Whack up the thermostat. The energy crisis is over thanks to a device that can slash home electricity bills by 90%.
Or not.
Claims made for this gadget that’s being pushed online are a load of hot air designed to rip-off people worried about escalating fuel costs.
This sham has gone by a variety of names including Motex, Voltex and Voltbox.
According to its adverts, it can cut a £251 monthly bill to a mere £15, and help your electrical appliances last longer.
Installation is easy – you just plug the little box into a socket and the LEDs light up to show it’s working.
One of them costs £59, with two or three recommended if you live in a big house.
“Within a few days, it will begin to make efficient use of your energy while allowing you to reap the rewards of a more robust household appliance life-cycle,” it claims.
“In just a short time, you will have made your money back on your initial purchase.”
How does it work its magic?
“Appliances always draw more power than they need to run due to inefficiencies and noise on the sine wave.
“Motex reduces this noise therefore decreases the amount of electricity wasted.”
You don’t need to be an electrical expert to suspect that this is a pseudo-scientific guff. Common sense alone suggests that if this thing worked then the Government would be promoting it and solving the energy crisis at a stroke.
The scammers’ website insists this is not happening because of a conspiracy by energy companies to keep bills high.
“Motex is your power company’s worst nightmare,” it claims.
“They have been trying to hide Motex from the everyday consumer and have even banned it in retail shops.
“However, thanks to the internet, the secret is out, and everyday people are now reaping the rewards.”
Supposed customers have posted positive testimonials on its website, though reviews on Trustpilot tell a different story, one reading: “I bought three of these and my power bill went UP!!! The LED lights must draw power.”
The inventors of this “miracle” are said to be three Germans entrepreneurs, but the picture used is a stock image from online photo supplier shutterstock.com.
The picture of one supposed happy customer is just as fake, it’s being lifted from a New Zealand newspaper story about an elderly woman angry about a huge electricity bill.
To really cut your bills, Dr Charlie Wilson of the Environmental Change Institute at Oxford University advises proven methods such as home insulation and smart thermostats, avoiding heating or lighting unoccupied rooms, and don’t leave appliances on standby.
“Any new miracle cure should be treated with deep scepticism,” he said. “There are many supposed solutions out there that promise dramatic cuts in energy bills.
“Assume these fall into the category of science fiction or snake oil – unless and until they have been independently verified.
"The Motex/Voltex device falls in this category. Its website promises 'The Most Innovative Electricity Management Device on the Planet'. It is not."
According to the website, this junk is promoted by UAB Commerce Core, a media company in Lithuania.
Founded by Oskaras Brazaitis, it calls itself a “dynamic, hardworking gang that loves selling cool stuff”.
Mr Brazaitis has not responded to my questions.
Previous “cool stuff” promoted by his gang includes a fitness tracking watch.
“£49 Watch Can Save Your Life,” YouTube adverts claimed.
Angry reviewers complained that it didn’t work and t he Advertising Standards Authority investigated after being told that customers received a cheap substitute for the Apple watch that had been pictured.
The watchdog banned the adverts and had no more luck than me in getting a response from UAB Commerce Core.
investigate@mirror.co.uk
