|
Article Directory
|
+ Authors
+ Articles
|
|
|
|
How To Immediately Spot Scammy 'Gas-Saving' Claims And Schemes
Copyright (c) 2008-2012 Benji O. Anosike
Fact: fuel-saving schemes and scams rise and fall with the trend in fuel prices
In the preceding articles that I published on this topic, I made one essential historical point. Namely, that, by most auto industry and government experts' account, as a general historical proposition in North America, and probably in the world, whenever gas prices are on the rise, so also does the volume of fuel-saving myths rise, as well as the volume of bogus claims about "gas-saving" gadgets and products, and of deceptive commercial advertising, and fraudulent schemes and scams.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the well-trusted American Federal Government agency that is charged with protecting the public from consumer fraud and public scams, explains it this way: "When gasoline prices rise, consumers often look for ways to improve fuel efficiency. Gas prices are up, and so is the volume of advertising for 'gas-saving' products." To be sure, says the FTC, "there are some practical steps you can take to increase gas mileage." However, the agency sternly warns, consumers should be "wary of any gas-saving claims for automotive devices or oil and gas additives," adding that even for the few gas-saving products that have been found to work, the savings they yield, have been small.
From the practical standpoint, the gas-saving products on the market which are frequently peddled to consumers, fall into a few clearly defined categories. True, as a practical matter, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or EPA, the product testing arm of the U.S. federal government, has not physically tested or evaluated every single product advertised or marketed. However, it has tried to examine at least one product in each category as to be able to draw its reasonable conclusions generally about the products.
Some Warning Signs Of Sham "Gas-Saving" Advertising Claims
According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, here are some warning signs which should immediately ring a bell to you as to the legitimacy of any advertisers (and their products) who make certain kinds of advertising claims.
1. Claims such as "This gas-saving product improves fuel economy by 20 percent."
Claims of this type usually purport, but without any independent supporting or verifiable evidence or documentation provided, that the consumer is in for some dramatic gas-savings, ranging from 12 percent to 25 percent or more, for use of the gadget or product. However, the FTC points out that the U.S. federal government's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the principal agency of the Federal Government that conducts just about the most reliable and independent tests of this kind in the automobile industry, has evaluated or tested more than 100 alleged gas-saving devices, and has not found even one product that significantly improves gas mileage. In fact, says the Agency, its evaluation to date has found that some of those purported "gas-saving" products may even damage a car's engine or cause substantial increases in exhaust emissions. Hence, any advertising or sales talk by any company or marketer which claims that its product or devise dramatically improves fuel economy, especially in huge numbers, but without presentation of any independently verifiable evidence or documentation, should immediately set off a warning alarm bell in your head.
2. Has a credible, unbiased, independent testing agency or facility evaluated the product?
Here's another serious warning sign. Generally, if NO formal evaluation has yet been made on an advertised product or gadget by a respectable, credible public agency or independent organization, such as the EPA, the Consumer Reports, the Office of Energy Efficiency of Canada (OEE), or any among the better few independent testing laboratories around America or Canada or Europe, then that's a bad sign, and you better thread very carefully. So, look to see (or ask) whether the product has had an evaluation done by such an agency? And, if it has, find the physical text of the test and the rating results, and physically look yourself to see: what does the verified data actually and specifically say of the product's performance?
3. Claims such as "After installing your product on my car, I got an extra 4 miles [6.4 kilometers] per gallon [3.8 liters]."
Don't just take the word of the supposed "satisfied customers" or others - "testimonials" - in the ads or the infomercials you see. Rather, independently verify them on your own. Or, better still, seek other unbiased, unaffiliated independent expert opinions. Note that, in point of fact, yes, many ads feature glowing testimonials by satisfied customers. But the reality is that very few consumers actually have the ability, the patience, or the right equipment that it requires to be able to test for what, exactly, might have been the precise changes and cause in gas mileage that might have occurred (if any, at all) after a specific 'gas-saying saving product' shall have been installed in a vehicle.
For example, consider the fact that there are simply a lot many variables, and not just one, which affect fuel consumption, and which could, in fact, be the real factor that is responsible for the apparent fuel efficiency improvement or "fuel-savings" you might observe in a given situation - e.g., the traffic, the road and weather conditions, the car's mechanical condition, etc.
