An urgent warning has been issued to all Android and iPhone users regarding the dangers of using unofficial chargers. With the trend of new devices being sold without chargers, consumers are often tempted to opt for cheaper alternatives available online. However, a recent investigation by consumer watchdog Which? has revealed alarming safety risks associated with these unofficial chargers.
Which? conducted tests on chargers purchased from various online marketplaces such as Amazon, AliExpress, and eBay, among others. Shockingly, nine of the chargers were found to pose an electric shock risk due to poor manufacturing standards, while eight were identified as potential fire or explosion hazards.
One particularly concerning discovery was a counterfeit charger that closely resembled an Apple product, complete with Apple branding on the packaging. This counterfeit, priced at £11.99, failed safety tests conducted by Which?.
The investigation also uncovered chargers lacking essential UK safety markings and devices with hazardous internal circuitry that could lead to overheating, fire, or explosions. This is not the first time Which? has raised concerns about unsafe electrical products being sold through online platforms.
Sue Davies, Head of Consumer Protection Policy at Which?, emphasized the severe consequences of poorly designed electrical products and called for stronger product safety laws and enforcement measures to protect consumers from dangerous items sold online.
In response to these findings, Amazon and B&Q reiterated their commitment to customer safety and stated that they actively monitor and remove non-compliant products from their platforms. They emphasized the importance of purchasing chargers from reputable retailers or trusted brands like Apple, Belkin, Anker, and Samsung to avoid potential safety hazards associated with cheaper alternatives.
Consumers are advised to prioritize safety by investing in chargers from official retailers or known brands, despite the higher upfront cost. Experts caution that the risks posed by using cheaper, unofficial chargers far outweigh any potential savings.