In the rush for a bargain this Christmas, residents are being warned to steer clear of dodgy electrical goods, often advertised on social media.
More and more counterfeit and sub-standard electrical goods are being sold online, with fake items like chargers, battery packs, hair straighteners and e-cigarettes offered at lower prices than genuine products.
Often they are bought from internet auction sites, or through links on social media platforms to foreign websites.
Emma Milligan, Operational Delivery Manager from Lincolnshire Trading Standards said: “Worryingly, many people are buying or considering buying electrical goods knowing they are counterfeit. You should be aware firstly that if you buy fake replacement parts, any manufacturer’s warranty will be affected.
Secondly, counterfeit products will not have been through important safety checks so could cause an electric shock or overheat and cause a fire in your home, putting you and your family at risk.”
Nationally 1 in 3 people in the UK have mistakenly bought a counterfeit electrical item online. Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue now regularly refer fires that have been caused by electrical items to Lincolnshire Trading Standards for further investigation.
That includes this counterfeit replacement battery for a Dyson vacuum (pictured) that caused a fire at a home in Lincoln earlier this year.
Paul Howes, Group Manager Prevention & Protection from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue said: “No one wants to get a serious fire risk as a Christmas present so please don’t buy counterfeit products.
“Even genuine electrical items can cause fires if they’re not used carefully. Don’t charge devices overnight and never on a bed or under a pillow. Switch electrical items off at the socket when not being used and remember to clear the fluff out of your tumble drier – it’s really flammable.
“If you’re buying new white goods or electrical products in the sales, make sure you register them with the manufacturer so you can be alerted if any faults develop.”
You can also check the safety of new and older appliances in your home at www.registermyappliance.org.uk
Top tips:
- use genuine retailers online or in person, and check product reviews. Genuine retailers will give details of their returns procedure
- visit the brand website to check for authorised sellers
- check sellers have a registered UK address, not just a .co.uk website
- make sure electrical items are branded and CE marked
- check new products for any damage or loose wires. If you have any safety concerns or think it’s a fake, DO NOT use it and report it
- always keep a proof of purchase in case there is a problem
- if a price or deal looks too good to be true, it probably is
You can report fake goods and get advice about your consumer rights at www.citizensadvice.org.uk.