio. Sirius needs to petition for a higher output power and then get new equipment to all of us who were not told of this change!
I have spent over $200 upgrading my radio and docking systems only to have a general loss in service. This change will also alter my opinion of satellite radio: I can no longer recommend it to others. The biggest consequence is that I may go back to commercial radio--and so will others. Nice try, satellite! Better luck next time.
Judee of Redmond OR (01/17/08)
In the year 2006 ( for a christmas present) my husband and myself were given a satelite radio ( Sirius). so we had it installed in our car and directly after the installation we called the number we were given by Best Buy ( the company were the radio was purchased) our radio was activated that evening and we paid the yearly subscription fee of $142.45 via the phone, with my Discover Credit Card. I was NOT told at the time that Sirius Radio would automatically charge my card again at the end of the year for a new yearly subscription. I received my credit card statement today and saw the charge for a new subscription in the amount of $142.45. I have since sold that car along with the Sirius Radio still in it.
I asked Sirius Radio to cancel the subscription and refund my credit card for the amount of the 1 year subcription and they said they would cancel but not refund my credit card. Now I have paid for nothing and I don't like it. I never saw their policy, I never agreed to another year of charges on my card! THIS WAS A GIFT!
Scott of Santa Monica CA (12/22/07)
Like I'm reading with so many others that have canceled their Sirius accounts--I'm having problems with Sirius as well. After canceling the account, I get at least 3-4 phone calls a week to return, regardless of the fact that I have canceled the account with zero balance.
Mike of Davie FL (12/18/07)
In 2005, I signed up for Sirius Radio. At that time the representative asked if I wanted auto-renewal. I clearly told her no?, because I wasnt sure what to expect from this service. One year later, Sirius billed my credit card for an auto renewal of approximately $160. It was very time consuming trying to get this issue resolved with my credit card company, but they finally declined the charge from Sirius, since Sirius was not able to provide proof that I signed up for auto renewal. While this was going on, Sirius had failed to provide me with the $50 rebate that was advertised when I bought the unit and singed up for service.
Fast forward to another year later (December 2007), Sirius again charged my credit card for approximately $160. This time, the charge was removed with just one phone call to my credit card company.
Sirius, under threat of a class action lawsuit, eventually paid me the $50 rebate check. The only loss was my time trying to get this issue resolved. Also, I will be no longer do business with my credit card company (Chase), since they continued to accept this charge from Sirius, even though the credit card # Sirius had was no longer valid.
Edward of Blairmore OTHER (12/10/07)
On November 9, 2007, I contacted SIRIUS because of no radio signal. I found out at this time the pin came out of the docking port. Because I have a SIRIUS Sportster SPR2C which has since been changed, I can no longer find a docking port for this model. I have contacted SIRIUS three time since first contact in November and I keep being told to call back in a week. I was also told they were going to find a docking port and send it to me and I have yet to receive any confirmation or received a docking port.
The latest call on November 10th, 2007, I was told to call back tomorrow. I asked if I could ship back this outdated unit and receive a new model and the staff could not advise either way. I am extremely upset and disappointed that this is the second unit that has failed in a one year time frame. If I had a choice now, I would look elsewhere for another satellite radio product! I have renewed my contract, not knowing that the time frame without the service would continue as long as it has. Sirius has given me a extension for the time until this is resolved, and if this problem is not attended to, I will be requesting to cancel my subscription and ask for a refund. Having the radio itself is a moot point as I would have to absorb the cost of it, chock it up to a bad investment and advise others!
Danny of Los Angeles CA (11/29/07)
I signed up for one year of Sirius service. When my year was up, I started getting phone calls that said to call them if I wanted to continue my service. I did not return the calls as I didn't want to continue my service. I then received a bill stating that I owed them $31.18 for two months beyond the year I had paid. When I called about this I was told that my account was automatically renewed, and I would have to pay this amount.
I fear that if I do not pay this that it will negatively affect my credit report. Thank you for your time.
Elizabeth of Williamstown MA (11/26/07)
Sirius Radio came with my vehicle in June 2006. After 1 year, I cancelled the service. I phoned several times and sent notes with the invoice to cancel. Sirius radio servcice was ended in 7/06, but phone calls and bills continue. They are billing me for a service I don't want - for service I don't even receive. Automated phone calls come to my home 1 or more times daily. Invoices continue to come to my home. On 11/16/07 a representative told me that my account is PAST DUE. I don't even receive the service!