Here's one real illustration cited in one EPA report. In one ad for a "gas-saving" product, one consumer was portrayed to have sent a letter to the company that produced the product praising the product and saying that it worked in improving gas mileage. At the time that the product was installed, however, the consumer happened to have also given a complete engine tune-up to his car - a fact that was not mentioned in the advertisement. Yet, the perceived increase in gas mileage which had been completely attributed in the ad to the "gas-saving" product, may well have been the result of that tune-up job alone. But judging just overtly from the ad, other consumers could not have known that FACT at all. All they would have seen (or known) was the "testimonial" by the customer, probably innocently given, purporting that the product performed excellently!
4. Watch for the claim that "This gas-saving device is approved by the Federal government."
Get this FACT straight right now: No government agency whatsoever "approves" or endorses gas-saving gadgets or products for vehicles. The most that can be done by the EPA, which is all that can be accurately claimed by an advertiser, is that the EPA, upon testing that product or evaluating the product manufacturer's own test data on the product, reached certain conclusions about possible gas savings by that product. So, if the seller of a product ever tells you, or claims in an ad or otherwise, that its product has been "approved" or endorsed or recommended by the EPA, you can pretty much conclude outright that it is a lie and an apparent fraud. And, in fact, if he only tells you or claims that the product has been simply devaluated by the EPA, ask for a copy of the EPA report, or, go directly and check the EPA web site at: www.epa.gov for fuller information; verify to make sure as to what the EPA evaluation (if any) actually says. In fact, note that in some instances, false claims of EPA testing or approval have actually been made by some marketers.
To reach the Federal Trade Commission FOR THE CONSUMER: 1-877-FTC-HELP Web site: www.ftc.gov
|
Benji O. Anosike, Ph.D., is an environmentalist and leader in the U.S."drive green" movement, and a best-selling author of over 24 books about self-help and cost-saving consumer techniques. His latest book, "Boost Your Auto Fuel Economy and Cut Your Gas Costs by At Least 50%, Guaranteed," exposes bogus fuel-saving remedies, and explores advanced automotive science that has been tested and proven to increase fuel economy and help motorists save money. For more on the author or his works, or to learn more about his latest book, please visit: http://www.GetAutoFuelSavings.Org
|
Follow "The Phantom Writers" on Twitter
(@phantomwriters)
to be notified when new articles are made available.
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Society Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Benji O. Anosike
Can Debtors Afford Bankruptcy? Finding Low-Cost, Cheap Bankruptcy
Written by: Benji O. Anosike |
Distributed: 2009-07-08 |
Word Count: 1718 |
Page Views: 1460
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 1.93
It seems there is today in these current hard national economic
times, palpably one ominous additional burden for the average
heavily indebted American consumer who, perhaps, sees his or her
only recourse for some relief from his crushing debt as lying in
filing bankruptcy: the cost for bankruptcy, and finding cheap,
low-cost bankruptcy that debtor can afford. This often mean, in
essence, finding pro se or non lawyer bankruptcy alternative. The
bankruptcy lawyers' current fees for bankruptcy are so high
they've been said by one expert to have "priced the average
debtor out of bankruptcy." In deed, according to some bankruptcy
experts, many of whom are themselves bankruptcy lawyers, though a
new record of some 1.1 million debtors filed for bankruptcy in
2008, yet another set of debtors of equal size qualify for and
seek to file for bankruptcy, but can't do so merely for the fact
that they cannot afford to pay the lawyers fees. Consequently,
affordability of bankruptcy cost constitutes the most critical
impediments today to being able to file for bankruptcy for the
average debtor seeking to file bankruptcy.
Federal Jobs Are Plentiful
Written by: Benji O. Anosike |
Distributed: 2009-02-26 |
Word Count: 1351 |
Page Views: 1338
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 3.63
Think there are no job hiring anywhere in america today? Have you
tried to job search in one place? Truth is, there are plenty of
federal jobs with the federal government right now, with even
increased worker hiring scheduled. And here's how and where!
The Many Pay Offs And Benefits To You From Having A Good Auto Fuel Economy
Written by: Benji O. Anosike |
Distributed: 2008-04-08 |
Word Count: 1758 |
Page Views: 1230
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 1.67
Just about everybody and every institution in the society,
including the government of the day, frequently tell us that
having lower prices and costs for fuel would be just about the
most desirable and beneficial thing for the society and for
almost everybody - economically, politically, and militarily.
