Miami-Dade agency sues DIRECTV, alleging misleading ads and pricing

The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department is suing DIRECTV, saying it deceived customers about the cost of products and services.

The lawsuit accuses DIRECTV of running false ads that mislead consumers about the true costs of service packages and equipment, and also alleges the satellite TV provider failed to properly disclose terms of contracts.

Some 300 Miami-Dade residents complained to the consumer services department about DIRECTV since July 2006. Based on a review of the complaints, the department found DIRECTV advertisements neglected to state the complete price of their products and services and were "phrased in a way to unfairly induce consumers to purchase DIRECTV packages."