I paid $24.63 in 10/07 as they insisted that I owed an extra month. The bills continue after that billing of $22.56 per month. To date I have spent 10 hours trying to resolve this. The harrassment from Sirius continues as do bills and phone calls.
Marty of Salt Lake City UT (11/25/07)
Since September 2006 I have gone through no less than 4 replacement Sirius Radios. The model is the S50 and is clearly a lemon. They have all been replaced through warranty--each time with the exact same model S50. About 6 weeks ago my last one failed; now I'm told that it's out of warranty. It was approximately 3 weeks into usage when it stopped working. I've called numerous times, I've written a detailed letter to Sirius Complaints, emailed twice. The emails both said that I would get a response in 24 hours. Well, it's been about a month with no response to date. I've asked for a refund and/or updated radio to get the service that I paid for upfront. No answers, no replies. This company seems to care less about it's customers. I bought the service and equipment from Best Buy, and they continue to point the finger at Sirius for any possible remedy. This has become very frustrating; it seems that they all have no intent to help make things right for me.
I'm unable to enjoy the service that I paid for in advance. It's sad to think that so many consumers could be taken advantage of. I hope someone (can somehow) get the attention of the people at Sirius.
Susan of Lakewood CA (11/19/07)
Over a year ago, I had a subscription to Sirius Satellite Radio. After a while, I cancelled it because my husband never listened to it. Over a year later, this past Friday, I received a letter from a collection agency saying that I owed $16.65. Sirius did call me after I first cancelled trying to get us to come back, but I kept saying no. Never once did I get a letter, an invoice, or an e-mail (they do have my e-mail address) indicating that they are expecting any kind of payment from me. I just called Sirius and they pulled up my account. Now they say they cannot do anything about it because they already sent it off to collection and my account is closed. They said they tried to debit my card, but it must have been closed or the expiration date on my card changed. So, my account gets sent to collection without me knowing they tried to charge my card? Without me ever knowing they thought I owed them money? I was also informed that the person doesn't even work for Sirius -- his company contracts with Sirius and answers the phones. Complaints go in one ear and out the other -- they don't care. So basically, there is no point in calling them for anything.
Then I called the collection agency they sent it to. I stayed on hold for over 45 minutes before I hung up. I called back and got a message saying to leave a message because the person was unavailable. When it beeped, I got a message saying I could not leave a message because the mailbox is full. The company is called NCO Financial Systems and the answering machine says, "You have reached NCO Financial Services for Sirius Satellite Radio - we are experiencing a high volume of calls." They have a separate line set up just for Sirius. I feel like I have no choice but to pay this money -- at least it is a small amount. But the damage they could do to my credit for that small amount is what concerns me. Truly a scam. Problem is it is scary to cancel, scary NOT to cancel, scary to continue. You just never know what they are going to do without your knowledge. They require a credit card and can automatically debit that card without permission?
Ray of Morgan UT (11/19/07)
I have been trying for two months to cancel my account with this company. It's next to impossible. Their website contains no directions on canceling. The Customer Service number is automated and does not have that option. I am at a loss as to what to do as they continue to charge me $13 a month.
Julie of Rancho Cucamonga CA (11/18/07)
Called to cancel my acct. prior to date of Nov. 17th, to make sure they did not charge my credit card.. (you need it to activate service).
Nov. 17th found my acct. showed to cancel, but was not.. Charged my credit card after I specifically told them not to..
Called Sat., Nov. 17th and got a run around and spoke with 4 different people in order to complete this transaction.. Also, needed to make sure they reverse charges made of $149.50, which I never paid the whole 6mos. of service.. (usually $10.00 a month!?)
Somehow they made up their own amount and charged my card against my will..
Regina of Salmon ID (11/12/07)
My first Sirius radio quit working during the first year. I contacted Customer Service and they told me, after several tech assist attempts, that it was defective and my account would be put on hold (no billing) until a new receiver could be sent. This would take "a couple of months" due to backlog. My husband then bought a second Sirius radio for me as I really missed the satellite service. This receiver was intended to be used in my car but the FM transmitter doesn't work. However we decided to use it with our home system until the replacement came for the first set.
No replacement ever came for the first set, and we were charged for the annual renewal--no notice, questions, etc. We have two subscriptions to Sirius for which we are being charged, and we have no fully functional receiver. (We should have two.) They suggested we cancel the first one when we really want it fixed. We tried to cancel over the internet but were advised you can only do this by phone, and there is no answer! As usual, we can't get any action by e-mail, and the phone waits are interminable. This is the conduct of a monopoly! We're out over $200 per year.
