Warning issued to anyone with a phone charger | UK | News

Major retailers are selling faulty phone chargers online, issuing a warning to consumers. Which? Magazine tested 15 USB phone chargers on online markets to see if they were safe and legal to sell in the UK. Nine of the 15 chargers were so poorly manufactured that people using them were found to be in danger of electrocution.

Some of the chargers were purchased from Amazon, including Amazon Haul, as well as AliExpress, B&Q Marketplace and Debenhams Marketplace. Approximately eight chargers were also at risk of fire and explosion. The investigation found that the packaging of all 15 chargers was missing important information.

Some were even found to be missing a charger, while others had documentation preventing them from being legally sold in the UK.

Not only that, some chargers were also sold as branded products marked with the official Apple logo. However, these turned out to be dangerous fakes.

In the investigation, a person opened the case of the charger and found a piece of modeling clay inside, which they suggested was used to give the charger a heavier, more solid and authentic feel.

All retailers involved said they removed the listings in question either proactively or as a result of Whichever’s findings and reports. Yahoo!

Sue Davies, Head of Which Consumer Protection Policy, has warned that poorly designed electricals could have fatal consequences.

It says: “Online marketplaces have known about the danger of counterfeit chargers for the better part of a decade, but consumers continue to be put at risk.”

He adds: “By making online marketplaces legally liable for unsafe products, the government can set a world-leading standard for product safety in the digital age.”

Davies called on the government to update product safety legislation and impose stricter regulations on retailers.