EXCLUSIVE: Counterfeit adapters are often lighter than the real product due to the cheap components used by criminals to reduce costs, and Brits are being warned
Brits are being warned about fake Apple chargers that could explode. A new investigation has found that counterfeit power adapter producers are employing new and dangerous strategies to trick consumers into believing their products are genuine.
It follows a recent report that assessed 116 UK and EU 20 watt counterfeit and lookalike Apple adapters, revealing the innovative methods criminals are using to bypass consumer suspicion and convince them of the device’s authenticity.
Independent tests conducted by Electrical Safety First on counterfeit and lookalike Apple power adapters found that metal weights had been added to several fakes to make up for the weight usually contributed by high-quality components found in a genuine adapter.
Counterfeit adapters are often lighter than the real product due to the cheap components used by criminals to reduce costs.
In some instances, it’s not unusual to find internal components completely missing from the device. The charity discovered that these metal weights also pose a significant safety risk to the user.
In a genuine adapter, there is enough separation between internal components to ensure that the incoming 240 volts from the mains electricity supply does not come into contact with the USB output connector, which is used to charge your device.
The probe discovered that these metallic weights severely breached electrical insulation, putting consumers in danger of encountering a highly hazardous voltage level. In some instances, the metal weight inside the fake charger accounted for a quarter of the product’s total weight.
Out of 22 samples from 116 examined more closely, a staggering 68% were found to contain metal weights. These weights not only added heft but also increased the risk of short-circuiting and the likelihood of electric shocks and fires.
Luke Osborne, Deputy Technical Director at Electrical Safety First told the Daily Star: “Criminal counterfeiters are doing everything they can to trick shoppers into thinking they’ve bagged a bargain, developing their tactics to avoid suspicion.
“Some of these new tactics are increasing the risk of electric shock and fire to the buyer including adding in metal weights to give the impression the adapter feels like a legitimate product. Criminals are working harder than ever to deceive consumers, with no regard for their safety in the process.”
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