Scam sells fake “air conditioners” across Europe, duping consumers

During a heat wave, social‑media ads promoted revolutionary air‑conditioning devices from brands such as Epicooler, Coolizy, Breezo, Cooling Ace and FreshOne. In reality, the products were wall‑mounted heaters, noisy fans or simple evaporative air‑coolers that did not lower temperature. Advertisements used dark‑pattern tactics and AI‑generated stories, promising fast cooling with no electricity and offering steep discounts.

Victims in the United Kingdom and France reported receiving mismatched goods, repeated bank charges, or no deliveries at all. French consumer watchdog Que Choisir tested the FreshOne model and found it to be an overpriced air‑humidifier rather than a true air conditioner. The investigation also revealed that the items were shipped from factories and warehouses in China, while the marketing sites claimed a French engineering origin. Over 30 consumer complaints were logged in France, and similar reports emerged in the UK.

Authorities advise shoppers to verify product claims, monitor bank statements for unauthorized debits and contest fraudulent charges within 120 days.