Facts And Scams: Digital TV Conversion
Don't Be Fooled by the Scammers or Surprised by the Facts!
FACT: Most sets sold since 2004 are digital-ready. Look for an "ATSC" marking on the back. Owners of these sets will not need to take any action to be able to receive the new digital signals.
FACT: No matter how old your TV is, you will also be able to receive the new digital signals if you are a cable or satellite services subscriber.
FACT: You can obtain a $40 coupon toward the purchase of a digital converter box from an authorized dealer by completing the coupon available at: https://www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx. NOTE: these coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed, so be sure to go buy your converter box as soon as you get the coupon! NOTE: these coupons cannot be mailed to Post Office boxes unless no home delivery service is available in your area.
FACT: Authorized dealers of converter boxes are: Best Buy, Circuit City, Kmart, RadioShack, Sears, Target, and Wal-Mart. You can also find an online or phone order retailer of these boxes here: https://www.dtv2009.gov/VendorSearch.aspx
FACT: By law, effective March 1, 2007, all TV reception devices imported into the US must be digital-ready. Although retailers may continue selling analog-only TVs, a Consumer Alert must be prominently displayed on or near the analog TV that warns that the TV will not work without a converter box after February 17, 2009.
SCAM: There is no "DTV grant money" available to help you start a business selling digital TVs! If you receive an email or letter containing this claim, it is a SCAM!
SCAM: Offers to receive "free channels" or other services with the purchase of a particular converter box. No converter box is capable of providing additional channels or services.
SCAM: There is no "tax rebate" available for people who want to buy digital TVs to resell. Scammers are sending out phony checks to unsuspecting people, asking them to forward some of their own money to buy TVs. This is a SCAM!
SCAM: Offers to sell you a converter box coupon. Selling of these coupons is illegal!!! You may, however, give your coupon away to friends or family.
SCAM: If you are asked to post your resume online to sell new digital TVs, or to forward money to buy these TVs, do not do so! This is a SCAM!
SCAM: Offers to assist with the "installation" of converter boxes. The boxes are simple to install and if you have any questions, you should ask the store where you buy the box.
FACT: You can find answers to your questions about the February 17, 2009 conversion to digital TV signals at: https://www.dtv2009.gov/FAQ.aspx
SOURCES:
AARP Bulletin, September 20, 2008 - Digital Don'ts by Sid Kirchheimer
DTV2009 Website - https://www.dtv2009.gov
Published by Kaylee Todd
A paralegal by profession; a writer and editor by "avocation," Kaylee Todd's hobbies include reading, writing, blogging, gardening, and simply enjoying the beauty of Colorado. View profile
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1 Comments
Post a CommentThe converter coupon program itself is a scam. You can sign up. You can check the website and see your supposed date of mailing, but you will not actually get a coupon.
There is a complaint page, but that needs a coupon reference number they also forgot to provide. Doesn't matter, they won't replace the coupon anyway.
Our government $ at work. Wonder how much Comcast and the TV manufacturers are paying the coupon program company to 'loose' the coupons.