Can we get in trouble?

Question

Ok, We moved into hour house a little over 2 years ago. We did nothing with the cable. We just hooked our TVs up and we already had it. It's just basic with no frills or extra channels like HBO or Showtime. We are not getting it from the neighbor or anythin like that. It was just already there, so I never called to have it turned on. Could this just be the basic stuff like anyone would get if they hooked up a TV before talking to the cable co.? Did they just not turn it off when the privious owners cancled their service? Can anyone tell me what is up with this and can we get in trouble? We didn't do anything to hook it up and steal it, it was just already here. Oh this happened to us in another city to. We got Dish and cancled our cable. It went off for a while and then came back on. So we had dish in one room and cable in another. I guess I just don't know how it all works. Help! I don't want to get in trouble but I don't want to pay for something I'm going to get anyway.

Answer 1

i would just call up my cable provider

Answer 2

just live your life, and if any company does say anything just say you thought it was normal, or just tell the truth.

Technically you didnt do anything wrong.

LillyLove♥.

Answer 3

if you canceled the cable, bought a dish system, and the cable still works, you have fullfilled you obligation.

If the cable company trys to make a fuss, tell then to pound salt and then send a letter to your Public Utilities Commission, follow with a letter to the FCC, and do not forget to send a letter to you city/village/township council. Explain to them that the cable company is trying to extort money they are not entitled too, that you called them when you bought the Dish Network and it thier fault for not following thru.

No, they do not have a detector or anything like that. How to they know if you have cable?? They look at the line amp and if the cable to your house is connected, they assume you are using it.

Answer 4

This actually happens a lot. When someone cancels their service, frequently it requires a technician to actually go to the location and disconnect it to truly turn it off. We tend to think they have really sophisticated electronics at "headquarters" somewhere, but cable has been around a long time and not everything is as high-tech as we might imagine.

You haven't done anything wrong. They might try and bill you, but technically since you didn't order the service you aren't liable for their laziness. And no, they don't have a way of knowing if you connected your TV to it and used it. There are no sensors or anything like that to tell them if the signal actually reached a television.

One day a technician will be in the area and part of his work order might include finally disconnecting the service from your house. In that case, you can either call them to have it switched back on or go with a dish service. Until then, enjoy the free ride.

Answer 5

Yes, you can get into serious trouble.  In most states it is called "Theft of Service" and it is a felony because the cable and utility companies want that threat hanging over the heads of people as a deterent.  If for some reason you were ever prosecuted and convicted for it as felony I promise you it will ruin your life.  The chances of this happening are really low and you can probably get away with this theft of cable service for years, but all you need is for the cable company to want to make an example of someone and pick you and your life can be ruined or maybe some jealous or angry neighbor will turn you in.  I wouldn't do it on a bet.  Not worth the risk in my opinion.  

I should also mention that I served on the grand jury in our area and the cable company brought a few cases to the DA for prosecution that were presented to us. The ADA told us that the cable company would do it a couple times a year. So I know it happens mostly for egregious cases, but you can never tell for sure.  ANY felony conviction even for a victimless crime like theft of service will ruin your life. You will fail every background check run on you for anything - new job, volunteer work, chaperon, etc.  Now that I have scared you out of your sox, go deal with it.  I have no axe to grind.  You just need to know that Lilly and Zosh have given you really bad advice.