John of Little Silver NJ (07/23/07)
I was automatically charged for a TWO YEAR renewal on my Sirius subscription. No notification, no confirmation, nothing. A charge to my account of 290.99 cents! I called immediately to cancel, was put on hold for at least twenty minutes, then handled like a criminal when i asked about the charges to my account. Finally after another twenty minutes of circular conversation, without any real explanation of why i was charged without notification, they said they would refund fully the amount charged, upon cancelling. Two weeks later, the charges were still showing on my statement!
ROund Two: Call to Sirius C.S. initial wait = 35 minutes, someone finally answers, I explain my situation to them. They say, oh they must have FORGOTTEN to refund the money to your account and I will go ahead and take care of that for you now she proceeded to tell me that i would only be refunded 210.49 due to the $75 cancellation fee!
Stacy of Albany GA (04/13/07)
on 2/15/2007 I purchased a Sirius Radio. I pay by e-pay through my bank. The check cleared the bank and $129.45 was taken out of my account. On March 29, 2007 Sirius attempted to take $100.00 more from my account. The bank noticed it and called me and that check was stopped. Now sirius is saying they never received my check for $129.45 which according to the back of the check sirius deposited. But I owe for stopped check fees for the check I stopped. My bank and I have faxed 6 copies of paperwork to prove I paid the bill. Sirius told the bank and I to contact the bank legal research because they do not have any record of the bill being paid.
Kevin of Boca Raton FL (03/21/07)
This is the worst radio service. I tried to cancel my membership. Like the other complaints that I have seen. The long wait time, no reason for the hold and not really cancelling you when you ask. Well I have found out why. Sirius contracts its call center to stream international inc. www.stream.com 2220 Campbell Creek Blvd #100 Richardson TX 75082 712-943-2901. The customer no service just tells you what they can't do and not what they can do. When you ask for something on the terms and conditions that Sirius states you can get well you can not. I would rather have regular radio then this. Cancel the service, you will be billed no matter if you cancel it or not.
Sharla of Lethbridge Canada (03/21/07)
When we signed up for Sirius Satellite radio we were charged a 1 time charge on the Visa, the charge went through our Visa Account, then 1 year later when we went to make some changes to our account, we were told that they could not find our information. I had to fax a copy of the Visa statement showing the charge, then 1 month later our Sirius Satellit was cancelled as they claim that even though the charge shows on the Visa Statement they never received the payment. I explained what happened with the fact that when I called they could not find the information and was informed that my information was there but no payment had ever been received.
I explained to the gentleman that the only reason the information was there was because the person I talked to a month ago set up our account again as it was not there prior to our phone call. We have friends that are going through the exact same ordeal. If we did not give the information when we set up the account, how in the world were we able to listen to the radio for the past year?
Jay of Las Vegas, NV (02/22/07)
My S50 quit working about 3 weeks ago. This is my 2nd sirius radio in just over 2 years. Both models lasted just over 12 months, which put them out of the warranty by mere days. My first radio was about $200 and the S50 set me back about $430.
The only suggestion I get from sirius is to buy another radio. If I knew I had to purchase a new radio every year I would not have done this in the first place!
D of San Francisco CA (02/19/07)
I purchased the Sirius Sportster understanding that it was $12.95/month for service. When I tried to activate service online, at the last step and activation fee of $5.00 was tacked into the bill and only three month subscriptions or longer were available. The online activation failed. After calling the 1-888-539-7474, I was placed on hold for 15 minutes and the person who was the activation person took me through the same activation process and at the very end, spoke very fast about a $15.00 activation fee. This hidden fee for such poor service was unacceptable. I canceled service and return the radio. Hidden fees and undisclosed fees - isn't this illegal?
Over two hours of my time on hold and returning the device.
Danny of Fair Oaks CA (01/10/07)
I had bought 4 Sirius radios for Christmas. In activating them I had problems with three of them and the other one I never gave out as I was getting nowhere with Sirius. First I was talked down to and told I had to buy additional equipment for my portable system to work. Since I was getting no where, I decided to cancel my service.
That department tried to fix the problem by sending me new headphones (which I find out was charged on my credit card). When I called to see about the units still not working I was given wrong numbers and when I finally got to the right person, I was sent the wrong receiver. I was then told I had to ship it back with me paying shipping! I have spent over $500.00 in flawed equipment and Sirius does not seem to care.
