iPhone owners warned: fake chargers are deadly! Experts have issued an urgent safety alert after uncovering a wave of dangerous counterfeit iPhone chargers flooding UK streets and online shops.
Fake Apple Chargers: A Growing Danger
The Electrical Safety First (ESF) group teamed up with Apple to test 116 knockoff chargers pretending to be Apple’s official 20W USB-C adapter. Shockingly, 92% failed key safety tests, putting users at serious risk of electric shocks, fires, and explosions.
Criminals are using clever tricks like adding hidden metal weights to mimic real adapters, but these fakes actually weaken safety barriers inside the chargers.
“Criminals are working harder than ever to deceive consumers, with no regard for their safety in the process,” said Luke Osborne, deputy technical director at Electrical Safety First.
Deadly Consequences of Fake Chargers
- A Massachusetts teenager caught fire when her iPhone exploded using a portable charger bought on Amazon.
- A Worcestershire home was destroyed in 2023 from a cheap charger purchased online.
- In 2014, an £8 fake charger bought in Huddersfield exploded, sending shrapnel flying into a sleeping five-week-old baby.
- A Chinese air stewardess died in 2013 from electrocution linked to a counterfeit iPhone 5 charger.
Spot the Fakes: Expert Tips
Electrical Safety First and Apple urge shoppers to watch out for these signs:
- Plug Pins: Genuine Apple plugs are matte and smooth; fakes are glossy with surface flaws.
- Text & Markings: Look for crisp logos and correct spelling. Beware of errors like “Appie” instead of “Apple.”
- Seller Details: Legit retailers don’t scream “genuine” — suspicious hype = possible fake.
- Weight: Fake chargers sneak in metal weights. An odd or inconsistent weight is a red flag.
How to Stay Safe
Only buy Apple chargers from official Apple Stores, authorized resellers, or trusted high street names like Currys and John Lewis.
“If you’re looking to bag an electronic bargain, it has never been more important to stick to a reputable retailer or manufacturer to shield yourself from fakes that could risk your safety,” warned Luke Osborne.
If you suspect your charger is fake, stop using it immediately and report it to Trading Standards.
Final Warning: Don’t Get Burned by Fakes
These counterfeit chargers aren’t just rubbish – they’re downright dangerous. Electric shocks, house fires, and phone explosions are all on the table. Experts say the risks just aren’t worth it.
Stay alert, buy smart, and protect yourself from deadly fake gadgets.
