Stop newspapers advertising lies

[Mick94]

As a result of the recent Sky TV debacle, I and many others have written by E-mail to the various papers asking them to decline advertisements from unscrupulous people offering services they cannot lawfully provide eg. Sky TV, BBC TV etc.

I encourage you all to do the same to stop the spead of deception amongst the ex-pat populace.

Whether the papers publish the letters or not will be another matter but at least they know that their complicity in taking innocent people's cash under false pretenses is no longer acceptable.

[JOHN73]

Sue them!

As a result of the recent Sky TV debacle, I and many others have written by E-mail to the various papers asking them to decline advertisements from unscrupulous people offering services they cannot lawfully provide eg. Sky TV, BBC TV etc.

I encourage you all to do the same to stop the spead of deception amongst the ex-pat populace.

Whether the papers publish the letters or not will be another matter but at least they know that their complicity in taking innocent people's cash under false pretenses is no longer acceptable.

If they knowingly publish illegal services, I believe anyone having purchased this service could sue them for their losses, and that the police may prosecute them for conspiracy to fraud.

[Chrisdee]

If they knowingly publish illegal services, I believe anyone having purchased this service could sue them for their losses, and that the police may prosecute them for conspiracy to fraud.

If you read on the inside of most of the papers it does say they do not accept responsibility for claims by advertisers and can not be held responsible. So think they have their get out of jail free card.
How can you prove you got your television engineer though the advert in the paper anyway?

[JOHN73]

Good questions

If you read on the inside of most of the papers it does say they do not accept responsibility for claims by advertisers and can not be held responsible. So think they have their get out of jail free card.
How can you prove you got your television engineer though the advert in the paper anyway?

Good questions. I don't know Spanish law well enough to provide a good answer. I know that any decent newspaper back home would immediately stop any illegal advertising that they discovered, and only held responsible for it if they knew (which we must assume the RTN etc does by now) that the services advertised was illegal.

[Brindleboy123]

If you read on the inside of most of the papers it does say they do not accept responsibility for claims by advertisers and can not be held responsible. So think they have their get out of jail free card.
How can you prove you got your television engineer though the advert in the paper anyway?

I guess they do have their Get out of jail card (hope telemicro have one too!) but in view of the huge amount of publicity surrounding this I believe certain publications could have put adverbs on hold. I see the difficulties they have, afterall I wonder how many of the women in the personal columns are really leggy blonds or the men really do have "good sense of humour"!!!

[Britbuild]

Mary Whitehouse ????????

As a result of the recent Sky TV debacle, I and many others have written by E-mail to the various papers asking them to decline advertisements from unscrupulous people offering services they cannot lawfully provide eg. Sky TV, BBC TV etc.

I encourage you all to do the same to stop the spead of deception amongst the ex-pat populace.

Whether the papers publish the letters or not will be another matter but at least they know that their complicity in taking innocent people's cash under false pretenses is no longer acceptable.

You know it's so sad....................

in an average week I go to work for 40-50 hours, I have to earn enough to pay the bills, mortgage, put food on the table, etc. I have the worry of running my own business and having to find work/income. Have to cook the family meal when I got home from work as my wife has severe arthritis. Have to do the weekly shopping etc etc.

When I finally put my feet up in the evening to try to relax I like to watch a bit of telly before having a hour or 2 on the computer.

So if I want to watch a bit of ITV, BBC, sky, or whatever.........

And I want to buy an "illegal" service from an "unscrupulous" advertiser, to provide these programs............

Then why shouldn't I...................... ?


What gives you the right to decide what I or others should or shouldn't do ?

I am an adult with a mind of my own, and quite capable of making my own decisions. If I want to search the adverts to find a TV company over here to provide me with a service that I want, then why shouldn't I ?

Let's face it, after the recent newspaper articles recently, 99% of the ex-pat populace will know by now that the telly they receive is "illegal", but will that stop them buying it................................................ ... NO

I would say that 90% of the posters on here will be happy to get their "illegal" service back (as other threads have shown).

And then there are the other 10% on here............... those that would rather be miserable and interfering. Those who take greater pleasure in spoiling other peoples enjoyment, than enjoying life themselves. Those who interfere in matters that, quite frankly, shouldn't concern them.

If you are going to write to the paper about "illegal" advertisers, then I suggest that, instead of targeting legitimate companies who contribute to the economy (OK no jokes about Telmicro ), why not complain about all of the unregistered, non tax paying, tradesmen, white van men, taxi's, etc. etc. etc. (probably 80% of the advertisers), who are in there week in week out ?

Why the hell should it bother you anyway ? If I or anyone else wants to do something, or sell something, or buy something, and it causes no harm of any kind to you or your peers, then what has it got to do with you, or anyone else.


