January 2010: SCAMwatch warns Australians switching to digital television to beware of door-to-door salespeople offering to sell you conversion equipment and falsely claiming to represent the government.

Between 2010 and 2013, analogue free-to-air TV signals are being replaced with digital signals. You will need a television that is capable of receiving digital signals to keep receiving free-to-air TV after the digital switchover takes place in your area. This means that you can either buy a digital set-top box for your existing television or upgrade to a television with an in-built digital tuner.

Scammers selling digital conversion equipment are targeting communities with the promise of a government reimbursement for any goods purchased. The government has advised that there are no reimbursements for digital television goods or services bought from any retailers (including door-to-door salespeople).

For further information about the switch to digital and/or to make a complaint about door-to-door sales of digital television products, contact the Digital Switchover Taskforce on 1800 20 10 13.  

If you think that a door-to-door trader has misled you in some way, you should also contact the ACCC Infocentre.

Protect yourself

  • Don’t let door-to-door salespeople claiming to be government employees and selling digital television products into your home!
  • If you are unsure about any digital television offers, check with authorities (Digital Switchover Taskforce, the ACCC or your local fair trading office).
  • Always get independent advice if the offer involves significant money, time or commitment. Speak to family, friends or the authorities to get a second opinion.

Report

Contact the Digital Switchover Taskforce on 1800 20 10 13.

You can also report the matter on the report a scam page on SCAMwatch.

More information

To find out more information, explore the Digital Switchover Taskforce’s website or call 1800 20 10 13.

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, issued a media release warning consumers about unauthorised door-to-door digital TV offers on 7 October 2009. [link no longer available]

Back to the SCAMwatch radar.

 

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