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99% of fake Apple chargers will not protect you against electric shocks

By Cookie Monster - on 3 Dec 2016, 1:00am

99% of fake Apple chargers will not protect you against electric shocks

Image source: Apple

As Apple's official chargers and certified third-party chargers with the MFi logo carry premium price tags, there is a huge market for counterfeit and unofficial chargers as they are generally cheaper. However, you could be putting your life at risk by buying a fake charger.

U.K consumer protection body Chartered Trading Standards Institute commissioned several safety checks on 400 counterfeit chargers bought online from 8 different countries including the U.S, China and Australia.

Only three have enough insulation in place to protect the user against electric shocks. This means that an overwhelming 99% of fake chargers online failed the basic safety tests and pose potentially fatal risks. In addition, another test on 3,019 second-hand electronic goods revealed that 15% were non-compliant. 

"It might cost a few pounds more, but counterfeit and second-hand goods are an unknown entity that could cost you your home or even your life, or the life of a loved-one," he said. - Leon Livermore, Chief Executive of Chartered Trading Standards Institute. 

Apple recently bought over 100 chargers on Amazon which were sold as "genuine" and found that 90% of the chargers were counterfeit. To protect its reputation and customers from buying these dangerous goods, Apple filed an injunction against Mobile Star LLC, which is the main supplier of the counterfeit goods on Amazon. 

If you're unsure whether your charger or cable is an original or certified one, head over to this Apple Support Page where there are guides on identifying counterfeit accessories.

Source: BBC via 9to5Mac

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