An Automobile Driver? Several Benefits Why It Pays You Dearly, Any Way, For You To Have A Good Fuel Economy
Written by: Benji O. Anosike |
Distributed: 2008-03-31 |
Word Count: 1757 |
Page Views: 1276
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.50
Following below, are some of the most significant reasons and
benefits, aside from simply the personal economic or financial
benefit accruing to the individual motorist, why it will still
pay you, any way, to have a life of good fuel economy any way,
regardless.
The Top Half Dozen Gas-Saving Myths In Automobile Driving Today
Written by: Benji O. Anosike |
Distributed: 2008-02-25 |
Word Count: 3092 |
Page Views: 5237
| Votes: 21 |
Rating: 3.52
In this article, we shall expose some of the major myths about
automotive fuel economy, and we will dispel those myths at the
same time. Read on as this is interesting stuff.
All of Author's Articles on this site: Benji O. Anosike Articles
Most Recent "Society" Articles
Online Dating Is A Difficult Process That Offers Some Rewards
Written by: Lance Metzger |
Distributed: 2012-05-22 |
Word Count: 834 |
Page Views: 1174
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 3.00
Online dating can be rewarding to those who have the patience and
the knowledge of what to expect during the process. This article
explains the common process experienced by most internet dating
website users.
How Dating Has Changed In The 21st Century
Written by: Lance Metzger |
Distributed: 2012-05-15 |
Word Count: 974 |
Page Views: 4967
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.00
With an article title like this, one might assume that I am ready
to tell you some extraordinary news about a new dating
environment. Sure, the Internet has introduced one more way for
people to meet, but does that actually change the dating scene?
When Commitment Seems A Bit Too Much Trouble
Written by: Lance Metzger |
Distributed: 2012-05-10 |
Word Count: 986 |
Page Views: 524
The nuclear family (man and wife, plus 2.2 kids) is a
fantasy that some people want to chase, and while there is
nothing wrong with that, it is not the right relationship
dynamic for some people.
Jesus, Son of God and Son of Man
Written by: Arthur Trafford |
Distributed: 2011-12-12 |
Word Count: 991 |
Page Views: 270
In 1st John 5:5 we are told that “Jesus is the Son of God”. What
motivated Jesus to refer to Himself as “Son of man”?
The Online Dating Double Standard: How Fear Can Prevent Dating Success
Written by: Lance Metzger |
Distributed: 2011-08-23 |
Word Count: 958 |
Page Views: 1395
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 3.00
Many people go online in search of their elusive soul mate, only
to find all of the wrong people on the other end of the meeting.
Many women think that they are alone in this outcome, but it
happens to guys too.
3 Tips For Building Relationships That Last
Written by: Clarence Lee |
Distributed: 2011-07-21 |
Word Count: 754 |
Page Views: 378
You know, to hear people talk about the difficulties of the
dating process, you would think it is impossible for two
people to come together in a mutually beneficial
relationship... But the problems of any relationship can be
narrowed down to three very important and relevant words...
The Drama of the Dating Game
Written by: Clarence Lee |
Distributed: 2011-07-20 |
Word Count: 620 |
Page Views: 372
Dating is tough. You spend time getting to know someone and
deciding whether the two of you are compatible. Then you
work your way up to the big question, "Will you go out with
me?" Then you sweat the answer... Will he/she say yes?
3 Courses of Action For an Unhappy Relationship
Written by: Tony G. Mann |
Distributed: 2010-04-20 |
Word Count: 354 |
Page Views: 1024
The reality is that if you are actively dating, you're
going to probably end up in an unhappy relationship
eventually. For some people, they may have to go through
several bad relationships before finding the right one. If
you are facing an unhappy relationship, then there are three
courses of action you can take:
Relationship Questions: What Men Want and What Women Need
Written by: Bob Grant |
Distributed: 2010-03-15 |
Word Count: 737 |
Page Views: 2565
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.86
What men want is to be trusted and what women want is to
trust them. A fundamental, physical difference in the sexes
lies at the heart of these core relationship questions. By
simply doing what they say they will do, men have the power
to create stronger, better relationships.
Cheap Tattoos Cheapen The Tattooing Experience
Written by: Bree Levine |
Distributed: 2010-03-04 |
Word Count: 603 |
Page Views: 886
Many of my girlfriends have "girl nights" around getting
tattoos, as if it were as casual as getting a haircut or a
manicure. The casual attitude toward tattoos bothers me for
two reasons; there is the age old argument that tattoos are
permanent and not a decision to make lightly. The other
argument I have against tattoos is that getting a tattoo on
a whim significantly cheapens the tattoos that others have
for cultural reasons or to commemorate a major life event.
