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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Feds Warn of Scam on 'Free' Digital Converter Box

Better Business Bureau warns consumers on Miracle ClearView offer for analog TVs

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(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."

Cable and satellite customers don't need to worry about February's digital switch.
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.
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.
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.
A Channel Master CM-7000 Digital To Analog Converter Box and remote control.   (AP Photo)
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television • scam • digital television • analog • digital converter box • Universal TechTronics • Better Business Bureau

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