Don't get scammed over digital switchover

Residents are being warned not to be taken in by aerial sales scams ahead of the digital TV switchover, which happens in March 2010 in Caerphilly county borough.

Trading Standards are warning of the risk of less reputable traders misleading consumers particularly the elderly and vulnerable. They say these traders may claim an existing aerial will not receive a digital signal and urge them to pay for a replacement.

Caerphilly County Borough Council Trading Standards, said "We have been made aware of a number of scams happening around the country, where consumers are being told they need a digital aerial for their TVs and are being charged large amounts for fitting them."

This is not the case. If your current TV picture, either from an indoor or outdoor aerial is good quality, it's likely that your aerial will be good enough for the digital switchover, just connect it to a digi-box. You can even check out how good your aerial is on Teletext page 284. Virtually all non-digital TVs can be converted, even black and white sets. All you need is a set top box or a subscription to a digital service.

All genuine fitters will typically make an appointment, they will not cold call residents.

There's a help scheme for older and disabled people, for further information call 0800 4085903.

Further information is available from the Digital TV helpline on 08456 505050 or on the Digital UK website.

If you think you've been ripped off or suspect there's a rogue trader working door-to-door in you area, call the council's Trading Standards Team on 01495 235291.