Just about everything can be, and is, counterfeited these days. And I’m not just talking about knockoff handbags, pirated DVDs, fake money and bootleg toys.
Lots of electrical goods are faked, sold online and unsuspectingly bought. These can include TVs, hair straighteners, and phone chargers.
You need to be vigilant as nearly 9 out of every 10 electrical fires are caused by products, either through misuse or faults.
Faulty electrics and electrical equipment also cause around 70 deaths each year.
So it’s important to know…
Is price really everything?
When shopping for electrical goods, we all love a good bargain.
But the reality is, the products could be a cheap copy, of poor quality, or made to look like a well-known brand.
It may seem like a good deal, but it could end up being a waste of money.
As the phrase goes; if you think the price is too good to be true, then it probably is.
But knock-off equipment can still sell for the same price as the genuine equipment.
And because it probably hasn’t undergone any safety checks, you could be at risk of fire or electrocution.
There are precautions you can take when you do your shopping online…
What should I be looking for?
The best way to protect yourself is to buy your electrical products from reputable retailers. You make sure this is the case by checking they are a member of an online retail accrediting body, such as Trusted Shops.
That means they have signed up to follow certain standards of service. You can also do an online search and look at review websites.
That way, you find out what past customers are saying about the seller, and if they have any complaints.
Also, look for websites displaying the padlock symbol, as it allows you to pay securely.
See if you can find out the seller’s contact details, and you’re looking for a full address and not just a PO Box number. It’s a good way of finding out where they are really based.
Assuming that websites with a .co.uk address are based in the UK is easy, but surprisingly, 1 in every 16 companies with a UK web address is not UK based.
You’ll want to avoid buying from companies outside of the EU, as it may be difficult to resolve any issues.
These are all signs of whether or not you can trust a company or not.
You can also read the product guarantees, sellers’ terms and conditions, and returns policy.
That way, you know what sort of service you can be expecting if you purchase from them.
And if you’re still not sure about the seller, then it’s perhaps best to trust your instincts and go elsewhere.
Is your electrical equipment the real deal?
Check the voltage of the products you buy is 230V, as this is the UK’s usual domestic voltage.
You’ll also need to be sure it’s fitted with a three-pin UK plug, otherwise you won’t be able to use it.
Don’t forget to also search the Internet for reviews of the product, and see what they have to say.
Try to stay clear of buying second-hand, as you have no idea what the condition is of the item. And if you’re ever in doubt, you can ask the seller some questions and request pictures of the products.
Using a credit card when shopping online will also give you extra protection should something go wrong.
What should I do if I have bought fake goods?
You might have your suspicions because the product doesn’t match your expectations.
Firstly, you can check that the item has a CE mark.
For example, on a genuine Apple charger it will also display a safety mark between the two bottom pins of the plug.
But also keep an eye out for spelling mistakes on the product and box. A reputable company is unlikely to make small mistakes like that.
And if you’re not happy with what you’ve received, then you can contact the seller and see if they can resolve your worries.
If the seller is EU based, you have 14 days within which you can return the product, for any reason, and get your money back.
And if purchased from a UK company, you are now entitled to a full refund for up to 30 days after the purchase, on faulty products.
So if you no longer want the item, for whatever reason, there should be no issue with returning the item for a refund.
Assuming you’re then not happy with their response, there are many people you can contact for advice.
These include your credit card company, the manufacturer, their online accreditation body, Citizens Advice and Trading Standards.
And remember, it is illegal to sell fake goods. So if you suspect that this is the case, then you should contact Trading Standards with your concerns.
When shopping online, it’s easy to get caught out.
With more and more people using the Internet to do their shopping, it’s becoming easier to sell dodgy goods.
Be more aware of the sites you’re visiting and the goods you’re thinking of buying.
This way, you can be sure you’re always receiving top-quality products which you can feel safe using.