Armand of Leesburg, VA (01/05/07)
Sirius does not tell you your account will be charged a yearly fee, it just puts it on your credit card.
Called customer service, 45 minutes on hold. Told them to cancel and talked to a supervisor to tell them the reasons why I cancelled. Another 45 minutes on hold with no answer, so I gave up.
I'm glad that my first subscription was on my American Express card so that the dispute process will prevent Sirius from getting my money.
Carole of Mays Landing, NJ (01/04/07)
Sirius Satellite company offers a lifetime membership but the company is not clear in their advertising that the lifetime membership is for the radio. If your radio breaks or if you want to purchase another radio it costs $75 for each transfer of the membership (and only up to 3 transfers). This membership is a ridiculous proposition since many people have had problems with the operation of various radios.
I had 2 model S50's that I had to return to the store because they did not work. I have spoken with 2 customer service reps and neither could tell me what would happen after the third transfer. One representative said the company does not recommend the lifetime membership!?!
Bill of Kelowna Canada (12/28/06)
This is an update to my first complaint. I changed credit cards and contacted Sirius with the updated information. The following day the unit quit and displayed Call for subscription. I did so and found that the unit had frozen on the last channel playing when the signal was cut.The rep informed me that the receiver was damaged and needed to be replaced. I have the original purchase copy dated Dec. 8th 2005 and the manufacturers warranty is one year. Todays date was Dec. 14th 2006. The rep informed me that there would be no warranty as it was one year only and we were past it. BY 6 freakin days ???!!!!
I cancelled my account on the spot. The unit is now in the garbage and I have given the rest of the junk to friends that needed the antenna as well the ac adapter because theirs have broken. I am really interested to see my next Credit Card statement to see if they are going to try billing my closed account.
Mark of Hesperia, CA (12/11/06)
They claim commercial free radio but they promote their own channels and events all the time on the music channels. They had a 30 second commercial on their 60's music channel promoting a new basketball channel and then they promote a concert. These are commercials, they are not uninterrupted music. They are misleading consumers about their service and having more and more of these self promotions every week.
I don't think I am getting what I paid for.
Noel of Dumfries VA (11/24/06)
I applied for a rebate 9 months ago and have not received it yet. I have called on a number of different ocassions and during my last conversation was told that I would receive my check within 10 days. I have not recieved it yet. I have called and left messages and not received any type of response.
I have not recieved my $50 rebate, 9 months later.
Bill of Kelowna Canada (11/24/06)
The equipment is crap. The DC plug as well all other wires including the antenna are of the cheapest quality. I am presently waiting for a statement history from my Bank as I was certain that I had paid for a full year but have been billed monthly as well. This has yet to be proven but I am 99% convinced that thishas taken place. When the Canadian network came on stream all the accounts that were originally set up in the US were transfered to Canada. I spent countless hours on the phone attempting to have someone look into this billing question an some snotty female rep pretty much told me that I did'nt exist is the system.
Within 15 minutes my signal was chopped an left me starting a roadtrip without the tunes that I had paid for. By the grace of God I finally found one rep in the US that had the brains to give me the Canadian phone # allowing me to get the piece of crap working again. I tell anyone that is thinking of doing the Sirius thing to buy an ipod instead.
Louis of Mt. Pleasant SC (11/14/06)
In April of 2003 I purchased a Sirius Satellite radio for my truck. I activated the radio and paid in advance for a 6 month trial subscription. Within 2 months I began receiving e-mails and phone messages at home and at work demanding the new effective date of my credit card which expired in June. I politely explained that they did not need this information as I had prepaid for 6 months and I had not decided yet whether or not to continue the service. The calls and e-mails continued and became increasingly aggressive and demanding to the point that I told Sirius both verbally and via an e-mail that I was discontinuing service at the end of my 6 month prepaid subscription.
At this point the calls and e-mails ceased. About 6 months ago I was reviewing my debit/credit card statement and noted that Sirius had been billing me every 6 months for the past 2.5 years. I immediately called my bank and demanded to know how this was happening. No one has given Sirius authorization to debit my account. After much discussion and the realization that getting restitution from these crooks would be an excercise in frustration and futility, I told my bank to cancel that card and issue me a new number. Today, November 14, 2006, I opened my statement to find that somehow Sirius has determined my new number and charged my account for another 6 months service.
