The switchover to digital television in the West Midlands is on track for 2011 which may still seem some way off, but Herefordshire Council’s trading standards department, Consumer Direct and Digital UK are warning residents to be on their guard against cowboy contractors as the final part of the Rogue Trader Awareness Month Campaign.
In the last six months, advice service Consumer Direct has received more than a dozen calls from residents who believe they have been targeted by cold-calling rogues offering unnecessary upgrades or charging exorbitant fees.
According to Digital UK, the independent not-for profit organisation leading the switchover, most households will not need a new aerial, but may need a ‘set top’ box to plug into the television. Some TVs already have a digital box already inside (often called an Integrated Digital TV or iDTV).
Digital UK has teamed up with Trading Standards to encourage residents who believe they may need a new aerial to use contractors who are ‘Registered Digital Installers’ (RDIs) and display the digital tick logo – this means they are approved and security-checked with the relevant qualifications and insurance. A full listing of RDI installers in the can be found at the RDI Licensing Body's site www.rdi-lb.tv
Tim Thorne, principal trading standards officer for Herefordshire Council, said: “In Herefordshire we have had complaints about excessive quotes, including for unnecessary work, also there have been allegations of elderly consumers being threatened with a call-out fee as a means of coercing them into accepting quotes far higher than the estimate they were given on the phone. Such practices are illegal and should be reported.
“Elderly vulnerable people as usual are most at risk of being taken advantage of so if residents do have elderly relatives who do not have digital then it is a good idea and easy to establish what they need to receive it. Often it is as simple as plugging in a £20 freeview box to their existing television and aerial. Follow the Digital UK guidance if in any doubt,” he added.
Chris King, chairperson for the Central England Trading Standards Authorities (CENTSA) Doorstep Crime group said: "We have seen an increase in the number of vans carrying the digital tick logo and are advising consumers to double check the traders’ accreditation by going online or calling Digital UK before having work done.
“If you discover the installer is falsely claiming to be accredited we are advising people to report it immediately to our partners Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. If you are ever cold called, over the phone or on your doorstep by someone that tells you that you need a new aerial do not engage them."
Peter Monteith, Digital UK’s Regional Manager for the Anglia and Central TV regions, said: “Digital UK is determined to do all it can to protect consumers across the region in the lead up to switchover in 2011. This is a change that will affect every household and many businesses across the West Midlands. There are always people who use clever and persuasive tactics to try to make a fast buck on the back of something new, like digital switchover, so we want people to be aware.”
Digital UK’s ten top tips to viewers:
1. There’s no such thing as a digital aerial. Most existing aerials are fine for receiving digital TV, though five-to-ten per cent may need replacing for switchover if they’re in poor condition.
2. Remember you don’t need a new TV to get digital. Almost any set, even old black and white models without a Scart socket, can be converted by adding a set top box. They cost from about £25.
3. Nobody from Digital UK or any other organisation linked to switchover such as the Switchover Help Scheme will come to your house unless you’ve arranged an appointment yourself. If you have arranged for work to be done, always make sure you ask for identification.
4. Don’t agree to have work done by an aerial installer who calls without an appointment and fails to show identification.
5. Use the test card at teletext p284 for guidance on whether you need a new aerial for switchover.
6. If you do need aerial work, look for a Registered Digital Installer carrying the ‘digital tick’ logo. For more help and advice, check the Digital UK website at www.digitaluk.co.uk.
7. If you can’t find one, look for a member of the recognised trade bodies (CAI or IDSC).
8. Failing that, ask family and friends to recommend installers with a good track record, and get written quotations for the work from at least three.
9. Before work starts, agree the price, payment arrangements and start/finish dates. Don’t pay for work upfront.
10. If you suspect you have been ripped off, or that there is a rogue trader in your area, call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
More information can be found at www.digitaluk.co.uk or by calling 08456 50 50 50