A stranger who says they are a DStv installer is about to climb onto your roof, drill into your wall and walk through your house. It is worth taking two minutes to check that they are who they say they are. This guide explains how, and what you should expect from a proper installation.

DStv's rules and offers change, so treat this as a guide and confirm current details on dstv.com. Some of the scam warnings we refer to are a few years old, but the tricks they describe are still in use.

What "accredited" means

DStv has a network of Accredited Installers. On DStv's accredited installation page, DStv says that installations for its decoder deals with an installation voucher or contract can only be done by DStv Accredited Installers. For those deals, DStv lists what you should get:

Installation of the decoder at the included TV point (one for an HD single view decoder, two for an Explora or Ultra).
Activation of your DStv service.
A basic demonstration of how the decoder works.
A 3-month workmanship warranty and a 12-month warranty on the equipment.

Two things are not included, according to the same page: connecting the decoder to more than one TV or linking it to other decoders, and extra travel, cabling or amplification, which can cost extra. That is why it is worth getting the details in writing before work starts.

Three ways to check an installer

Ask to see their DStv ID card. DStv's own advice, reported by The Citizen when DStv warned about fake installers, is to ask for the installer's DStv ID card. It shows their qualification and the accredited company they work for. A real installer will not mind being asked.
Use DStv's installer finder. DStv says you find an accredited installer through the Find an Installer page on dstv.com. If someone turns up unannounced, you can check whether their company is listed.
Check with DStv. If an offer or visit seems doubtful, confirm it with DStv, using the contact details on dstv.com. Do not use a number the installer gives you.

Scams to watch for

BusinessTech's summary of DStv's scam warnings lists several tricks that involve fake installers and payments:

"Accredited installers" with unrealistic offers, such as free package upgrades or free DStv for life in return for a small once-off fee. DStv advises treating discounted once-off offers with suspicion and checking them with DStv.
Subscription "upgrades" paid to a person. DStv says not to pay individuals claiming to be from MultiChoice or DStv. Subscription payments go to DStv through its own platforms, to your own DStv account.
Fake "final notice" messages that include bank details. DStv advises not to pay into those accounts or use the links in them.

Paying an installer for work you agreed, such as extra cabling or an extra TV point, is a normal business transaction. Paying anybody for a "DStv upgrade" or a "DStv subscription" is not.

Our own red flags

These are our view rather than DStv's, but they have served customers well:

They will not show an ID card, or the card does not name a company.
They cannot or will not give you a written quote that lists what is included.
They want everything paid in cash before they start.
The deal sounds too good to be true.
They have no company name, no premises and no way to be reached after the job.
They use a cheap splitter where your setup needs a separate cable, which is a common cause of problems later. Our Extra View connection guide explains why.

Questions worth asking before you book

Can I see your DStv ID card and the name of your accredited company?
What exactly is included, and what will cost extra (cabling, extra TV points, travel)?
What warranty do you give on the work?
Will you use a signal meter to align the dish?
Can I have the quote in writing?

About Digitech DSTV

Our technicians are DStv-accredited, and we are happy to show you their ID cards before any work starts. We give you a clear quote for the work, align every dish with a signal meter and explain what we are doing. If you want a second opinion on an installation that looks wrong, we are happy to look at that too.

We install and repair DStv across the Western Cape, including Hermanus, Cape Town and Somerset West. If you suspect a previous installer did a poor job, our guides on the signs your dish needs realignment and troubleshooting a no-signal error are a good place to start. Contact us or WhatsApp for a free quote.