London Fire Brigade (LFB) has urged people to look out for fake chargers after attending several incidents sparked by bargain products.
Head of Fire Investigation Charlie Pugsley said in the search for cheaper products, people are buying more fake chargers which are a safety hazard.
He said: "Genuine chargers may cost a little bit more, and while you may think you’re only paying for the brand name, you are actually buying peace of mind because you know the charger is going to be specifically designed for your phone and that it will meet the correct safety standards."
Yet just how many people can spot a fake charger from a real one?
Here are a few tips on how you can tell the difference.
1. The finish on the plug pins are different on genuine Apple equipment
The finish on the plug pins on genuine chargers was found to be matt and uniform, but on the counterfeit chargers the finish was found to be glossy or shiny and the pins irregularly angular.
2. USB sockets are upside down
The position of the USB sockets on the dodgy chargers was often found to be upside down when compared to the real product.
3. Fake chargers are lighter in weight
Genuine chargers were found to weigh over 40 grams, but the imitations tested usually weighed less.
4. Printed text looks different on fakes
The printed text on the faceplate was found to be a darker shade on the sub-standard chargers and the casing on the majority of counterfeit chargers tested was found not to be flame retardant.
5. Your seller is not an authorised retailer
Always buy from an authorised retailer to ensure you are getting a genuine charger as it's a guaranteed safety measure.
Chargers advertised as genuine on online shopping or auction sites may not always be authentic.
6. If it's damaged, it could be fake
It's very unlikely that new products would be damaged - if you are being sold a charger which is frayed or not new looking, it could be counterfeit.
The London Fire Brigade said: "Normal chargers can also be a safety hazard - do not over charge your product, never cover your product or charger and don't use the charger if it's damaged."
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