Energy Scammers after Your "Green" Says Apto Solutions

ATLANTA, GA (August 26, 2008) – Con artists selling energy saving devices and services are turning up the heat to persuade consumers to buy into their gadget bag of hot air says Atlanta's Apto Solutions.

As consumers seek ways to save on their overall energy bills and conserve energy, scam artists are prowling the Internet, airwaves and print ads trying to convince home owners that they can save big money on energy bills cautions officials at the Atlanta-based firm that specializes in environmental IT asset recovery.

"These bunko artists are peddling phony products that range from bogus synthetic fuel company stocks to misleading claims for voltage surge suppressors, says Jeff Clark, vice president Apto Solutions.

Even legitimate companies are selling big energy savings….but at very big prices. For example, legitimate home improvement firms can indeed save home owners money in terms of conserving energy. Clark says the pay back on many of these could take 20 years or more.

"If consumers really want to save money on cooling and heating costs, then they should figure the pay back each year then decide if they think it is worth the money," he suggests.

According to Clark the easiest way to save is to simply turn down the thermostat a few degrees and turn off appliances, lights and other devices not in use.

The Federal Trade Commission has issued warning letters to a variety of companies it claims were deceiving the public with misleading Internet ads. These range from marketers of automotive contraptions and additives to purported energy-savings devices for the home including one selling a "liquid siding" that alleged it was equivalent to seven inches of fiberglass batting insulation and could save up to 40 percent on utility bills. Others were for automotive additives and devices, some claiming to increase gas mileage up to 300 percent. And while surge protectors can protect products from power surges, the Commission challenged claims that they provided any significant energy savings.

"Investors on the lookout for stock market bargains should be very cautious of energy stock tips that usually come pouring in on faxes, emails, or phone calls," advises Clark. "Global warming scenarios, rising gasoline and fuel oil prices, and instability in the Middle East-have sparked investor interest in energy and alternative energy stocks. But these same factors have fueled a rash of energy-related stock scams.

"Those that claim to provide high returns for little risk are usually hyperbole and misrepresentations. Their goal is to pump the stock price up, not to make the consumer money. The con men then dump their shares leaving the certificate holder with a worthless piece of paper."

Clark says that obvious home owner tips for reducing energy bills include: cleaning the furnace and changing its air filters regularly; sealing windows and doors with caulking and weather strips; installing a programmable thermostat; insulating the water heater; using dish washers and washing machines only with full loads, turn off computers not in use; and using fluorescent light bulbs instead of incandescent ones.

Consumers can access the Energy Wizard at www.EnergyWizard.info to read about a range of topics from conservation and new technologies to generators and tax incentives; ask energy related questions; or read the latest Energy Wizard columns.

Apto Solutions is an Ecotech Strategy company based out of Atlanta, Ga. Apto Solutions is a world leader in green IT asset recovery solutions and the resuse/recycle/remarketing of strategic assets. www.aptosolutions.com