Ding-a-Ling Took My $400! A satellite television customer requested her service be disconnected due to poor reception. Soon after disconnecting the service, the customer noticed a direct bank withdrawal for a $430 earlytermination fee from the satellite provider.

To make matters worse, the unplanned charge caused hundreds of dollars in overdraft charges. To top it all off, a customer service representative apparently named Ding-A-Ling called the customer to see if she would consider reconnecting the service. Never give any company your checking account number or direct access to your bank account. If you want to establish a good relationship with a company, give it your credit card number.

When a relationship with a supplier turns sour, the last thing you want is for that company to have direct access to your checking account. Do you think what the satellite provider did was ethical?

What could the customer do when disconnecting her service to avoid this type of issue? Can credit card companies enter your bank account and take out as much money as you owe at any time they want? Why is it important to never give a supplier direct access to your business checking account?