Projects and initiatives
Digital television switchover
The digital switch over is coming and by 2012 all households in Greater London will have had to switch to digital. There are always people who use clever tactics to make money on the back of something new and the digital switchover is no exception. Indeed, it provides the distraction burglar with an easy way into vulnerable people's homes.
One problem that may arise from current publicity is that TV networks are already advertising the switchover. Messages that suggest a viewer's area will soon been switching over are being broadcast nationally regardless of local timetables. This may confuse residents in London where the switchover isn't scheduled to complete until 2012. The problem is that this provides the opportunist distraction burglar and bogus caller with a convincing and persuasive angle. We ask you to be wary of such scams and where possible advise any vulnerable people you know.
To this end we are seeking advice from the Government Office for London on how to best assist elderly and vulnerable residents in educating arming them against such scams. We also continually seek advice from the Home Office and whenever we have new information it will be posted here.
How to avoid becoming a victim of digital switchover scams
In the meantime Digital UK, the independent, non-profit organisation leading the process of digital TV switchover, gives the following advice to help avoid becoming a victim of digital switchover scams:
- Remember that no one from Digital UK will call unexpectedly without an appointment. Turn away all uninvited doorstep callers who claim to be linked to Digital UK.
- Demand identification from uninvited callers - and call the company to check they are who they say they are.
- Don't agree to any work on the spot. Take time to think about what work (if any) you want done.
- Only buy goods and services you need for the switchover from reputable retailers and traders that carry the digital tick logo.
- If an offer seems too good to be true - in a leaflet, advert, by phone, email or personal approach - it probably is. Be wary and read the details of the deal carefully.
Find out more about distraction burglary and bogus calling.
