Our firm investigates business entities that have committed some form of fraud or deceptive business practice, which has harmed a group of consumers in a similar manner. We have successfully resolved numerous consumer fraud claims, helping thousands of people recover their losses. For the last six decades, our firm has stood up to unscrupulous corporate organizations to help consumers in a wide range of consumer fraud matters.
The Federal Trade Commission announced this week that they have settled a consumer fraud lawsuit against the manufacturer of phony fuel saving devices, which were touted to save fuel and reduce emissions but did neither.
Fake Fuel Saving Products
Under charges of false advertising, the FTC recovered a $4.2 million settlement to provide compensation to consumers who purchased these products under false pretense. Additionally, the fraudulent manufacturer is expressly prohibited from selling or making magnetic fuel saving and emission reduction devices.
This consumer fraud lawsuit involved products manufactured and sold under the names FuelMAX and Super FuelMax. Through online ads, these products were falsely touted to provide a 27 percent increase in gas mileage, a reduction of fuel consumption, and a reduction in fuel emissions.
The FTC posits that these products do NOT save fuel, increase gas mileage, nor reduce emissions.
In addition to the product manufacturers, internet spammers and marketers were the target of the FTC's efforts to hold fraudsters responsible for violations against consumers.
Tips for increasing fuel efficiency
The FTC offers some tips on how to save money when filling up at the pump while reducing fuel consumption.
Some practical ways of increasing fuel efficiency include:
• Following the maintenance schedule outlined in your vehicle owner's manual; this includes keeping your engine tuned, getting regular oil changes, and replacing air filters regularly
• Choose the right octane level for your vehicle (as recommended in your owner's manual)
• Avoiding “jackrabbit” starts of your vehicle
• Combining errands
• Keeping your tires properly aligned and inflated (can increase gas mileage up to three percent)
• Carpooling
• Remove excess stuff in the trunk (100 pounds of such items can reduce fuel efficiency by two percent)
The Environmental Protection Agency and the FTC caution consumers about purchasing any product promoted as fuel saving. The EPA has tested many of these products, finding advertisers claims to be false and the products inept.
Have you been ripped off?
If you have purchased a gas saving product and are dissatisfied, you can contact the product manufacturer to request a refund. Many companies offer a money-back guarantee. However, if you are unable to obtain proper compensation or wish to learn more about your legal rights and options, it is wise to contact a qualified consumer fraud lawyer for details.
If you feel you have been the victim of false advertising and want to seek compensation for your purchase of a fake gas-saving device, please contact us to speak with an attorney who can answer your questions and determine the best way to help.
Consumer fraud class action lawsuits are specifically designed to help individuals who have been similarly aggrieved to pursue a common goal – namely to hold the deceptive business accountable for any damages suffered. Thus, consumers who have been defrauded by a corporation or other entity may file a consumer fraud class action lawsuit on behalf of themselves and others to seek compensation for their shared grievance.
If you feel you have been the victim of consumer fraud or any type of fraud, please contact us to learn about your legal rights and options. WE VALUE YOUR PRIVACY: any information you provide on this secure form will be held in the strictest confidence and will only be used by our attorneys to determine how we can help you.