An urgent warning has been issued for owners of Android and iPhone devices regarding the use of unofficial chargers. With new devices often excluding chargers, consumers are turning to cheaper alternatives available online. However, consumer watchdog Which? has highlighted significant safety risks associated with these unofficial chargers.
Which? conducted testing on chargers purchased from various online marketplaces and found alarming results. Some chargers were found to have poor manufacturing standards, posing a risk of electric shock, while others were deemed potential fire or explosion hazards. Shockingly, even a charger designed to look identical to an Apple product was revealed to be a counterfeit that failed safety tests.
Concerns about unsafe electrical products sold through online platforms have been previously raised by Which?. Sue Davies from Which? emphasized the severe consequences of poorly designed electrical products and called for stronger product safety laws and enforcement measures for online marketplaces.
In response to the findings, Amazon and B&Q emphasized their commitment to customer safety. Amazon stated that all products on its platform must comply with laws and regulations, and any identified unsafe chargers have been removed. B&Q also assured that it takes product safety seriously and actively prevents the sale of recalled items on its Marketplace platform.
Consumers are advised to purchase chargers from official retailers or trusted brands like Apple, Belkin, Anker, and Samsung to avoid potential safety hazards associated with cheaper alternatives. While these products may come at a higher price, experts stress that the safety benefits outweigh any cost savings.
