Don't Fuel Up on a Fraud
Friday, Apr 18, 2008
LITTLE ROCK – High gas prices have motivated many consumers to look for new ways in which to conserve fuel and money. Accordingly, when products that promise to increase fuel efficiency are advertised, energy-conscious consumers take notice. Unfortunately, however, very few of these "gas-saver" devices actually work, and for those that have any effect on mileage, the savings are negligible. With advertisements appearing in local newspapers around Arkansas, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel issued this consumer alert today to caution consumers against purchasing "gas-saver" products.
"With people trying to save money on gas, I hate to see consumers waste a single dime on a product that doesn't work and will only cost them more money," said McDaniel.
Many of these products advertise fuel savings ranging from 12 to 25 percent. However, government testing of more than 100 of these devices has not found any product that significantly improves gas mileage. No government agency endorses gas-saving devices, despite what some ads claim. In fact, many of these products have been proven to damage cars, causing engine problems and increased exhaust emissions.
Many of these ads also feature individual testimonials about how much money they saved from a gas-saver device. In reality, however, very few people possess the necessary equipment and knowledge to accurately test the effectiveness of these products. Road conditions, speed, weather and the car's condition all influence gas mileage.
If you have purchased a gas-saving device and are dissatisfied with the results, you should first contact the item's manufacturer and request a refund, as many companies offer money-back guarantees. Even if the warranty has expired, you should still attempt to negotiate a refund with the manufacturer first. If your attempt to do so is unsuccessful, file a complaint with your local Better Business Bureau, http://www.bbb.org/, and with the Consumer Protection Department of the Arkansas Attorney General's Office, available at (501) 682-2341 or toll-free statewide (800) 482-8982.
