Allison here, with AllClear ID. HDTV scams are nothing new. However, there’s a new twist to this scam that involves the online sale of these products from unauthorized sellers. If you’re planning on purchasing an HDTV online, then pay attention. Making such a purchase online isn’t bad, but steps need to be taken to ensure that you aren’t buying from an unauthorized dealer.

  1. The scam from these unauthorized sellers involves bait-and-switching and aggressive up selling. Here’s what they do: they advertise that they have the HDTV in stock and are selling it for a below-market price, and can ship it to you for free. If you take the bait and place an order, you receive a call the next day confirming the order. Once the salesperson gives you the call, the person starts to aggressively up sell a series of add-ons, including a “3-D” HDMI cable (which isn’t real) for a 3-D TV, a custom stand or wall mount, an extended warranty and/or an “expedited” extra-cost freight.
  2. If you buy enough add-ons, you’ll get the TV as promised, but it’s likely to be one that is refurbished, scratched, or defective. It won’t be a brand new set. You’ll also find that the add-ons aren’t brand name or high-quality product, but knock offs. If you don’t buy any add-ons, then you might wait weeks for that TV, if you receive it at all. Since these are scammers, it’s also highly unlikely you’ll be able to return the TV or to receive a full refund. What makes the HDTV scam interesting is that for the most part, people are getting the product. Typically with scams, the scammers take the money and run. However, the HDTV scammers are getting away with it by figuratively tying the customers hands behind their back.

There are two ways to check to see if the dealer you are considering is authorized to sell those specific TV brands. First, call the manufacturer of the TV model you are considering (LG, Samsung, Sharp etc.) and ask if the dealer is authorized by them. You could also check the manufacturer’s website for that information. If they aren’t listed, or the customer service department says ‘no’, then don’t purchase from them. Second, take a look at the dealer’s product return policies. Scammers will never accept a return on the TV, or they may charge a restocking fee, deduct the “free” outbound freight from the refund, or all of the above for you to return the TV.

Not all online dealers of HDTVs are bad or unauthorized: big box retailers and Amazon Direct are both just fine. It’s simply a matter of exercising some due diligence and making sure the dealer is doing the right thing with their customers.