Mathew of Los Angeles CA (11/13/06)
On October 31, 2005 my car was broken into and among other items my radio was stolen. I called and Sirius Customer Support and informed them of the theft and asked to cancel my service. I was asked if I was planning to by another radio in the next two months. I said NO, but I might buy one AFTER I get my tax returns. This would be at least three months away. In February 2006 my account began to be debited for service again. I unfortunately did not notice the charges until I had been charged three times. This was my fault for not paying closer attention.
I immediately called Sirius Customer Support and was informed that it was their policy to only temporarily suspend an account if a customer said he would resume service within two months. I had NOT said I would resume service in two months and what's more, they knowingly REACTIVATED A STOLEN unit. I finally got my account canceled. I could NOT get the three months of payments back (about 45 dollars, not a whole lot).
Greg of Fairfax VA (11/04/06)
When activating my Sirius Radio, the customer service representative told me to unplug wires and plug them back in. When I did this about 5 seconds later my radio began to smoke. I have been trying for the past four weeks to get through to their warrenty department for a replacement due to their faulty advice. I have spent forty minutes at a time numerous times waiting before I give up. All the other Sirius phone numbers have no solution for me, but keep calling the warrenty dept. and try to get through. Basically useless.
I then put my account on hold because the unit wasn't working, and due to that I recieved a letter in the mail stating that I was denied my rebate due to not having an active account. Well this was thir fault its on hold and I can't use it, now I can't recieve my $100 rebate. Since purchasing the S50 unit in august I have not used it once, basically been out $300+. I finally got through to sirius today, and there was another problem. The SID# and my account # were not on file. In fact the SID# had someone elses name. Now I have to send a copy of my reciept and wait until tuesday for them to respond back, we'll see how it goes from there.
I haven't been able to use my sirius since I purchased it in August. I expected to recieve my rebate, which I haven't.
Andy of Millstone NJ (11/02/06)
My S50 Radio is useless. I have been on hold with the waranty group at Sirius for hours. The warenty states repair or replace. I can not get either.
Donald of Millersville MD (11/01/06)
Original radio broke in aug 06. filed a warrantly claim. was sent a refurbished radio in oct. well refurb radio does not work correctly. i called the warranty dept and spoke to numerous customer service reps about a new radio. said i would receive a new radio, never did. I ask to speak to a supervisor that is on the floor and nobody is available. i know that i am getting the run around i do not feel that my voice is being heard. this has been going on since aug 06. You call the warranty dept and you literally wait on hold from the shortest time of 43 min to the longest of 1 hour and 30 mins. unacceptable.
Natalie of Manassas VA (10/20/06)
I purchased two S50 model radios in December of 2005. For no apparent reason one of them stopped working at the end of June. After numerous phone calls I was able to file a claim with Sirius. They told me to send the unit back in and they would exchange it for another. I mailed the unit in on June 29, 2006 and waited a few weeks for a response. I didn't receive one so I called around July 15th and was told by the claims dept. that the unit was on back order until the middle of August. I called the middle of August and was told they were still on back order and that it would be some time within the next few weeks. I called again around the beginning of September and was told it would be sent to me around September 20th. On September 25th I called again and that is when they finally told me that they weren't exactly sure when I would be receiving it because they are trying to improve the product to ensure that it won't break again. In the meantime the 2nd unit has now stopped working.
Fortunately we were able to suspend our monthly subscription due to the defective product. This has been very aggravating and upsetting. We bought this product which at that time costs about $300 a piece and so now we are out around $600.
J M of Laredo TX (10/19/06)
Renewal was automatically done and I was never given a choice of renewal options. Ive been a subscriber for 3 going on 4 years.
I have been a subscriber now for 3 going on 4 years. It is time for me to renew now and in the process i discovered that there is a Lifetime Plan for $499.99. I would like to continue being a subscriber, but i cannot see myself paying $499.99 to become a lifetime subscriber when I've paid alittle over $350 in the past three years and another $152 to renew the fourth year. That is a total of $500, which would have been my lifetime membership fee. I have converted many friends and family to Sirius and have had no complaints. I would hate for them to hear something as unfair as this. I would like it if Sirius would consider this and give me a better rate for faithfull listeners.
