DA Looks for 'Victims' Allegedly Defrauded by Newport Coast Man's Business

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office asked for the public’s help today tracking down “victims” of an Irvine company’s “bogus” auto-performance device, but an attorney for the business “vehemently” denied the allegations.

The District Attorney’s Office filed civil consumer protection complaint in October against Gold Star Auto Sound, Inc. The office issued a news release today outlining its allegations against the company.

“We vehemently deny all the allegations,” Gold Star attorney Ali Mirhosseini said. “As a matter of fact, we have retained top experts in the country who have tested our product and they have provided reports of the accuracy of the product. We expect to prevail on the merits.”

Prosecutors are taking aim at the company’s GFORCE CHIPS, alleging Gold Star is selling a product nationally that helps autos improve acceleration and fuel economy. They allege in the unlawful business practices claim that the product, which sells for $69, comes with a circuit board that has no software.

Prosecutors started investigating when they received numerous consumer complaints.

The company is owned by Ravi Ghataode, who was sued for unlawful business practices and false advertising by the District Attorney’s Office in 2011. Ghataode settled the claim for $200,000, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Anyone who has bought the product was asked to call a consumer fraud hotline at (714) 834-6553.

• City News Service
• Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons