Just got off the phone with Directv.  The date the lease policy became effective was Mar 2006.  Also, I asked about the equipment that is being sold new (unactivated card).  It doesn't matter whether it has never been out of the box.  The lease agreement is made with the original purchaser at the time of the initial purchase.  It is registered with Directv in that persons name.  If that person tries to sell the equipment, he is selling a leased product and has no right to do so.  I know it stinks, since many of us are not informed of this when we go to the store to "buy" the receivers.  But I just want to inform folks so they aren't stuck with equipment they cannot use.  When you plug it in, Directv will register the equipment change and notify you to call them immediately.  When you give them the access card number it will bring up the name of the person who purchased it, and then they will tell you that you cannot use it.  They will tell you that the other person is responsible for it, and you are just out of luck.  So again, BUYER BEWARE.  Check it out.  Call Direct and ask them before you get stiffed.

I recently won a Directv Receiver.  When I tried to install it, I got a notice from Directv to call them immediately.  I called them and they told me that the receiver I was trying to activate was in fact a leased piece of equipment and did not belong to the seller, and therefore was not his property to sell.  Apparently, Directv has a new policy as of , I think, April 2006 that the receivers we purchase at stores like Circuit City or Best Buy are not bought but leased.  I'm still not sure how all of it works, but my concern is that there are folks out there trying to get a used receiver cheap and are ending up with a pig in a poke.  Before you bid, check with Directv about their policy of used equipment, and then find out from seller when the item was manufactured.  It could save you a major headache.  Also know this, E-bay was not very helpful when I tried to inform them about this issue.  So the saying goes "Buyer Beware".

I've contacted this guy several times by phone.  He just jerks me around saying he's sorry and didn't know it was stolen, but he still has not refunded my money.  I noticed he sells a lot of car parts.  Hmmmm?!  Anybody ever check this guy out to make sure none of his other auctions are items that are (let's just say not exactly his to sell)? 
I tried to return the item with a full refund from him, but he says he doesn't want it back.  Now I'm stuck with a product I can't use and need to return to the rightful owner, but I'm out nearly $60.  This guy is a menace to E-bay and all should beware.