Most Viewed "Society" Articles
Creative Flower Card Messages Worthy Of Harry Potter Author J.K. Rowling
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-01-30 |
Word Count: 512 |
Page Views: 46240
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 1.79
As much as we might like to be, we're not all talented writers
like the best-selling author of the Harry Potter books series,
J.K. Rowling. Those of us who aren't skilled writers (and
probably some who are!) sometimes struggle with finding the right
words to say.
Las Vegas Weddings: Pros and Cons of Getting Married in Las Vegas
Written by: Sharmila Pundit |
Distributed: 2006-09-01 |
Word Count: 487 |
Page Views: 26324
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.50
For some people a Vegas wedding is an original and romantic thing
to do and for some it is a sleazy way to tie the knot. Is getting
married in Las Vegas a good idea? Read all about it and decide
for yourself.
Single? Here's the Ultimate Date Idea
Written by: Jason OConnor |
Distributed: 2006-05-19 |
Word Count: 1194 |
Page Views: 18989
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 2.50
If you're a regular guy, the kind who loves sports and hates the
opera for instance, then here's an awesome date idea I bet you've
never really considered before: taking a woman to a Broadway
production, even if you don't live in New York City. You can
find professional Broadway productions in most major North
American cities.
How to Play Santa Claus for Children--A Short Guide
Written by: Victoria McCraw |
Distributed: 2006-11-14 |
Word Count: 419 |
Page Views: 15826
| Votes: 106 |
Rating: 2.36
Playing Santa Claus for children, whether as a semi professional
shopping mall Santa, a charity Santa who works to cheer up less
fortunate children, or even as the resident Santa at social and
family gatherings, is a heartwarming and important job. Nothing
can quite compare with the smile on a child's face when he or
she discovers that Santa is in the room.
Petit Larceny: Not Always Petty
Written by: Warren Redlich |
Distributed: 2008-10-02 |
Word Count: 749 |
Page Views: 15184
| Votes: 24 |
Rating: 3.46
Petit Larceny, sometimes referred to as Petty Larceny, is defined
in New York State as a theft of property valued at less than
$1000. In contrast, Grand Larceny is a theft of property at least
$1000 in value.
Attract Beautiful, Sexy Women With Bad Boy Attitude But A Nice Guy Style
Written by: Ken Oboh |
Distributed: 2006-06-06 |
Word Count: 589 |
Page Views: 9068
| Votes: 68 |
Rating: 1.65
The bad boy naturally attracts and seduces women...but you can
just as easily succeed with women as a nice guy by applying
the same secret techniques.
How to Contact Your Ex When They Continue to Ignore You
Written by: James Kern |
Distributed: 2009-07-28 |
Word Count: 752 |
Page Views: 8791
| Votes: 25 |
Rating: 2.36
She just wont return your calls, or give you the time of day
and listen. You're smitten. You want nothing more than to
talk with this woman and tell her how you're feeling, but
you keep getting bumped to voicemail. Your texts vanish into
a void and are never returned. Your emails go unread.
What's a guy to do?
Feet, Personality Theory, Dating and Relationships
Written by: Mr L.Rx |
Distributed: 2007-08-29 |
Word Count: 2583 |
Page Views: 8119
| Votes: 43 |
Rating: 3.49
In this article Mr. L. Rx describes an 80-90 percent correlation
between personality type and the angle between ones feet, and
tells how it can be applied to dating and relating.
The Top Half Dozen Gas-Saving Myths In Automobile Driving Today
Written by: Benji O. Anosike |
Distributed: 2008-02-25 |
Word Count: 3092 |
Page Views: 5237
| Votes: 21 |
Rating: 3.52
In this article, we shall expose some of the major myths about
automotive fuel economy, and we will dispel those myths at the
same time. Read on as this is interesting stuff.
How Dating Has Changed In The 21st Century
Written by: Lance Metzger |
Distributed: 2012-05-15 |
Word Count: 974 |
Page Views: 4967
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.00
With an article title like this, one might assume that I am ready
to tell you some extraordinary news about a new dating
environment. Sure, the Internet has introduced one more way for
people to meet, but does that actually change the dating scene?
