Cheap chargers on major retail sites are being flagged as potentially lethal.
A new Which? report found that a range of inexpensive phone chargers sold on Amazon, B&Q and eBay failed basic safety tests. The chargers overheated, short‑circuited and, in some cases, sparked fires or caused minor electric shocks during normal use.
The finding matters because those retailers host millions of low‑cost accessories that bypass standard certifications. Shoppers often assume a retailer’s name guarantees safety, but the report shows that cheap knock‑offs can jeopardize users and increase warranty claims for device makers.
The warning underscores the need for stricter marketplace oversight and for buyers to look for proper safety markings rather than price alone.