Fair Trading Minister, Virginia Judge, is warning consumers to be wary of door-to-door traders claiming to represent the government and selling digital television set top boxes.

Ms Judge said the scammers tell residents they will get a government rebate if they purchase one of their digital television set top boxes.

“Let me make this very clear - there are no reimbursements for digital television goods or services bought from any retailers, including door-to-door sellers,” she said.

“The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has listed this scam on its SCAMwatch website and is warning consumers to avoid these scammers at all costs.

“Fair Trading received one complaint regarding door-to-door sellers who pressured their way into a house in Albury to install a “free” set-top box.

“These individuals told the consumer the set top box was part of a government offer.

“They installed the box and forced the consumer to sign a document which was a contract for $60 to be debited from her account.”

Ms Judge said the set-top box didn't work and the company associated with the sellers debited $6 from her account every few days.

“The consumer tried unsuccessfully to cancel the contract but did manage to get the company to retrieve the box,” she said.

“In the end, the consumer had to close the account and organise a reversal from the bank.”

Ms Judge said consumers shouldn't be pressured into buying something without shopping around.

“Switching to digital television should be an inexpensive task,” she said.

“If you are unsure of what television products to buy, call the Digital Switchover Taskforce on 1800 201 013.

“If you have purchased any goods over $100, a five day cooling-off period applies which allows you to cancel the contract. The supplier of goods cannot charge any fees during this period.”

Traders caught breaching the Fair Trading Act 1987 can face penalties of up to $22,000 for an individual or $110,000 for a corporation.

If you have been mislead by a trader you can report the matter to the ACCC  on 1300 302 502, the Digital Switchover Taskforce on 1800 201 013 or NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20.

Analogue free-to-air TV is being replaced with a digital service between 2010 and 2013. For more information on the projected rollout go to www.digitalready.gov.au

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