Highest Ranked "Society" Articles
ABCs Desperate Housewives and the Suddenly Famous Pink Blanket
Written by: Scott Corbett |
Distributed: 2006-05-25 |
Word Count: 580 |
Page Views: 2116
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 4.00
Ever since Cary Grant rattled the men's t-shirt industry by
famously appearing without one and causing a decline in retail
sales of undershirts, television and movie stars have been
changing the tastes of the American consumer.
Embracing the Recession
Written by: Heather Villa, CMA, MBA, MSM |
Distributed: 2008-11-25 |
Word Count: 682 |
Page Views: 1052
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.00
We live in uncertain economic times. Every time we turn on the
news we hear of another company that is going under or another
company that is laying off thousands of its workforce or another
company that has had to respond to a lack of shareholder
confidence with kneejerk reactions. People just don't want to
watch the news anymore!
First Date Magic for Women
Written by: Bob Grant |
Distributed: 2006-08-29 |
Word Count: 362 |
Page Views: 2442
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 3.91
As a relationship coach, I am frequently giving Relationship
Advice to single women regarding men and dating. At least once a
month one of my clients comes into my office upset about how her
date went the previous weekend. Either she feels she did
something wrong or worries that the guy didn't seem to be too
interested in her...
Relationship Questions: What Men Want and What Women Need
Written by: Bob Grant |
Distributed: 2010-03-15 |
Word Count: 737 |
Page Views: 2565
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.86
What men want is to be trusted and what women want is to
trust them. A fundamental, physical difference in the sexes
lies at the heart of these core relationship questions. By
simply doing what they say they will do, men have the power
to create stronger, better relationships.
Would You Like To Know How To Pick Up Women In Bars And Clubs?
Written by: Mr L.Rx |
Distributed: 2007-03-23 |
Word Count: 885 |
Page Views: 4091
| Votes: 32 |
Rating: 3.69
The first technique is explained in this first article of a three
part series describing techniques that you can use to pick up
women in bars and clubs.
The Specter of America's Coming Economic Disaster - Congress Continues on Its Path of Fiscal Irresponsibility
Written by: Bill Garrett |
Distributed: 2008-03-11 |
Word Count: 1405 |
Page Views: 1106
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 3.60
As a financial planner I deal with cash flow issues daily.
Perhaps that's why I have become increasingly disturbed by
Washington's irresponsibility when it comes to its budget.
Admittedly, I am not an expert on the national budget so this
paper will rely heavily on what the experts say. However I
believe I know a little about smart money management and what my
research has revealed is sobering.
The Top Half Dozen Gas-Saving Myths In Automobile Driving Today
Written by: Benji O. Anosike |
Distributed: 2008-02-25 |
Word Count: 3092 |
Page Views: 5237
| Votes: 21 |
Rating: 3.52
In this article, we shall expose some of the major myths about
automotive fuel economy, and we will dispel those myths at the
same time. Read on as this is interesting stuff.
Loneliness
Written by: Joyce C. Lock |
Distributed: 2007-02-02 |
Word Count: 357 |
Page Views: 1652
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.50
Loneliness is all around us.
Feet, Personality Theory, Dating and Relationships
Written by: Mr L.Rx |
Distributed: 2007-08-29 |
Word Count: 2583 |
Page Views: 8119
| Votes: 43 |
Rating: 3.49
In this article Mr. L. Rx describes an 80-90 percent correlation
between personality type and the angle between ones feet, and
tells how it can be applied to dating and relating.
Petit Larceny: Not Always Petty
Written by: Warren Redlich |
Distributed: 2008-10-02 |
Word Count: 749 |
Page Views: 15184
| Votes: 24 |
Rating: 3.46
Petit Larceny, sometimes referred to as Petty Larceny, is defined
in New York State as a theft of property valued at less than
$1000. In contrast, Grand Larceny is a theft of property at least
$1000 in value.
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|
This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 1227
Total Views: 1219
Views This Month: 15
Views Last Month: 24
Article Rating: 0.00 of 5
Votes Cast: 2
Author Overall Stats:
Times Viewed Overall: 8962
Author Rating: 2.82 of 5
Votes Cast Overall: 57
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Article Title Search:
Widow Search
Right Blinker
Google
Yahoo!
Zuula
Bing
Cuil
Last Distribution Date:
2008-03-06 06:12:00
|
|
|
Home
for Writers
for Publishers
Article Directory
Article Search
Contact
Get RSS Feed
