Air conditioners presented as “revolutionary”, easy to install, and supposed to offer exceptional performance have been invading the Internet since the beginning of summer. These are simply scams. Either the device does not produce cold, or it is never delivered. There are several clues to spot this scam.
France has known one heatwave episode particularly trying. Some regions also continue to record high temperatures, well above 30 degrees. The coming days promise to be hot once again, and everyone is trying to prepare as best you can. The problem: air conditioners and fans are in rupture de stock almost everywhere. You may have seen these images of people fighting in stores to try to get their hands on one of the last remaining air conditioners. The situation is tense to say the least, and some scammers are playing precisely on the despair of some to achieve their ends.
Heat wave: fake air conditioners abound on the Internet
Air conditioners without drain pipes nor outdoor unit, that is to say easy to install, for a few tens of euros? In this hot period, such products are a dream come true, but they are simply scams. These fraudulent sites, which sell so-called “revolutionary” air conditioners, use names like Epicooler, AiraBreeze, Coolizi, Breezo, CollingAce and Jiuberry.
But how can we be sure that it isscams ? First of all, the performance promises are unrealistic. Indeed, some of these fraudulent advertisements claim that a small device weighing 2 kg is capable of refreshing several tens of square meters in one minute. It’s simply impossible. Afterwards, discounts 30%, 50%, even 75% put forward should ring a bell. In a context of widespread stock shortages, such promotions are not very credible.
Then, you simply have to browse these sites carefully to realize that they are fraudulent. Some of them present themselves as French, but their “About” section says they are based on, e.g. in Lithuania. We also find several fake infomercials. One of them, for example, reports a plot by giants in the air conditioning sector who wanted to hide a revolutionary air conditioner designed by an engineer from Marseille. Note also that these sites sometimes change their name when they become too well known and are adapted to target different European countries.
Unsurprisingly, we find fake reviewsbut you only need to take a look at the Trustpilot site to read real reviews and realize that they are scams. Some people explain that never received the so-called air conditioner, several weeks after it was ordered.
Others have received it, but report a device that does not work: “ I ordered and received an Epicooler device. It does not cool at all and I wanted a return with a refund, but no response to my numerous emails “. Another Trustpilot user explains: “ The devices are noisy. Installed in a small room, they do not produce any cold. The propelled air is very localized. It is significantly less efficient than a fan which costs much less “. Yet another goes straight to the point: “ Cold question, it’s zero, it’s a common fan “. Also note that some Trustpilot users claim to have been charged several timeswithout the possibility of being reimbursed, despite complaint emails sent.
In summary, victims either never receive their order or they end up with an evaporative air cooler that does not work. We are therefore a long way from the promised “revolutionary” air conditioner.
What to do if you have fallen into the trap?
As Signal Arnaque reminds us, there is a right to chargebackthat is to say the possibility of disputing a bank card transaction and obtaining a refund. From the moment the card was debited, you have 120 days to make a request. The admissible reasons include in particular the non-receipt of the product as well as the delivery of an item not corresponding to its description.
In addition, when the seller is established within the European Union, European regulations provide additional protection to consumers. Note, however, that it is necessary to constitute a relatively solid case. In any case, if you plan to buy an air conditioner or a fan, you should always make sure to go through a trusted retailer. Also be careful of poor quality devices resold at exorbitant prices on second-hand platforms.
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Source :
Signal Scam