Zach of Blue Ridge VA (10/19/06)
In June 2006, we purchased a Sirius S50 radio from Best Buy for $300. It had a $100 rebate with it, which said allow 8 weeks to process. We mailed it on June 29, 2006, and today is October 19, 2006, and we still have no rebate. We have called customer service at least 8 times on this issue, and each time you get a different answer. We have been told that it has been processed, it has not been processed, it has been approved, not approved, mailed/not mailed, etc. I am starting to think we will never see this rebate.
Then, on Monday October 16, 2006, the radio suddenly stopped working. We called customer service at 888-539-7474 and our call was answered relatively quickly. We were told that it was no problem, they would ship us a new radio, we just have to call warranty at 866-257-7726. This number is a joke! We have been on hold for over 5 hours over the past two days. If you get to a live person at a different number, they simply direct you back to warranty. I have begged other reps to please help because you simply cannot reach anyone in warranty. I feel like we are stuck and will never see the rebate, or the new radio. I did not believe that companies actually operated like this. It is like they are actually stealing money from people. I do not understand how this can be legal. I tried to get some resolution with the place where I purchased the item, only to be told to take it up with the manufactuer. Great idea - if you could reach anybody.
We are out $300 and being denied the rebate that we are legally entitled to.
Alex of Los Angeles, CA (10/18/06)
I am a huge Stern fan, but even I am disappointed in his relationship with sirius. They have no customer service to speak of, the equipment seems to breakdown at all times, and the so-called deals they offer only apply to the one receiver you purchase. When that one breaks down (and it will) you then must pay to get a new subscription.
I am done with Sirius and Stern.
Mary of Lincoln Park NJ (10/12/06)
I purchased a Sirius Sportster on December 31, 2005, with the date clearly marked on the receipt, as the promotion running at the time was a $50 rebate if the radio was purchased before January 1, 2006. When I mailed my rebate form in, I received a postcard response indicating I was not eligible for the rebate because the purchase had to be made between January 1, 2006 and I believe the end of February (completely contrary to my understanding of the promotion, but I chalked it up to human error on my part).
I continued to enjoy my Sirius until August 5th when it died in the middle of a long road trip I was taking. I placed a claim with the warranty department within the same week, being told that the Sportsters were on back order for 4 weeks. Today is October 12th. I have placed countless, and I do mean countless, calls to the warranty department, being put on hold in excess of two hours at times. I went another route, making the assumption that every operator working in the warranty department has called in sick for the past two months or, even better, that they are all in a two month seminar for improved customer service tactics.
I called the Sirius 800# that I called when I first purchased my radio to activate. Guess what! Option 3 on that number is for people who want to become Sirius subscribers. I hit option 3 and BAM, a very friendly operator was there live in person to gladly take my money. When I explained why I was calling, he said he couldn't help me, that he wasn't even in the same building as the warranty department and that he had nothing to do with warranty. It must be this not my problem attitude that got CEO Mel Karmizan to where he is today.
In another phone call to the same line, a nice young man told me that he could see my claim number and when the claim was placed on his computer screen. Interesting information since the operator I spoke to prior to him told me that he had no access to my claim and could not see my claim information. Now, I called the basic Sirius # again last night to cancel my account and 3 times was transferred back to the options menu where I could purchase a new subscription, but no option to cancel. This was at 11:00 last night. In one of my conversations with a Sirius representative, I asked how long it would take to receive my radio if I were a new subscriber. The response, 3-5 days. That, coupled with the fact that you only get the privilege of speaking to a live person if you are calling to make a purchase, is unacceptable business behavior.
Sirius Satellite was clearly not prepared to enter the terrestrial business world where customer satisfaction and integrity are part of the vocabulary.
James of Murfreesboro TN (10/10/06)
I bought a Sirius S-50 in July and it malfunctioned. All I get is emails saying they are sorry, there is a back order problem, etc., and so my warranty is not being honored. This really angers me. What can I do?
I lost my subscription fee and radio service. About $180.00 I want my money back and restitution for the damage that will be cause by removal of the car jack/base. I want my money back. It's like talking to a wall, if you can get through at all.
Hery of Bartow FL (10/09/06)
On August 23 of this year I purchased a Sirius Sportster Replay radio. I paid the $15.00 + tax activation fee and the $12.99 + tax per month subscription fee. My radio worked for about 10 days ad died.I have been playing musical telephone with their warranty dept since then. I have mailed in my old radio as they have asked and still nothing.They were supposed to mail me a new one 10 days ago and that has been over 2 weeks ago. Meawhile they continue to take out the monthly subscription fee.
