I-Team investigates bogus gas deal

(WWLP) - The promise of free gas enticed some drivers to buy a new vehicle. When they never saw a drop of gas, they contacted the 22News I-Team.

Thousands of people across the country jumped on the free gas giveaway, but few drivers ever received free fuel.

Tom Sattal was on the fence about buying a new Jeep for his wife, until the salesman made him an offer he couldn't refuse.

"We were just about to walk away and then they offered the gas coupon. That definitely pushed us, especially when gas prices were so high,” he said.

Months later, all the Sattals have are gas receipts totaling nearly $1,000. They say Tidewater Marketing Global Consultants, based out of Florida, is not upholding their end of the deal.

"We registered online and followed their instructions and we have not heard anything back. We tried to contact them again but the website was no longer up,” Sattal said.

The Better Business Bureau has received about 3,000 complaints about Tidewater and Florida's Attorney General shut the business down.

The BBB calls it a complex scheme gone bad -- the marketing company sold businesses a service they could not follow through on.

Vicky Gonalez, the manager at Bertera, told the 22news they also feel victimized as well by TideWater. They are trying to keep their customers happy by offering them some free services, such as a free car detail.

If you signed up for free fuel from Tidewater Marketing Global Consultants , click here to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.