When I was a child I needed to be told what I could or couldn't do by a grown-up. Now I am a grown-up myself, I no longer need to be told.............................................. ...............










ouch !!!!!!!!!







































Piggin soapboxes...................................

[JOHN73]

You know it's so sad....................

in an average week I go to work for 40-50 hours, I have to earn enough to pay the bills, mortgage, put food on the table, etc. I have the worry of running my own business and having to find work/income. Have to cook the family meal when I got home from work as my wife has severe arthritis. Have to do the weekly shopping etc etc.

When I finally put my feet up in the evening to try to relax I like to watch a bit of telly before having a hour or 2 on the computer.

So if I want to watch a bit of ITV, BBC, sky, or whatever.........

And I want to buy an "illegal" service from an "unscrupulous" advertiser, to provide these programs............

Then why shouldn't I...................... ?


What gives you the right to decide what I or others should or shouldn't do ?

I am an adult with a mind of my own, and quite capable of making my own decisions. If I want to search the adverts to find a TV company over here to provide me with a service that I want, then why shouldn't I ?

Let's face it, after the recent newspaper articles recently, 99% of the ex-pat populace will know by now that the telly they receive is "illegal", but will that stop them buying it................................................ ... NO

I would say that 90% of the posters on here will be happy to get their "illegal" service back (as other threads have shown).

And then there are the other 10% on here............... those that would rather be miserable and interfering. Those who take greater pleasure in spoiling other peoples enjoyment, than enjoying life themselves. Those who interfere in matters that, quite frankly, shouldn't concern them.

If you are going to write to the paper about "illegal" advertisers, then I suggest that, instead of targeting legitimate companies who contribute to the economy (OK no jokes about Telmicro ), why not complain about all of the unregistered, non tax paying, tradesmen, white van men, taxi's, etc. etc. etc. (probably 80% of the advertisers), who are in there week in week out ?

Why the hell should it bother you anyway ? If I or anyone else wants to do something, or sell something, or buy something, and it causes no harm of any kind to you or your peers, then what has it got to do with you, or anyone else.


When I was a child I needed to be told what I could or couldn't do by a grown-up. Now I am a grown-up myself, I no longer need to be told.............................................. ...............










ouch !!!!!!!!!







































Piggin soapboxes...................................

The issue, dear friend, is: Do you get what you think you are getting?

If you choose to spend your money on it, fair enough. Did I mention that I am also a Telmicro customer? The question is, and I don't think about you, because you have told us all that you are a millionair before, is: Do we want hard working people to loose 1000 euro?

I was always told that we should look after those "smaller" than us!

[Christine]

Papers

As a result of the recent Sky TV debacle, I and many others have written by E-mail to the various papers asking them to decline advertisements from unscrupulous people offering services they cannot lawfully provide eg. Sky TV, BBC TV etc.

I encourage you all to do the same to stop the spead of deception amongst the ex-pat populace.

Whether the papers publish the letters or not will be another matter but at least they know that their complicity in taking innocent people's cash under false pretenses is no longer acceptable.

I second these thoughts; I also think it is time the papers stopped advertising tradespeople who are not lawfully registered companies.
You are far more likely to be ripped off by someone not registered, this as well as the fact they are living in Spain and contributing nothing back into the country.

[Nalle]

You know it's so sad....................

If you are going to write to the paper about "illegal" advertisers, then I suggest that, instead of targeting legitimate companies who contribute to the economy (OK no jokes about Telmicro ), why not complain about all of the unregistered, non tax paying, tradesmen, white van men, taxi's, etc. etc. etc. (probably 80% of the advertisers), who are in there week in week out ?

Piggin soapboxes...................................

EH!? I think that is just exactly what he wants to do. Not that I think that any of these freebie paper will care. thats their revenue we are talking about.

[Mick94]

If Britbuild is a 'millionaire' as he has claimed to be, why is he living here and bothering to operate a building company ? (I assume he does from his title)

Before I ever joined this forum, I noticed Britbuild does cause considerable upset so perhaps he is best ignored, not only for his good but for the good of others.

I even read allegations that he suffered from some sort of mental illness. That may well be the case judging from his ill tempered posting. I also deduce he might be living in some sort of strange, fantasy world because I have never heard of 'millionaires' struggling to pay mortgages, having to seek out work and the like.

I just hope he is always a 'millionaire' and never needs the help of someone else.

I am merely thinking of less wealthy people, perhaps pensioners (as I am) on a reduced rate due to the falling pound, being taken in by what they read in the newspapers, free or otherwise.

