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..how many of you's guys fell for this and are driving around wit a wad of magnets duct taped to your fuel lines??
August 12, 2006
Nevada company that has been marketing a device promising to increase gas mileage by 25 percent has been fined $4.2 million by the Federal Trade Commission and banned from selling any such product.
"The device was sold via spam e-mail," said Steve Baker, Midwest regional director for the FTC in Chicago, who filed the suit in federal District Court here based on complaints from consumers.
Baker estimates that about $15 million worth of the devices--sold under such names as FuelMAX, Super FuelMAX and Fuel Saver Pro--were sold worldwide.
"The $4.2 million fine is the most we've ever gotten in a case like this, and it's also the first time we're getting a device banned from future sale," Baker said.
"By wrapping magnets around a vehicle's fuel line, it was supposed to fracture gas molecules and in doing so increase mileage," Baker said. "We had experts testify that the device defied the laws of physics and wasn't a good thing."
The company, International Research and Development Corp. of Nevada, also has been ordered to refund the $89.95 price of the device to everyone who bought one.
International Research is required to provide the documents to ensure each customer gets a refund, but Baker said consumers can call 877-FTCHELP (877-382-4357) to file for a reimbursement.
The fine and injunction also covers the company's president, Anthony Renda, Baker said.
Neither the company, nor Renda, could be reached for comment.
A variety of fuel-saving devices traditionally surface as gas prices rise. They include pills that are added to each tank of gas. Baker said there has been no action against other companies and products.
But, he reminded: "We aren't aware of any aftermarket product that does anything to improve mileage. If there was such stuff, and it worked, the manufacturers would put it in their own vehicles themselves."
..how many of you's guys fell for this and are driving around wit a wad of magnets duct taped to your fuel lines??
August 12, 2006
Nevada company that has been marketing a device promising to increase gas mileage by 25 percent has been fined $4.2 million by the Federal Trade Commission and banned from selling any such product.
"The device was sold via spam e-mail," said Steve Baker, Midwest regional director for the FTC in Chicago, who filed the suit in federal District Court here based on complaints from consumers.
Baker estimates that about $15 million worth of the devices--sold under such names as FuelMAX, Super FuelMAX and Fuel Saver Pro--were sold worldwide.
"The $4.2 million fine is the most we've ever gotten in a case like this, and it's also the first time we're getting a device banned from future sale," Baker said.
"By wrapping magnets around a vehicle's fuel line, it was supposed to fracture gas molecules and in doing so increase mileage," Baker said. "We had experts testify that the device defied the laws of physics and wasn't a good thing."
The company, International Research and Development Corp. of Nevada, also has been ordered to refund the $89.95 price of the device to everyone who bought one.
International Research is required to provide the documents to ensure each customer gets a refund, but Baker said consumers can call 877-FTCHELP (877-382-4357) to file for a reimbursement.
The fine and injunction also covers the company's president, Anthony Renda, Baker said.
Neither the company, nor Renda, could be reached for comment.
A variety of fuel-saving devices traditionally surface as gas prices rise. They include pills that are added to each tank of gas. Baker said there has been no action against other companies and products.
But, he reminded: "We aren't aware of any aftermarket product that does anything to improve mileage. If there was such stuff, and it worked, the manufacturers would put it in their own vehicles themselves."
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