Cars and some other vehicles have ODB2 ports – that is a slot to plug in diagnostic equipment so a garage mechanic can access the data stored in the car’s computer control systems and pick up any warnings etc.

Modern cars need to be tuned to provide optimum performance, fuel efficiency and so on and this is done by the manufacturer before sale. They know best as they are the ones who designed and built the car.

However, scammers have for some years been offering magical devices that you plug into the ODB2 ports and they somehow reprogramme the vehicle to be both faster and more fuel efficient which is obviously impossible.

The scammers claim that the device assesses your car then reprogramme it and the flashing lights on the device show it is working. They claim you can save 35% on your fuel costs within days.

Experts who have purchased and dismantled these devices say (and show on video clips) that the devices typically are just a set of flashing lights – they are incapable of reprogramming your car or making improvements in any way.

Don’t waste your money on this kind of rubbish.

If you have any experiences with these scams do let me know, by email.