Residents in Caerphilly County Borough are being reminded to ensure that those receiving practical advice via the Help Scheme, in preparation for the digital switchover in March this year, check that the couriers and installers to their homes are genuine.
A small number of incidents nationally where bogus installers have attempted to gain access to the homes of often-vulnerable people posing as installers from the ‘British Broadcasting Switchover’, has prompted Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Trading Standards to issue the following advice to residents: –
- Help Scheme installers and couriers have all had Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks, carry Switchover Help Scheme identity cards and wear a uniform. When they call, ask to see their identity card before allowing them access into your home.
- When the Switchover Help Scheme contacts you, you can arrange a password with them, which the installer and courier must confirm with you when they call so you know they are genuine.
- The scheme can also arrange for a chaperone if you ask for one, if you are worried about the installer or courier visiting your home.
- You can also tell them if you would like someone else to be with you when the Switchover Help Scheme brings your equipment (a friend, relative etc). If necessary, the scheme can contact the person to arrange this for you.
- If in doubt, keep them out.
Cllr Lyn Ackerman, cabinet member for the environment said, “Understanding how the forthcoming digital switchover will affect us can be a very worrying time for people, and the Switchover Help Scheme can provide valuable help and support to many.
However, a very small number of people throughout the country have advised that bogus officials have attempted to gain entry to homes, posing as installers for the scheme.
By following the advice issued by Trading Standards, and by reporting any suspicions you have, you will help us to ensure that the tiny minority of people who think it is acceptable to act as bogus officials and intimidate older people do not get away with it.”
TV is going digital all over the UK, and the traditional TV signal will be switched off in our area in March. The Help Scheme, which is run by the BBC under an agreement with the Government, is available to make sure your TV set will work with digital.
To be eligible to receive help from the scheme, people must be aged 75 years or over, or registered blind or partially sighted or have lived in a care home for six months or more.
Also eligible are people who get (or could get) attendance or constant attendance allowance, mobility supplement or disability living allowance. Most people will be asked to contribute £40 towards the help, unless they receive pension credit, income support or income-based jobseekers allowance, where the service is FREE.
Those eligible for the help will receive: –
- Easy-to-use equipment to convert one television set
- Installation of that equipment
- An aerial check and upgrade if necessary, for people who own their own aerials
- A demonstration of how it works, and
- A twelve-month aftercare service.
If you are eligible for the Switchover Help Scheme, you don’t need to do anything yet. The scheme will be in touch in plenty of time to ask if you would like help.
In the meantime, if you want more information for yourself or someone you know, please call 0800 40 85 900. The call is free and a member of the team will be pleased to help.
If you are concerned that a caller to your door is not genuine, please contact Trading Standards on 01495 235 291.
