I just received a certified letter from dish Network claiming I stole their satellite signal and now they want to settle with me for $3500. They have my credit card info and personal info that obtained from an illegal iks (internet key sharing) service. The alleged violation occurred in 2012.

They give me 10 days to respond or they will move forward with their lawyers.

My question is do I settle? Do I take it to a civil lawyer to handle or negotiate a lower settlement? Anybody know of a good lawyer? I'm in Waco.

Let me add that I cannot determine whether this claim is true or not but I'm pretty sure one my kids may be the guilty party. It wasn't me for sure.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Step 1: Cancel the credit card

Step 2: talk directly to company accusing you of wrong doing, let them talk but say as little as possible. Admit nothing!

Step 3: contact atty if needed after step 2- statute of limitations for theft is 5 years in texas but not dont build your defense around that(alot of SOL loopholes)

Key questions:

Did you improperly take their services / products?

If so, what is the value and is it close to what they are asking?



On the other hand, all they likely have is knowledge your CC was used at a key sharing site. You could just thank them for informing you of improper use of your CC.

After some digging on my part and interrogating my son he admitted to using the service when he was away at school. According to him, he signed up using my CC and paid a one time fee of $70 per year. He said he and his roommate received all of dish Network channels and ppv. I would guess the actual cost would be in a range of $2,500 - $3,500 per year. He also said he thinks they may have ordered services at least one more year.

Given this new information

1.Should I settle for the amount requested and request a release from any future demands?
2. Should I try to negotiate a smaller sum or terms?
3. Hire a lawyer to negotiate on my behalf. Would it be worth it for the legal protection it would provide from any further legal entanglement.

Thanks for your help.
2.

You might want to keep an attorney on retainer for your kid!

Thanks for all the advice. I'll give it a day to weigh options.

The best thing for me is that my son works for me. Lol

So it's Dish that's suing?

How old is your son?

Seems like I would push this a little more and have them go after your son some to scare him for doing dumb crap like this in the first place. See if you can get them down some.

It's called a stupid tax.

GoBearsGo said:

---

So it's Dish that's suing?

How old is your son?

Seems like I would push this a little more and have them go after your son some to scare him for doing dumb crap like this in the first place. See if you can get them down some.

It's called a stupid tax.

---

This is from Nagrastar which is a partner company that enforces security for dish Network. I think.
https://www.satscams.com/

My son is 28. Was in his Jr year at college when this took place. Used my card which he had use of.

I feel like I'm the stupid one now.

And just thinking out loud, Target sells prepaid visa cards at the register. For when you'd rather not leave a record of an online (or otherwise) purchase.

Mr Tulip said:

---

And just thinking out loud, Target sells prepaid visa cards at the register. For when you'd rather not leave a record of an online (or otherwise) purchase.

---

Mr Tulip; money launderer extraordinaire!

I would ignore. I sure as hell wouldn't give them $3,500

I tried to post the cover letter but found out that is not possible on Sicem365. If someone can help me I can email you the docs. Never had to deal with anything like this so I am very unsure what to do. Will most certainly pay for any legal advice. Please pm me if you can help.

Check out the letter and make absolutely certain that it is from the real Dish Network. I have doubts it would be handled this way.

I don't know but this "feels" like a demand you should ignore. In this era, there's so much fraud out there you don't know what to trust.

Is it too late to get another son?

Been doing research and am convinced this is not a scam. Leaning towards calling them and seeking resolution.
If anyone wants to read more about this group.
https://www.satscams.com/

tommie said:

---

I don't know but this "feels" like a demand you should ignore. In this era, there's so much fraud out there you don't know what to trust.

Is it too late to get another son?

---

NO TOMMIE! You cannot have his son.

LIB,MR BEARS said:

---

tommie said:

---

I don't know but this "feels" like a demand you should ignore. In this era, there's so much fraud out there you don't know what to trust.

Is it too late to get another son?

---

NO TOMMIE! You cannot have his son.

---

I've got my own college age kid leaving bills for me. I don't want another one.

WacoKelly83 said:

---

Been doing research and am convinced this is not a scam. Leaning towards calling them and seeking resolution.
If anyone wants to read more about this group.
https://www.satscams.com/

---

What's the statue of limitations? I'd consult a lawyer. $250 for an opinion? Your contact could bring forward liability.

tommie said:

---

LIB,MR BEARS said:

---

tommie said:

---

I don't know but this "feels" like a demand you should ignore. In this era, there's so much fraud out there you don't know what to trust.

Is it too late to get another son?

---

NO TOMMIE! You cannot have his son.

---

I've got my own college age kid leaving bills for me. I don't want another one.

---

On this, I can relate.

You have probably taken action and have resolved this issue.

If not, consider contacting them and tell them the story.... probably your son, in college, stupid, etc . Don't admit it but don't deny it.

Let them know $3500 is a lot of money and you can't pay it in a lump sum.... but would they consider $100 a month for 18 months for a full and final settlement.

They won't accept it ... but continue to negotiate.

And then ask what would it take to resolve now.

I would expect them to say the full thing and you should reply something like "well, that's Just impossible"

At some point they will ask you what you can do.

Give them an amount, say, "maybe $1000 but it will take a few weeks, I would have to make some arrangements" .... After a pause, something like "I want to get this resolved, I think I can send xxx ($500) in a couple of days.

When you finally get an agreement, tell them you would like to see a sample "full and final settlement and release"... it can be a specimen form. They should be able to email you something.... but they may not.

If it says it is a full and final settlement, I would send the negotiated amount and a cover letter stating that the amount being paid is in full and final settlement of the claim. Be sure and cite the case, reference number or their previous correspondence.

I am thinking you should be able to settle for 15 - 25 % of their claim.... but maybe not.


I didn't read all the website you shared but there are various "testimonies" .... not sure if they paid in full or settled.

Good luck ...