Senator McCaskill announced today that she will be looking into complaints about cable TV companies. Cable TV Companies frequently rank the worst in a survey of customer satisfaction in America. McCaskill as chairman of the Senate panel on Consumer Protection is laying the groundwork for a new federal law aimed at bringing transparency and fairness to cable, satellite, and other pay-TV billing practices. She is starting by soliciting personal stories and tips from Missouri consumers.

McCaskill is asking anyone who was a cable subscriber past or present who believes they have experienced deceptive, or confusing billing practices by a cable, satellite, or other pay-TV company to contact her by using the “Submit Your Scam” web tool here to tell their story.

The billing practices of cable, satellite, and other pay-TV services rank among the fastest-growing consumer complaints to the Federal Trade Commission. McCaskill cited some examples of common consumer complaints, including:

• Confusing updates to channel line-ups, broadband Internet speeds, or pricing that are not clearly explained to consumers

• Overbilling or ongoing charges that consumers should not be paying

• Excessive (or erroneous) equipment rental fees

• Early termination and/or change of service fees

“Consumers in every corner of the country share common experiences about fending for themselves against confusing, deceptive billing practices by cable, satellite and other pay-TV companies—and I want to hear their stories,” said Senator McCaskill.

McCaskill, is a former Missouri prosecutor. McCaskill held a Senate hearing earlier this year to challenge representatives of the cable and satellite industry on their billing practices.