A number of such people live around me and certainly fall for what they read, not only in the case of TV but others including DIY men, fly by night builders and the like.

I feel sorry for these people Britbuild. As a 'millionaire' you may not have these human feelings, I do.

You live in your rather unpleasant and uncaring world, I live in mine where I help neighbours and those around me as best I can.

You sound like one of those horrible supporters of Margaret Thatcher who dismissed the idea of a caring society, something we are paying for to this day.

Unbridled capitalism may have lined your 'millionaire' pockets Britbuild. It has not served others quite so well.

I do not subscribe to Telmicro but it grieves me to see perfectly pleasant and honest people taken in by TV 'companies' and other 'businesses' like them who operate here because the consumer protection laws are not readily available to them.

I was also brought up to believe that together, we can make a better world and I have taught my children that as well. They may not be 'millionaires' but they are in rewarding careers where income is not the only payment they receive.

You sound like a rather horrible, bitter and twisted individual who gains pleasure from watching others struggle. Good luck to you and your 'millions'.

[Chrisdee]

I always think the best way to get a builder is to go by the work he has done, if you see something you like, for instance, a nice terrace, brick wall, extension, whatever, knock on the door, ask for the number of the builder, keep that number for future reference. If you get numbers out of the paper ask that builder to see work he has previously done. I know it's harder with electricians, plumbers, you have to take some chances in life. Don't pay the full amount up front, keep some back and always insist on a proper receipt with name, address and IVA number?? on it.

[Mick94]

Excellent advice Chrisdee and something I always encourage others to do.

I also keep a book of businesses I have dealt with and been pleased with so that I can recommend them.

[Britbuild]

The issue, dear friend, is: Do you get what you think you are getting?

If you choose to spend your money on it, fair enough. Did I mention that I am also a Telmicro customer? The question is, and I don't think about you, because you have told us all that you are a millionair before, is: Do we want hard working people to loose 1000 euro?

I was always told that we should look after those "smaller" than us!

Eh........ Millionaire............ I wish. Where on earth did you get that idea from. Did you not read the very first paragraph of my post ?

I am a grafter, and work hard for my meagre income, so I stand to lose as much as anyone else. I have "lost" hundreds over the years by switching tv providers because my first system stopped working, then a satalite installation that didnt give me the programs I wanted, and then telmicro, and only this week I switched yet again to Torresat, only to have telmicro come back on (Torresat however is far superior in channel choice so was worth the 190€).

The point I was trying to make (unsuccessfully judging by the responses) is that It is MY choice if I want to scour the adverts to find a supplier to provide what I want - not yours. As I said previously, 99% of expats know that the TV they are watching is illegal, and the service providers are acting illegally, but does that stop them from purchasing and viewing this service ?

People can lose money from any business failing - legitimate or not. Look at how many thousands of people in the UK (and maybe many here) have lost fortunes from pension schemes failing, pension schemes that were legal and legitimate. There are many more that have endowment mortgages that wont repay their loan and will have to fork out thousands more to own their homes, again from legitimate businesses. Are you campaigning against these also ? And if you face the facts, who has actually lost any money from the Telmicro fiasco ? They are now back on air, have not charged anyone for the time off air, and are doing their best to resume service. So who have they actually ripped off ????

We all have freedom of choice. That is what our forefathers fought and died for, the freedom to do what we want, not what someone else thinks we should do. By campaigning against these TV providers, whome the Spanish authorities licence and take money from, you are trying to take away the choices available to me as an individual.

At the end of the day, these TV providers are not trying to rip us off, they are providing a service that most of us want, and are willing to pay for, legal or not !!!

Before I ever joined this forum, I noticed Britbuild does cause considerable upset so perhaps he is best ignored, not only for his good but for the good of others.

I even read allegations that he suffered from some sort of mental illness. That may well be the case judging from his ill tempered posting. I also deduce he might be living in some sort of strange, fantasy world because I have never heard of 'millionaires' struggling to pay mortgages, having to seek out work and the like.

I just hope he is always a 'millionaire' and never needs the help of someone else.

I feel sorry for these people Britbuild. As a 'millionaire' you may not have these human feelings, I do.

You live in your rather unpleasant and uncaring world, I live in mine where I help neighbours and those around me as best I can.

You sound like one of those horrible supporters of Margaret Thatcher who dismissed the idea of a caring society, something we are paying for to this day.

Unbridled capitalism may have lined your 'millionaire' pockets Britbuild. It has not served others quite so well.

I do not subscribe to Telmicro but it grieves me to see perfectly pleasant and honest people taken in by TV 'companies' and other 'businesses' like them who operate here because the consumer protection laws are not readily available to them.

