State police are investigating a scheme to defraud customers of Direct TV and Dish Network. This alert was issued today:
From August 2005 through November 2007 numerous names and social security numbers were illegally obtained and utilized to submit orders for customers who did not request any services from these companies. At this time it is believed that a subcontractor used by both of these companies submitted the fictitious orders for a financial gain. Both companies are aware of the situation and are no longer doing business with the subcontractor. The victims whose name or social security numbers were used then received notices from collection agencies or bills from Direct TV or Dish Network for services they never requested or received. In some cases victims are receiving bills to their address under someone else’s name.
So far, we have accounted for many victims throughout Western New York including Jamestown, Niagara Falls and Rochester. However, due to the investigation we believe that there are numerous other victims unaccounted for at this time. We are asking anyone who believes they may be a victim of this crime to contact Investigator Christopher Puckett at SP Niagara (716) 297-8730.
