The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning people about a company, it says, is involved in deceptive advertising. There's a company that advertises "free heaters" for people who order within 48 hours. But the BBB says you may just end up frustrated and disappointed if you try to order one.
The company behind the ad, Heat Surge LLC of Canton, Ohio, has generated hundreds of complaints. The ad, which ran earlier this week in the Buffalo News states: "Miracle convecta-red heaters are being given away free to the first 17,247 readers who beat the order deadline…." It's also been posted in Newsweek, USA Weekend, bee publications, and on television.
But the BBB says not so fast. "The free claims for the product in the ad are false," said David Polino, Better Business Bureau President. "The company also states a time sensitive deadline that adds pressure for individuals to act, an action that many consumers have told BBB they regret."
According to the BBB, Heat Surge is hoping to cash in on the fact that winter has arrived. The BBB has already received complaints regarding service, advertising and product issues. Some consumers say when they called for their free heater, they were shocked to find themselves caught up in a sales pitch about materials for the heater case. They ended up being charged about $300 to $400.
The BBB says the word "free" can only be used in advertising when the advertiser is offering an unconditional gift. If there is a cost to receive the free gift, the advertiser must clearly and conspicuously disclose the conditions.
Read the BBB's code of advertising.
Back in July, the BBB issued an alert regarding deceptive advertising and an offer for "free air cooling units" from Fridge Electric, also operating from Canton, Ohio.
"Seasonal products and our four seasons present different selling cycles for a variety of products. Now that the holiday season is upon us, consumers need to protect their wallet and keep a keen eye on deceptive or misleading advertising claims," Polino said.
The BBB says many complaints were about misleading information, sales issues and product performance. "The BBB frowns on deceptive advertising tactics," Polino added. "When free become a fee, there's something fishy going on and something consumers will want to think through - or risk paying in frustration and possibly more cash later."
If you have an advertising claim that you'd like the BBB to review, you can send it to info@upstatenybbb.org.
