Avoid Facebook Fuel Filter Advertisements – They are Scams!
If you’ve been on Facebook for a while, you must already be familiar with their strict censorship policy. They are particularly aggressive regarding posts advancing the sale of firearms and are quick to take them down from their platform. They even censor firearm reviews by classifying them as firearm purchase promotions. Based on this, it comes as a bit of a shock that Facebook has lately allowed posts advertising dubious sales of “fuel filters.” You will end up with a Chinese solvent trap, that is potentially a clone of an Armory Den or other reputable solvent trap company item. Worst case scenario, you will end up with a fuel filter that is on the Feds radar and if you fall prey to these scams and order from a shady company, expect a knock on the door by a division of Uncle Sam’s DOJ Army (ATF).
More interestingly, they keep placing these ads into firearm owners’ feeds. This makes purchasing them even more risky for anyone looking to purchase only legitimate items. Some of these posters are not even sending the items and completely scamming people, which honestly that’s probably the best outcome considering the potential illegal nature of the items in question. There is nothing wrong with purchasing fuel filters if that is what they are. Even if you are convinced that they are indeed what they claim to be, your friends at the ATF are of a different opinion though, which does not mean they are correct. The safest bet is to simply steer clear of Facebook Fuel Filter Advertisements and go with a reputable solvent trap company for your firearm cleaning needs!
What is Happening on Facebook?
This article is very relevant to what is happening in our current digital e- environment, especially since big-tech firms have taken up an anti-firearm stance and are constantly raging against individuals who have a different view. Scrolling through your feed, you are likely to come across these “fuel filters” adverts on one or more occasions. And unless you have absolutely no knowledge of the world of firearms, you can quickly tell that they could be used to conceal the muzzle flash of a firearm.
Usually, the only thing missing is a hole that can easily be drilled in the middle. The best thing to do as a responsible firearm holder would be to report the ads to Facebook and move on. Unfortunately, some users have come out to say that their response was dismissive, contrary to expectations. A quick internet search on some of these “fuel filters” sellers might bring up an address registered to several businesses.
In addition to the dubious advertisements, you would think it is sufficient to have the sellers reprimanded. However, by the look of things, the platform is wittingly and consciously allowing parties to sell “fuel filters” and such items through their site.
What Should You Make of It?
There have been reports of individuals finding themselves in sting operations involving the “fuel filters” being sold on Facebook and other social media platforms. Some genuinely believed they were purchasing fuel filters and, eventually finding out they weren’t, they were then required to turn them over to the Feds. Your best bet is to avoid these advertisements before you find yourself in trouble with the ATF, FBI or some other US alphabet soup division.
So, what should you make of Facebook’s approach to this entire situation? First, the platform is complicit in the behavior, allowing these ads and sales to keep running while knowing that it is illegal. There is a possibility that they are also just feigning ignorance. Lastly, there is speculation that the tech giant might be colluding with federal authorities.
In any case, Facebook should be held accountable by the relevant federal agencies. There should be some investigation into why they allow reckless sellers and adverts to proliferate on the social media site.
It is a wonder that it is business as usual for web hosts, knowing what Facebook allows. Since these same hosting sites previously participated in the cancel culture, they seem disingenuous. Ultimately, Facebook’s business model is based on targeting users with ads based on the data they have gathered from them. Therefore, it might not be outrageous to assume that they would be in bed with the ATF, targeting unknowing firearm owners. If you are looking for a kit to clean your firearm parts, Armory Den’s solvent trap kits are the answer.
What Happens When You Purchase a "Fuel Filter" Online?
As mentioned before, most of these “fuel filters” are being shipped over to the U.S. by manufacturers in China. Therefore, Customs is aware of the shipments containing them and is intercepting most of them on arrival. Additionally, the agency identifies the purchasers and sends them letters regarding violated laws. If your package makes it past Customs and onto your doorstep, Homeland Security investigations take over. They will contact you within a few days or weeks, explaining the violated laws and demanding that you turn over the “fuel filters.”
In some instances, Homeland Security might even decide to show up at your house. If the authorities mentioned above don’t contact you, you will likely receive a call or visit from the ATF. Sometimes, your local Sheriff’s Department might be tasked with coming over to your house and confiscating your packages. If you decide to be defiant, your situation will take a dramatic turn. Instead of just confiscating your “fuel filter,” any of these agencies have the mandate to confiscate all your firearms and immediately arrest you for felony charges.
Consequently, you will need thousands of dollars in lawyer fees to keep yourself out of jail. Because such a charge can carry up to 10 years, cooperating with the authorities is in your best interest. Suppose you had no idea before reading this and have already made a purchase; do not modify anything. This could be used as proof that you purchased it with the sole intent of using it on your firearm.
Everyone that owns a car knows how car fuel filters look. If you have seen those being sold online, you will understand that they cannot work efficiently on vehicles. The so-called “solvent traps” can only be used for one purpose, as illegal substitutions for firearm suppressing devices. They are essentially metallic cylinders, which can be attached to firearms once drilled in the center and efficiently serve their real purpose. Any expert in the firearms and tactical industry already knows this. If you want to make a legal purchase, you are better off following the correct legal process.
It should not be a problem for anyone living in a state that allows private citizens to own them. Although you will need to wait for some months to be approved and pay $200 in taxes, you will not get into trouble with the law. If you are already a firearm holder, you are probably privy to firearm possession laws. There are numerous resources online to guide you if you are not familiar with the laws in your state.
