Air con cons

Soaring temperatures have seen many of us looking for ways to keep ourselves and our homes cool. Scammers are exploiting this by posting targeted online ads promoting low-cost air conditioners. 

These adverts, often seen on social media, claim to sell air conditioners using "NASA-inspired technology" that can cool a room within seconds. 

Buyers have received cheap fans, basic air coolers, 3D-printed miniatures, or nothing at all. Genuine air conditioners require an exhaust hose to carry hot air outside. If product photos and descriptions do not mention one, it is not genuine. 

Scams can also arrive via email, with links designed to steal personal information. Criminals are also posing as installers, offering quick, low-cost installations and demanding payment upfront before disappearing. 

Top tips for spotting scams 

• Look out for AI-generated images and videos 
• Check on-site reviews for identical or very similar wording posted under different names, over-the-top language, or claims of dramatic results 
• Be wary of products described as industry breakthroughs, secret inventions, or products that large companies supposedly do not want you to know about 
• Watch for inconsistent branding, spelling mistakes, and poor grammar. 

Check if a website is genuine 

• Search for the retailer website yourself rather than following links in adverts or emails. 
• Check that the URL matches the brand or seller 
• Use https://who.is/ to see how long a website has existed - well-established sites are much more likely to be secure   
• Check the sender's email address and ensure it matches the website domain 
• Look for independent reviews 
• Verify the seller by checking for a VAT number, privacy policy, company address and contact details. 

Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. 

People affected by phishing scams can report them to the National Cyber Security Centre and/or report it to Action Fraud. 

Concerning adverts can be reported to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).