I was also brought up to believe that together, we can make a better world and I have taught my children that as well. They may not be 'millionaires' but they are in rewarding careers where income is not the only payment they receive.

You sound like a rather horrible, bitter and twisted individual who gains pleasure from watching others struggle. Good luck to you and your 'millions'.

And in answer to the above, It is obvious that much of your post has been influenced by being misled into thinking that I am rich, which I can assure you is far from the truth. So I will ignor your accusations and insults as you obviously do not know me at all.

All I have said is that I dissagree with the stance that you are taking on the subject, what is so wrong in that ? Call it being "devils advocate" if you like. And if the only way you can counter that is by advising others to ignor me and my opinions, and then make unfounded allegations regarding my mental state, then so be it.

But therein lies the crux of the problem doesn´t it......... you are telling people what to do again, instead of letting them form their own opinion, and that is the whole point I am trying to make.

You obviously think that you have others best interests at heart in doing what you do, and if that is the case then I applaud you for trying to help others, there is nothing wrong in that. Unfortunately, I see it a little differently.

Is it so wrong that I have a different point of view to you

[harpo23z]

Eh........ Millionaire............ I wish. Where on earth did you get that idea from. Did you not read the very first paragraph of my post ?

I am a grafter, and work hard for my meagre income, so I stand to lose as much as anyone else. I have "lost" hundreds over the years by switching tv providers because my first system stopped working, then a satalite installation that didnt give me the programs I wanted, and then telmicro, and only this week I switched yet again to Torresat, only to have telmicro come back on (Torresat however is far superior in channel choice so was worth the 190€).

The point I was trying to make (unsuccessfully judging by the responses) is that It is MY choice if I want to scour the adverts to find a supplier to provide what I want - not yours. As I said previously, 99% of expats know that the TV they are watching is illegal, and the service providers are acting illegally, but does that stop them from purchasing and viewing this service ?

People can lose money from any business failing - legitimate or not. Look at how many thousands of people in the UK (and maybe many here) have lost fortunes from pension schemes failing, pension schemes that were legal and legitimate. There are many more that have endowment mortgages that wont repay their loan and will have to fork out thousands more to own their homes, again from legitimate businesses. Are you campaigning against these also ? And if you face the facts, who has actually lost any money from the Telmicro fiasco ? They are now back on air, have not charged anyone for the time off air, and are doing their best to resume service. So who have they actually ripped off ????

We all have freedom of choice. That is what our forefathers fought and died for, the freedom to do what we want, not what someone else thinks we should do. By campaigning against these TV providers, whome the Spanish authorities licence and take money from, you are trying to take away the choices available to me as an individual.

At the end of the day, these TV providers are not trying to rip us off, they are providing a service that most of us want, and are willing to pay for, legal or not !!!



And in answer to the above, It is obvious that much of your post has been influenced by being misled into thinking that I am rich, which I can assure you is far from the truth. So I will ignor your accusations and insults as you obviously do not know me at all.

All I have said is that I dissagree with the stance that you are taking on the subject, what is so wrong in that ? Call it being "devils advocate" if you like. And if the only way you can counter that is by advising others to ignor me and my opinions, and then make unfounded allegations regarding my mental state, then so be it.

But therein lies the crux of the problem doesn´t it......... you are telling people what to do again, instead of letting them form their own opinion, and that is the whole point I am trying to make.

You obviously think that you have others best interests at heart in doing what you do, and if that is the case then I applaud you for trying to help others, there is nothing wrong in that. Unfortunately, I see it a little differently.

Is it so wrong that I have a different point of view to you

Well said,
We all have a choice in life and if some small minded people want us to tow the line as they see it (all be it their line) then they are the ones that need to wake up and smell the coffee.
Did all these people that have subscribed to telmicro\satalite systems ect have a gun put to their heads and forced to sign on the dotted line? No i think not, they made a choice with their own free will and probably searched out these companys to provide the services they reqired and up to now have been happy with the service provided, so why o why are so many others concerned about them being ripped off (in their eyes) or is it a case of themselves getting the hump over loosing their dose of sky sports & eastenders?

[jonno]

I think the misleading part of adverts ( exclusively tv companies in this case ) is the fact that they are advertising channels that may dissappear without notice.... When Telmicro comes back on air fully the channels broadcast will be the standard all the other companies will fall in line with unless they want to attract the same attention Telmicro have suffered... so to advertise channels we know are illegal can only be a short term poaching tack and also you will notice that the adverts have never changed so are well out of date.
The result will be all tv companies will broadcast the same channels just the deals and offers will differ.
If Telmicro comes back without BBC 1 etc dont expect to keep them if you are with Torresat and the like