Sky TV customers warned against money saving trick that could land you a fine

SKY TV customers have been warned against replacing their telly boxes with ones they’ve bought from eBay – even if it seems like it’ll save them money.

The broadcaster has urged customers to not buy second hand boxes, and is working with eBay and other auction sites to take these listings down.

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“As part of the Sky Q box ownership model, Sky Q boxes are loaned to customers and shouldn’t be resold under any circumstances,” Sky writes in a help forum on its website.

Because the boxes are loaned, they are Sky’s property.

This means they must be returned to Sky when your contract ends or you subscribe to a new package.

And if they’re not – you’ll get fined.

Sky makes returning its boxes as easy as possible, and even supplies the cardboard boxes for you to post them in.

The company also makes sure the box is responsibly recycled if its past its best.

“Ultimately all Sky Q boxes are loaned to customers for the duration of their subscription, this means the equipment remains the property of Sky,” the broadcaster explains.

“If a Sky Q customer cancels their subscription they will need to return all their equipment.

“In the event where a customer has bought Sky Q equipment from an auction site, they should contact the seller directly. We cannot process indirect sales.”

If you do buy a second hand box, not only will the seller get charged by Sky but some boxes require a viewing card in order to work – so you might be ripped off.

If it does come with a viewing card – this is still Sky’s property, and should be returned to the original seller or to Sky.

Should customers fail to return the equipment they loaned from Sky, they’ll be charged depending on what bit of tech is missing:

• Sky Q 1TB box – £115
• Sky Q 2TB box – £135
• Sky Q Mini box – £50
• Sky Q Hub/Sky Broadband Hub – £50
• Sky Broadband Booster – £35

You’ll be charged for every piece of equipment you don’t return.

For example, if you didn’t return a Sky Q 2TB box, two Sky Q Mini boxes and a Sky Q Hub, you would be charged £270 in total.

“Paying a Non-return charge doesn’t buy the equipment, it’s just a cost for not returning,” Sky writes.

“It will still be Sky owned and we’ll still want you to return it.”

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