Councillor backs campaign over electrical safety of fake goods

Lincolnshire county and South Holland district councillor Nick Worth is backing a charity raising awareness of the dangers of counterfeits in the run-up to Christmas.

Research by Electrical Safety First found that one in six consumers in the UK have bought a fake electrical item as a Christmas gift – and many people are unable to identify a genuine electrical product from a fake.

Coun Nick Worth, the Local Government Association’s regulatory champion, said: “Christmas is always expensive and we are all keen to get a bargain but Electrical Safety First’s research makes it clear that shoppers must beware of fakes – particularly via the web.

“The charity found that three out of five fake electricals are purchased online, with a third of buyers experiencing major problems with the item. And with almost half of all domestic fires in UK homes caused by electricity, this is a risk you don’t want to take.”

Electrical Safety First also found that it’s not always easy for people to spot a counterfeit product. Three quarters of UK consumers were unable to identify genuine GHD hair straighteners and three in five could not spot a fake Apple charger – and with the rise of online shopping, it can be even more difficult. One in five online shoppers admitted they didn’t consider the authenticity of the product, with over half simply presuming that the electrical items for sale online were genuine.

Of course, some people are deliberately buying fake products. One in six of those surveyed said they would consider buying a product – even if they suspected it was fake – if it was cheaper than the original.

To ensure people buy a genuine article, Electrical Safety First has developed advice to help people spot a fake electrical product. Visit www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guides-and-advice/electrical-items/safe- shopping/ to find out more.

Urging people to check the website before doing their Christmas shopping, Coun Worth said: “Fake goods are often cheaper because they omit key components which can affect both the safety and functionality of the product.”