Feds Warn of Scam on 'Free' Digital Converter Box

Better Business Bureau warns consumers on Miracle ClearView offer for analog TVs
By Laila Weir,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 24, 2008 7:00 PM CDT
Feds Warn of Scam on 'Free' Digital Converter Box
Cable and satellite customers don't need to worry about February's digital switch.   (AP Photo)

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." (Read more television stories.)

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