Performance vs greed

I would bet each device they recieve is scanned or recorded. That data is then used to monitor placement in millions of homes or businesses. They should be able to do a quick scan of that serial number or an internal routing control number and verify where it is located.  If it doesn't say my house, the device is within their system or the post office lost it. So that is a very quick way for them to show an empty hand.  As stated before, they can request a trace on the shipping label.  Seems these two very easy verifications would be the standard first steps before harassing former customers, yet they show zero efforts. I've requested information on both of those simple forms of data and get nothing in return but another bill and threats. Just, take our word for it, you owe us money.  A simple internet search shows the exact same thing is happening across the nation to Direct TV former customers.  Some are dated before the pandemic.  Seems this is a sustained practice or incompetence.  Either way, just sending out bills and hoping people pay them to avoid the harassment and threats is terrible.  There really isn't a legitimate excuse for being lazy. 

Your missing some point.  Tracking a package shows each location where it was scanned giving a time/date stamp.  I think we all realize USPS doesn't verify content but that's not my point.  A trace shows that I recieved the box and it shows I shipped a box. While I might be some sort of deviant individual a just want to keep a device that serves no purpose to me, it does narrow the the mystery to I still have it or Direct TV has it.  Doing nothing on Direct TV's part is lazy. You also assumed I was saying each device has some sort of tracking device . Nope, not what I said. I specified the serial number or some internal tracking number.  Either would be, or should be simple to scan and verify where it was sent. This form of inventor control has been used more than 35 years ago.  Yes, errors can occur if an employee doesn't scan each device or incorrectly enters data but again, this narrows the search.  All I asked from Direct TV was some sort of proof or attempt to resolve the issue.  All them seem to do is go from one collection agency to another. Harass the customer, keep harassing the customer had hope they pay just to stop the harassment.  Seems lazy to me!  

I'm also guessing your an employee, contracted service or a bot. Either way, you diehaed defence of Direct TV must be funded and another example of manipulation by AT&T. Seems simpler and more productive to just fix issues and have happier and content customers. Think of the money they would save. But then you would be out of a job or unplugged.

I didn't anticipate this forum would provide answers or bring any sort of resolve. I simply wanted more light on exposing the Direct TV and AT&T scams. As you admitted, they have had a lot of issues. Not fixing them and by continuing the same failed processes which abuses customers certainly is lazy or a scam. It's not good customer service nor good business.  

You win, I conced. How could I be so foolish to think someone intimate with DTV working would be somehow beholding to DTV.  Didn't intend it insult you but your replys just seem too company manufactured to be random. As you said, guess I'll just have to"deal with it". 

Please feel free to take today off and go shopping. I feel terrible that you worked, or not worked, on Thanksgiving day to provide me with wise guidance. 

Certainly, I will file a complaint with the BBB. My complaint can be added to the more than 2k of bbb complaints in the past 12 months.  However, they had over 7k of complaints in the past 5 years.  Seems they are above average in complaints this past year.  Maybe they aren't correcting issues?  Not saying they are lazy, no sir. Just wondering why the data looks worse. I mean I've seen the same minor issue unresolved over the past 18 months even when I presented proof that the item was shipped. I'm sure they are still working hard to fix everything. 

I just need to learn that my experiences can't override the status quo policies of corporate deities. If get another notice from a third collection agency for the $142 device I already shipped back I can add it to the complaint.  Silly for me to think they would verify their accusations. I have a hard time blinding accepting someone's "facts" when they are contrary to reality. Just seems reasonable to ask DTV to present some, any evidence. That is why I call them lazy. I could downgrade lazy to apathetic which might be more accurate? 

No need to reply. You've given me lots of great advice.  Now I need to get busy! 

I assume that scanning the boxes at a UPS/FedEx store does notify DTV's computer that the boxes have been returned and it doesn't matter how long it takes it to get to their refurbishing unit.