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www.teamtmlc.myffi.biz
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A company is doing business as incrediblefuelsavings.com, mpgfreedom.com, Fuel Freedom International, etc. and markets a product called MPG-Caps. http://www.chiefengin... MPG-Caps, a new product that is being marketed by Fuel Freedom International, a marketing company located in Virginia, or Florida, or Arizona, or, well, frankly we could never really pin down where they were from. We did a lot of searching to learn about the company and the product and we only learned that they seem to be connected with at least a half-dozen other companies or company names out there. Fuel Freedom is actually marketing distributors for the MPG-Caps that, according to an advertisement of theirs sent by spammed fax, will save you 20 to 30 percent at the pump and "knock out 90% of the pollution on the planet".
Wow! Apparently we can end global warming and still keep our Hummers!
MPG-Caps are designed to retail for around $20 for a package of 10 capsules. According to instructions, you initially add 2 capsules to your gas tank and then 1 capsule each time you fill your tank.
ABC television got interested in this product and apparently tried to find out more. AAA, the automotive association actually put the product to test and found that when following the manufacturers instructions, there was no measurable increase in gasoline mileage in their test vehicle. The MPG-Caps advertising make a point of stating they are "EPA Tested and Registered". For a lot of people they might think that this means the EPA endorses this product. They might think that the product was tested to prove it worked in saving consumers at the gas pump. In fact, all gasoline additives must be tested and registered with the EPA, but only to ascertain that they will not add to pollution coming from vehicles or damage pollution control devices. EPA does not "certify" or "endorse" any products from any manufacturers. http://www.ftc.gov/bc..."Gas-Saving" Products: Fact or Fuelishness?
Gas prices are up, and so is the volume of advertising for "gas-saving" products. When gasoline prices rise, consumers often look for ways to improve fuel efficiency. Although there are practical steps you can take to increase gas mileage, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns you to be wary of any gas-saving claims for automotive devices or oil and gas additives. Even for the few gas-saving products that have been found to work, the savings have been small.
"Gas-Saving" Advertising Claims
Be skeptical of the following kinds of advertising claims.
- "This gas-saving product improves fuel economy by 20 percent."
Claims usually tout savings ranging from 12 to 25 percent. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has evaluated or tested more than 100 alleged gas-saving devices and has not found any product that significantly improves gas mileage. In fact, some "gas-saving" products may damage a car's engine or cause substantial increases in exhaust emissions.
The gas-saving products on the market fall into clearly defined categories. Although the EPA has not tested or evaluated every product, it has tried to examine at least one product in each category. See "Devices Tested by EPA" at the end of this brochure for category descriptions and product names.
- "After installing your product on my car, I got an extra 4 miles [6.4 kilometers] per gallon [3.8 liters]."
Many ads feature glowing testimonials by satisfied customers. Yet, few consumers have the ability or the equipment to test for precise changes in gas mileage after installing a gas-saving product. Many variables affect fuel consumption, including traffic, road and weather conditions, and the car's condition.
For example, one consumer sent a letter to a company praising its "gas-saving" product. At the time the product was installed, however, the consumer also had received a complete engine tune-up - a fact not mentioned in the letter. The entire increase in gas mileage attributed to the "gas-saving" product may well have been the result of the tune-up alone. But from the ad, other consumers could not have known that.
- "This gas-saving device is approved by the Federal government."
No government agency endorses gas-saving products for cars. The most that can be claimed in advertising is that the EPA has reached certain conclusions about possible gas savings by testing the product or by evaluating the manufacturer's own test data. If the seller claims that its product has been evaluated by the EPA, ask for a copy of the EPA report, or check www.epa.gov for information. In some instances, false claims of EPA testing or approval have been made.
Fuel Freedom International under investigation by the Attorney General of Florida: Subject of investigation: Fuel Freedom International, LLC and David Matichak, Resident Agent
Subject's address: 650 Douglas Avenue, Suite 1040 Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
Subject's business: Multilevel marketing
Allegation or issue being investigated:
Unfair/deceptive business practices in the sale of product that purports to make gasoline burn with greater efficiency without independent scientific testing to substantiate claim. Further, product is sold/distributed by means of multi-level marketing whereby the compensation is not based primarily on volume of bona fide sales. Possible violations of Florida Unfair or Deceptive Trade Practices Act, F.S. 501.201. et. seq., production and/or soliciting on behalf of a chain letter or pyramid club (F.S. 849.091).
AG unit handling case: Economic Crimes Division in Orlando, Florida
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