Company Promising Free Gas Scams Consumers

CLEVELAND -- A company that promises free gas is scamming consumers, and is now targeting Cleveland-area residents, reported NewsChannel5 Troubleshooter Chris Caswell.

High gas prices have many people looking for ways to save money at the pump, and a local woman thought she found a deal through a phone call.

The woman, named Monika, said the company made her an offer she couldn't refuse: it offered free gasoline for two years.

The company that called her was U-Talk. It is linked with several companies under different names, all based out of Las Vegas.

"This company, U-Talk, is calling into Cleveland," said David Weiss, of the Better Business Bureau. "It's probably been calling into consumers all over the country offering free gas, free cable, free long distance service for a one time charge of just over a dollar."

"They told me they were going to take $1.99 out of my account if I didn't want them, and then later on I would have more taken out if I did want them," said Monika. "Well, they never took the $1.99 out but they did take almost $500 out of my account."

After requesting a refund for five months, she received a check. Then it bounced, and she is still without her money.

The BBB wants to warn others about this company and others like it.

"Don't give your credit card number out under these circumstances ever, because it's almost certain unauthorized charges are probably the best outcome," said Weiss. "The worst outcome is that people will steal your credit card number and charging up a storm all across the country."

U-Talk operates under at least seven different names, including Continuity Partners, in 10 states nationwide.

The attorney general of Oregon recently filed a settlement agreement with the company requiring it to pay residents back.

If you have a complaint on this company, call the Ohio Attorney General's office at (800) 282-0515.