Fake portable air‑conditioner scams target consumers

As heat waves intensify, online ads promote “portable air‑conditioners” that claim to cool entire rooms instantly, use NASA‑derived technology and consume minimal electricity. The advertised devices, priced between €50 and €150, are in fact small fans or mini‑evaporative coolers that can only provide a localized breeze. Consumer watchdogs in Germany and the United Kingdom have warned that the products are deceptive. The German consumer association Minikama notes that many listings lack technical specifications, use fabricated engineer names, and display AI‑generated promotional videos. The UK Advertising Standards Authority has issued an alert that such products are “too good to be true.” Both agencies advise shoppers to verify the seller’s contact details, look for a genuine business address, and be wary of unrealistic cooling claims, missing exhaust hoses, and vague test data. The scams exploit the public’s desire for quick, inexpensive relief from high temperatures.