Unscrupulous online offers lure customers with false promises
During the current heat waves, numerous online shops are advertising supposedly mini air conditioners that cool rooms down within seconds while being particularly energy-efficient. The Hessian Consumer Center warns against these offers, which often rely on misleading advertising, fake test reports, and inflated prices.
Expensive devices with low cooling capacity
Devices advertised as "Cooler" or "Breeze" often cost between 60 and 140 euros online, even though comparable products cost only a few euros wholesale. According to consumer protection agencies, these devices are technically just fans or evaporative coolers. They do not replace a real air conditioner because they lack the necessary technology for heat dissipation.
Many buyers also report long delivery times, problems with cancellations, or missing deliveries.
Warning signs when buying online
Consumers should be especially suspicious if exceptional cooling performance, revolutionary technologies, or extremely high discounts are promised. Missing supplier information, artificial time pressure, or unverifiable customer reviews are also indicators of dubious offers.
Those who have already ordered online can usually cancel their purchase within 14 days of receiving the goods. Consumer protection agencies also recommend carefully checking vendors and, whenever possible, using payment methods that offer buyer protection.
Further information and the fake shop finder can be found on the website of the Hessian Consumer Center:
www.verbraucherzentrale-hessen.de
(Darmstadt – RED / PM / Consumer Advice Center Hesse eV)
