Consumer watchdog Which? has issued a warning about counterfeit phone chargers sold on major online marketplaces, including Amazon, B&Q, and eBay. The organization found that many of these chargers pose serious risks of electrocution, fire, and explosion.
Investigation Findings
Which? purchased 15 USB phone chargers from seven online marketplaces and tested them for safety and legality in the UK. Nine of the chargers were so poorly manufactured that they posed an electric shock risk. Eight also presented fire and explosion hazards.
The chargers were bought from Amazon (including Amazon Haul), AliExpress, B&Q Marketplace, Debenhams Marketplace, and eBay. All 15 lacked essential safety information on packaging, the product itself, or documentation, making them illegal for sale in the UK.
Dangerous Fake Apple Charger
One charger, sold as an "Apple" USB-C 35W Power Adaptor for £11.99 on eBay and bearing the Apple logo, was found to be a dangerous fake. During electrical strength testing, arcing sounds were detected after just 10 seconds, indicating a risk of fire, explosion, or electric shock. When opened, testers discovered a lump of modeling clay inside, likely added to give the charger a heavier, more authentic feel.
A customer who purchased this charger reported that it overloaded and ruined their iPad and phone, both of which stopped charging.
Other Risky Products
Two unbranded chargers from eBay sellers, priced at £2.10 and £2.80, also posed risks of fire, explosion, and electrocution. A USB-C charger from Amazon Haul for £6.99 failed electrical safety tests and was deemed a shock and fire risk. Two chargers from AliExpress, costing £1.30 and £5.69, had multiple failures that could cause explosion, fire, or electric shock. While chargers from Temu and Shein passed safety tests, they lacked required markings, including details of the UK importer.
Expert Warnings
Sue Davies, Which? head of consumer protection policy, stated: "Badly designed electricals like these can have life-altering – even fatal – consequences. Online marketplaces have known about the danger of knock-off chargers for the better part of a decade, but consumers continue to be placed at risk." She urged the government to use powers under the Product Regulation and Metrology Act to impose a legal duty on online marketplaces for product safety.
Lesley Rudd, chief executive of Electrical Safety First, added: "Counterfeiting is a very intentional act. The driving force is often solely about maximising profit and, in doing so, cutting corners on safety. Our own research into counterfeit Apple chargers found criminals filling them with metal weights to mimic the feel of genuine products. This introduced a serious risk of electric shock."
Retailer Responses
All retailers involved stated they had removed the listings either proactively or after Which?'s findings, and emphasized that customer safety is a priority.
