Fake Electrical Goods: Hidden Dangers Of Buying On Online Marketplaces

Posted on 11:42am Friday 9th Dec 2022

Fake electrical goods have become a growing problem on online marketplaces, with many unsuspecting consumers falling victim to scams and purchasing potentially dangerous counterfeit products. These goods often do not meet safety regulations and standards, putting users at risk of accidents such as fires and electrocution. In this article, we will explore the hidden dangers of buying fake electrical goods on online marketplaces and provide tips on how to protect yourself and avoid being scammed.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Don't be electricked
The risks of buying fake electrical goods
How to spot fake electrical goods
The dangers of many cheap, unbranded and dodgy electrical items on online marketplaces
A quick roundup of how to avoid buying fake and dodgy electrical goods online
Sign the petition to stop the sale of dangerous electrical goods on online marketplaces
Quick links to find out more about the charity Electrical Safety First

Fake Electrical Goods Hidden Dangers Of Buying On Online Marketplaces

Don't be electricked

This article is in collaboration with Electrical Safety First; a charity organisation who are campaigning around the safety of electrical items bought online using the social media hashtag #DontBeElectricked this festive season. Their aim is to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by the sale of counterfeit and dodgy electrical items.

As the video below explains, Electrical Safety First found “73% of UK consumers are unaware of the risk of fire and shock from electricals bought via online marketplaces”. Could this mean most people believe that online marketplaces have safety regulations when it comes to the sale of such goods? Unfortunately, marketplaces do not have the same laws as others, meaning substandard electrical goods and fake goods are regularly sold on their platforms.

As well as making consumers aware of such dangers, they even once launched a petition that asked for online marketplaces to be bound by the same safety laws as traditional retailers when it comes to the sale of electrical goods.

The risks of buying fake electrical goods

Fake electrical goods are a serious concern, as without adequate safety testing they can pose significant risks to the user, others and their property. These goods often do not undergo the same safety testing and certification processes as legitimate products, meaning that they may not meet the necessary standards and regulations. As a result, using fake electrical goods can potentially lead to accidents such as fires, electrocution, and other safety hazards.

In addition to the potential safety risks, buying fake electrical goods can also be a financial burden. Counterfeit products are often of lower quality and are more likely to break or malfunction. This means that consumers may be unable to return or replace faulty products, leaving them out of pocket.

Furthermore, purchasing fake electrical goods supports and encourages the production and sale of these goods, which can have wider economic and social implications. Buying counterfeit products can harm legitimate businesses and rob them of their profits, and can also contribute to criminal activities such as counterfeiting and piracy.

How to spot fake electrical goods online

Given the risks and dangers associated with fake electrical goods, it is important to be cautious and vigilant when buying electrical products on online marketplaces. Here are some tips on how to spot fake electrical goods and protect yourself from scams:

Be wary of suspiciously low prices. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Fake electrical goods are often sold at significantly discounted prices in order to lure in unsuspecting consumers.
Check product descriptions and reviews carefully. Fake electrical goods may have vague or misleading descriptions and may have few or fake reviews. Be on the lookout for red flags such as poor grammar, spelling mistakes, and overly positive or fake reviews.
Verify the seller's credentials. If possible, try to purchase from reputable and trusted sellers with a good track record. Check the seller's ratings, reviews, and customer service policies before making a purchase.
Do your research. Before making a purchase, do some research on the product and the seller. Look for reviews and information from other consumers, and compare prices across different sellers.

The dangers of many cheap, unbranded and dodgy electrical items on online marketplaces

As well as counterfeit goods, there are many third-party sellers that sell cheap, unbranded electrical products via online marketplaces. Online marketplaces have made it easier than ever to purchase a wide range of electrical goods at competitive prices. However, the abundance of cheap, unbranded, and unregulated products on these platforms can pose significant risks to consumers.

Consumers have no idea whether such sellers have tested these products for safety. Some do not, meaning these subpar products may well be cheap, but they come with an increased risk of malfunctioning and developing an electrical fault which puts the user at risk of an accident or injury.

A quick roundup of how to avoid buying fake and dodgy electrical goods online

Cheap, unbranded and fake electrical goods are a growing problem on online marketplaces and can pose significant risks to consumers. These goods often do not meet safety standards and regulations, and can potentially cause accidents and injuries.

To protect yourself and avoid being scammed, it is important to be cautious and vigilant when buying electrical products online. The cost of living crisis may be affecting you and wanting you to save money on household appliances and electrical goods, but don'r put yourself in danger just to get a bargain. Be wary of suspiciously low prices, check product descriptions and reviews carefully, verify the seller's credentials, and do your research before making a purchase.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself and avoid being scammed by fake or unregulated electrical goods.

Quick links to find out more about the charity Electrical Safety First

To find out more about the UK charity Electrical Safety First which are dedicated to reducing deaths and injuries caused by electrical accidents and their #DontBeElectricked campaign, follow these links:

Website: https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElectricalsafetyfirstOrgUk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElecSafetyFirst

Instagram: https://instagram.com/electricalsafetyfirst/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElecSafetyFirst