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October 11, 2008 7:37:05 AM CDT

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Feds Warn of Scam on 'Free' Digital Converter Box

Posted Jun 24, 08 7:00 PM CDT in US,  Technology 

(Newser) – Consumers beware: “Free” digital converter boxes for analog TVs, advertised in newspapers across the country, could run you $100—some $80 more than just buying a box using a government coupon. The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning about the ad from Universal TechTronics, designed to look like a news article, which can "confuse and mislead consumers," MSNBC reports.

“It’s a bad deal any way you look at it,” said a bureau spokesman. "They are preying on consumers’ lack of knowledge about digital TV conversion.” Counters a company rep: “The ad makes it clear that anyone purchasing the five-year warranty will get a box for free."

Source MSNBC

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Cable and satellite customers don't need to worry about February's digital switch.   (AP Photo)
Comcast Cable technician Julio Rodriguez works to install a new digital converter cable box at a customer's home in San Rafael, Calif., Friday, Feb. 15, 2008.   (AP Photo/Darryl Bush)
A television receiver installed with a digital converter box, left, produces a superior image when compared to the analog receiver, New York, Wednesday, April 23, 2008.   (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
A Channel Master CM-7000 Digital To Analog Converter Box and remote control.   (AP Photo)
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television  • scam  • digital television  • Better Business Bureau


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