Consumer complaints against the sales practices of pay TV service providers have rebounded in the first quarter of 2010.
Between January and March this year, the Consumer Council recorded an upsurge of 132 complaints compared to 52 cases for the corresponding period last year - an increase of 154%.
Consumers are urged to exercise extra caution in subscribing to (or terminating) any pay TV service in view of the rising level of dissatisfaction consumers are facing.
In particular, consumers are alerted to certain common sales practices as alleged in the complaints brought to the attention of the Council.
Claims that are untruthful and false in order to lure and deceive unsuspecting consumers into service subscription. Such claims include:
- that the offer is free and/or at super low prices.
- that there is no more free TV programe reception if they decline to join the company's plan.
- that the service includes also channels provided by other pay TV companies.
- that most residents in the building have already agreed to join the plan.
- that service men from the company are currently carry out wiring installation work in the building.
Allegedly, offers made at the time of sale will later turn out to be empty promises that are not honoured.
Further, salesmen will usually target the elderly alone at home to do their sales pitch, and will falsely claim that other members of the family have already consented to the plan.
It is also alleged that various measures are in place to make it very difficult for clients to terminate the service contract.
Such practices are, in fact, not uncommon in the past as operators vie for a bigger share of the market for pay TV service.
Consumers' awareness is therefore essential to avoid unnecessary disputes with the operators. They are advised to:
- Study carefully (with the help of friends or relatives, if necessary) the terms and conditions of the service agreement before signing the document. Never do it in haste.
- If you are uncertain if the service offered to you is suitable, seek the opinion of friends or relatives.
- Find out from the building management the installation being carried out for pay TV reception, do not believe entirely what the salesmen have said.
- If you become suspicious of the identity of the salesmen or feel harassed by their sales tactics, notify the building management office or call police for assistance.
- The elderly should decide in the company of their family members whether or not to join a service plan; they should be reminded not to easily allow entry by salesmen into the home.
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