Which? has issued a stark warning after testing 15 USB phone chargers bought from major online marketplaces, finding that nine were so poorly manufactured they posed a risk of electric shock, fire or explosion. The consumer watchdog purchased the chargers from Amazon, Amazon Haul, AliExpress, B&Q Marketplace, Debenhams Marketplace and eBay.
Eight of the chargers also presented fire and explosion risks. One fake Apple charger sold on eBay for £11.99 contained a lump of modelling clay to make it feel heavier and more genuine. During testing, arcing sounds were heard after just 10 seconds, indicating a serious electrical fault. A customer who bought the charger reported that it overloaded and ruined their iPad and phone.
Two unbranded chargers from eBay, priced at £2.10 and £2.80, failed safety tests. A £6.99 charger from Amazon Haul also posed shock and fire risks. The 2-1 Super Fast Charger from B&Q Marketplace (£10.99) and a Dual Port 35W charger from Debenhams marketplace (£9.99) both failed tests and were weighted with modelling clay. Chargers from AliExpress (£1.30 and £5.69) had multiple failings, while those from Temu and Shein passed safety tests but lacked required markings.
Which? head of consumer protection policy Sue Davies said: '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 new 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.' All retailers involved said they had removed the listings and treat customer safety as a priority.
