Dishnetwork programming offer scam ?

I was contacted by an agent introduced him self as calling from dishnetwork to offer me programming package. I didn't accept the offer; I told him I am already having programming with dishnetwork.



He insisted that he can even save me more with my current programming. He asked me to provide my dishnetwork account number to be able to lookup my account. I gave it to him, he then asked me to call me back in 5 minutes to tell me what exactly how much saving I will get compared to my current account. Five minutes later, he called me back, he has all my programming info already, he reiterated his offer by which I'll get free DVR, free HD programming for 6 months, free installations and with the same programming package I already have, I'll be saving five dollars of my monthly bill.



I accepted the offer, sounds good so far! He told me the only way to get the offer is to set it up a new account, when I hesitated since I don't know the consequences on my existing programming or if there will be any interruption, he mentioned that nothing to worry and everything will go smooth.



I said OK, then he asked for a credit card info, I questioned him on that, he said for setting up an account, they will typically put one ($1) on hold and will returned back within 1 business day. Since I remember that this was the procedure when I first setup my account, then I gave it to him.



After he processed the transaction, he asked for the account setup information, I started giving him name, address, ..etc. He told me that to be able to get that offer; I should provide him with another name, since this offer is not valid for existing dishnetwork customers! WHATTTTT!



I told him that you already know that I am a dishnetwork customer, you contacted me from that prospective, you managed to pull my existing programming, and then you know that I am a customer, what a waste of time. He asked me to provide a friend's name or any other person's name and SSN, etc. I decided to finish the call and told him that I'm not interested. He told me to wait; he'll try get around this. I asked how, he quickly said, not to worry, and with a lowered voice I think he said something like he'll punch a name for a friend of him and will switch it later to my name. I said I don't understand what are you saying. He interrupted me by saying congratulations! The application went through; you'll be contacted by dish network within few days for installations. (I wasn't comfortable with that but since I didn't give any more information at that point, waited to see)



Couple of days later, I noticed a transaction made from my bank account by the amount of $9.98 by "VMC satellite (not dishnetwork)" and hasn't returned back. It's been a week and nobody called. I called that representative on the phone he gave me. Looked like was a cell phone or so, he answered the phone "same person". I was angry and, he asked for name to look my account up. Then he said, there's no way to look me up since I'm already a dishnetwork customer and not on their system, therefore he can't do anything for me. (At that point I remembered the friend's name thing that he whispered). I told him I don't know what you did, but I need my money. He said the best is to wait few days and the transaction should be reversed back automatically.



I called VMC satellite; they don't know a person with that name. I'm confused, a transaction was made by that company, then this person should be affiliated with them some how. He also provided a valid phone number to contact him, if it was a scam, I don't think he'll be providing any true information.

There's more than money that I'm concerned about, it's how my personal information and SSN, which was collected by him are used! Should I call the police to locate that person? dishnetwork, or what is the proper place to complain at since I know at least the phone number of the person (assuming his name is incorrect) or what should I do?Dishnetwork programming offer scam ?
I'd call DishNetwork's main number (it's on their website or your bill) and report this criminal to them.



For future reference, even though the installers are local, all programming and billing comes from Dish Network corporate - NOT THE INSTALLER. The installer can't (legally) do anything about your programming packages.