Vicki of Rawlins WY (10/07/06)
I puchased the S50 radio, both car kit and expensive executive stereo system home docking kit from Sirius. The unit quit working. I have called their tech support people three times and they tell me that it is defective. I then was referred to customer service warranty department. I finally got through to them today after trying over 12 times and being put on hold for up to two hours and giving up.
This morning, after waiting on hold for an hour, was able to talk to someone who told me that the Sirius unit I purchased was backordered and they didn't know when they could send a replacement. The customer service is terrible, the units expensive. I think they should refund all money spent on their equipment. I did get a claim number this time. I am worried that I will never see a replacement. They said it could take months and couldn't tell me when they would ship it. My warranty expires in January.
Jeff of La Mesa CA (08/25/06)
I received an email for a free radio with the purchase of a home kit at 39.95 and purchase of a minumum 6 month subscription at 8:02 pm on 8/24/2006. I called the company to purchase this item and was told it was sold out but I could purchase aunit for 99.95 instead. I feel this is a bait and switch type sales ad and was treated rudely by the manager on duty.
Tony of Orlando, FL (08/16/06)
I purchased the sportster replay and the starmate, both of which have proven to be no less than junk. Sirius, of course, put me through the steps to try and improve my service but all attempts where a waste of time. The warranty department says they are out of receivers and have no idea when they will be back in stock. Funny, because I continue to see them for sale in stores.
I do not expect to ever get a replacement for either of my units. I think the warranty department at Sirius is a joke. I have wasted $400.00 on Sirius equipment.
Courtney of Washington DC (08/11/06)
Product is useless, the reception is lousy at best, completely useless quite often. The website(s) do nothing but offer stupid solutions as to where one should aim the antenna. EVERYONE I know that has (had) Sirius complains of the same thing. XM isnt an option because I bought Sirius only for Stern; who I guess could care less about his fans while he rolls in his $100 million a year. Calling by phone is useless, and designed to cause one to become frustrated and give up. I am going to try for a refund for my radio and the 7 months of (non) service I have received, but I doubt anything will come of it- from what I know of the numerous internet stories. It is because of ONLY his millions of fans that Howard Stern is rich beyond imaginable, he should also be held accountable since he certainly has massive power/influence over the execs. at Sirius.
Stephen of Bloomingdale NJ (06/04/06)
When I purchased each of the two satellite units it promised a $50.00 rebate for each. I filled out the forms exactly like they said and I have yet to receive a dime. I'm sure they will say somehow I didn't fill out the forms correctly but I bet if you check into it, they barely ever give back the rebate. I live paycheck to paycheck. While $100.00 will not buy much, I think it is unfair.
Keith of Gotha FL (05/27/06)
I have repeatedly asked Sirius to notify me before renewing my service for another year. This is their reply. Thank you for taking the time to contact Sirius in regard to your credited card being automatically charged for the yearly subscription. We are here to help! Keith, we understand you frustrated. We have reviewed your account. We have notes that state that you contact Sirius on May 30, 2005 requesting that you get a notice when the account was due for renewal. We did inform you that we were not able to offer that service. In order for Sirius to send a notice to you when the account was up for renewal, you would have had to been on a invoice billing."
I was never told about anything called invoice billing . For the runaround i have been getting for two years, it appears once they put you on automatically billing which was not a choice made by me when I requested the service, then you are trapped for life. Help!
The immediate damage is me being charged for a second radio that I am no longer using. The other damage is the fact that they trap customers in an infinite loop of purchasing their service. Like the old kingston trio song of the fifties.
Don of Van Nuys CA (05/19/06)
I got Sirius radio as a gift from my boss for my birthday, that was in January. I think they should change their name to Sirius Static. I placed the receiver in every possible place in my car, including out my sunroof, besides the wires taking up most of my front seat I got static 70% of the time. I dismantled the product about 3 weeks ago and have rejoined the mundane and repetitive world of free radio. Though I hear the same songs over again, at least I can hear them. Hopefully Sirius will get more serious about the product, as long as they don't install more cancer causing towers.
Kathryn of Basking Ridge NJ (02/21/06)
I purchased a Sirius S50 satellite radio on 2/18 and by 2/21 I spent over 6 hours on the phone with tech support. The system keeps freezing up and cannot acquire a signal without me calling tech support. It cost over $500 to have this system installed. MY POINT: THE SIRIUS S50 IS A TOTAL PIECE OF JUNK AND THE WORST PIECE OF ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT I EVER PURCHASED. The reviews on the internet are horrible: it does not work in the car, office, home, or as a mobile satellite transmitter in the gym/on the go. Total false advertisement. Customer service and tech support were useless and could care less.
