Many people are having a hard time understanding what to do when TV stations make the switch to a digital signal next year. Now, it appears some companies are taking advantage of your confusion. News 4 Trouble Shooter Jaie Avila has a warning about one offer that could trick you into paying more than you need to for a digital converter box.
In recent months, we have been telling you how affordable it is to get a converter box from electronics stores, or discount stores, like Target and Walmart. It will allow your older television to take in a digital signal.
But now, some unauthorized companies are offering to make you a deal on a converter box, that really isn't a deal.
Last month, the News 4 Trouble Shooters showed you how authorized retailers like Circuit City and Best Buy can sell you a converter box. And if you go online and request a $40 coupon from the government, the box will only cost you about $20.
Now, the Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a misleading offer from a company called Universal Techtronics, which also uses the name "Clearview TV". Its ad promises a free converter box and free channels. You don't even need the $40 government coupon.
The catch is you have to buy a 5-year warranty for the box. So, after shipping and handling, the cost for the converter box can total almost $100!
The Better Business Bureau says some of the consumers who fell for that Universal Techtronics offer never received their converter box.
"So it's a very misleading ad and people are going to find out if they take advantage of this, they're going to wind up spending more money than they would if they would use the government $40 coupon." BBB Executive Director Dean Taylor says consumers are especially vulnerable because there is so much confusion out there about the switch to digital TV happening next February.
Last month, the Trouble Shooters showed how even some authorized retailers were adding to the confusion. One sales person told us we should buy an expensive new television. Another salesperson incorrectly told us we would have to get a converter box from our cable company.
Both stores say those salespeople have now been retrained.
Despite those mix-ups, it is still safer and cheaper to buy the converter box from an authorized retailer.
