An example of a "misleading" ad touting digital TV converter boxes.

DALLAS — The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning about "bait-and-switch" advertising for digital TV converter boxes.

The BBB says 200 people have already fallen prey to an offer in full-page newspaper ads from Universal TechTronics, a company which is targeting people who are already confused about the conversion to DTV.

Only viewers with older TVs who receive local stations with over-the-air antennas will need a digital converter box; newer flat screen and tube-type TVs have digital tuners built-in. And households with cable or satellite service won't need any new equipment when broadcast analog TV ends on February 17, 2009.

But people like Bill Sampert, who has an older TV, will need a digital converter box. Sampert is trying to take advantage of a legitimate $40 coupon he got from the government to buy a box for a total cost of about $20.

But many stores are sold out, and that can cause a problem for a coupon-holder who waits too long.

"I didn't realize it had an expiration date on it," Sampert said. "That expiration date has gone by, but I just wondered if I could still use that card; maybe somebody would kind of overcome that requirement."

Fair warning: the government vouchers, which look like credit cards, expire after just 90 days.

The BBB says the Universal TechTronics ad is just adding to consumer confusion. The company claims it will send you a "free" digital converter box "without govenrment coupon." But that offer is good only if you pay for a $59 five-year warranty — plus shipping and handling charges.

"The bottom line is that these ads confuse and mislead consumers," said Jeannette Kopko, a spokeswoman for the BBB's Dallas office.

Many who have fallen for the scheme end up with nothing at all, the BBB says. Electronics retailers like Kellum's in Dallas are left setting the record straight.

"When people have questions, I think they should go to a competent retailer like ourself and ask those questions," said Kellum salesman Mark Pritchard. "There's a lot of people taking advantage of folks, and you just don't want to be one of them."

E-mail cvega@wfaa.com