Michelle of Tulsa OK (01/06/06)
SIRIUS Satelite Radio must be in SERIOUS trouble. I opened my email to find that they are billing me $157.45 for a service I did not order. I called the "Customer Care" which should be relabeled "Sirius Care" and spoke with "Joel". I explained calmly that I did not order their service. I gave him the account number that they set up for me. He then asked for my credit card information which I flatly refused to give. He then stated that there was "nothing he could do" without this information. At this point I asked to speak to a supervisor. He responded that he could not do that. I continued to ask for a supervisor and after about a minute or so of talking over me he said he would transfer me. A couple of minutes later Joel is back on the line. I finally repeated over and over to speak with a supervisor.
Finally "Ray" comes on the line. I explained my situation again and he asked for my credit card information which I AGAIN flatly refused. Ray stated that without this information he could not help me even with the account number I supplied. I never give out my information on line or otherwise. At that point I asked him for his last name which he stated he could not give out. It's getting to where Corporations are keeping the minority of honest hard working people jumping through hoops so that we can hang onto what little money we manage to keep.
Adam of Staten Island NY (12/14/05)
I received a email from sirius stating the starmate replay was 39.99 after mail in rebate and subscription. When I clicked on the link it said the radio was 79.99 after rebate. I called customer service and the sales support team and they are the worst. First I called Patricia at extension 3353. I told here the situation and she had me fax a copy of the email I got to her which I did she said when she gets it she will call me back and see what is going on, she never called back. Then I called peter at extension 3229. He told me he would get in touch with Patricia and call me back after talking with her about the special offer, He never called back. I tried again and got in touch with Harvey who had me email him a copy of the email that I got from.
He called me once to let me know he didn’t get it yet and to send him another copy which I did and he would call me when he gets it that night. He never called so I called him a couple of days later and got in touch with him and he told me that the email was wrong and it was a different radio for that price (even though the starmate replay was shown in a picture and had bold lettering) and would not give me the starmate replay for the advertised offer. I feel they falsely advertised this unit and never had the decency to call me back after may promised call backs on attempt to get info on this offer.
Tom of Pahrump NV (07/30/05)
I signed up for and paid for one year of Sirius satellite radio service in October, 2003. I decided to let it lapse as I rarely used it. When October 2004 came around they automatically billed my credit card for another year's fees. When I spotted the charge I asked for a refund, and they agreed. Actually receiving the refund has been impossible. I have sent multitutedes of emails, multiple people have said my check will be mailed on the 15th of various months, but I never have received the refund of the $142.45 annual fees. Notice the contact person I spoke with - Amber R. They don't even give their last name! I warn everyone not to give Sirius their credit card infromation if they ever plan on cancelling the service.
Fred of Grants Pass OR (06/17/05)
Purchased the Sirius boombox from Sears assuming from the advertising from Sirius that the radio receiver was included. Once home, after searching in the box three times, I finally observed in the smallest print available "Receiver not Included". I wear reading glasses and even with glasses on, the print was difficult to read. All photo's on box show the receiver and "Plug and Play". Deceptive advertising at its best!
I returned the "Boombox" to Sears in Medford. The clerk at Sears wasn't sure if the receiver was included or not. Sears is simply the vendor of the product. Sirius Satellite Radio is responsible for their advertising. The "Boombox" is manufactured by "JVC" under the guidelines of Sirius Satellite Radio. When you view the box the "Boombox" comes in, you will understand my complaint. All advertising points to the receiver being in the box.
Anna of W Islip NY (01/01/05)
their website has different membership plans. one particular paln said $499.99 lifetime.never pay another bill again. apparently when continue to the activation screen the real deal is 499.99 is for the lifetime of the radio only. so if your radio has mechanical failure not due to your fault one day after the one-year warranty, your lifetime membership ceases to exist and when you buy another receiver,you must purchase another lifetime membership. apparently "never pay another bill gain" as they claim is not true.
Robert of Alpharetta GA (11/04/04)
On two occasions in the last six months, Sirius made unauthorized deductions from the credit card they had on file for monyhly subscription service. The deductions occurred at the end of the month and the money was restored at the beginning of the next month. I wonder if this pattern is part of a scheme to cover cashflow shortfalls.
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