Craig Whittaker, MP for Calder Valley is in support for Electrical Fire Safety Week and is helping the Charity raise awareness of this risk in the run up to the Christmas shopping period.
Concerns around Covid-19 have led to many of us to shop online this Christmas instead of visiting the High Street. Consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First has carried out some research for Electrical Fire Safety Week (23rd-29th November), which shows that millions more than ever before will turn to online marketplaces for what they see as ‘safer’ Christmas shopping.
But the Charity is warning shoppers that they could be swapping one safety risk for another. Multiple investigations by Electrical Safety First have found dangerous electrical products, which present a serious fire risk, can easily be bought from third party sellers via online marketplaces.
Craig Whittaker MP, said:
Electrical Safety First’s research has shown that 59% of those in Yorkshire & Humber are planning to use online marketplaces for their shopping this Christmas, with 57% saying they’ll be using them more than usual.
This is essentially because people believe these websites are a safer way of shopping than going to the High Street during the pandemic.
But this confidence is not supported by the Charity’s investigations, which have repeatedly found unsafe electricals for sale online, including on Amazon Marketplace, eBay and Wish.com. Electrical Safety First’s research indicates that 20% of shoppers in Yorkshire & Humber are planning to buy an electrical item as a gift this Christmas – yet it has previously found that in the UK three out of five fake electricals are purchased online, with a third of buyers experiencing major problems with the item.
So I’m joining with Electrical Safety First to urge my constituents to reduce their chances of buying dangerous electricals by sticking to the stores or websites of known manufacturers and retailers and to beware of buying from third party sellers on these platforms. We all love a bargain and Christmas is always expensive! But with almost
half of all domestic fires in UK homes caused by electricity - and most arising from electrical products - this is a risk you don’t want to take.”
Top tips on how you can stay safe shopping online
Electrical Safety First has put together some quick and easy tips on how to stay safe when shopping online – and how to protect you from unsafe electrical goods.
As more of us are shopping online due to the restrictions imposed by Coronavirus, staying safe shopping online has never been more important.
Here are our Top Tips: -
While shopping online:
- Know who you are buying from – and where they are based
- Make sure you are buying from a recognisable and reputable supplier.
- In particular, make sure you know where the supplier is based. Importantly, a ‘.co.uk’ website doesn’t guarantee that an organisation is based in the UK.
- If there is no address for a seller, or if it is a PO box address, then be wary.
- This is particularly important as many counterfeit electrical goods are manufactured overseas, where they will not be tested for safety – potentially placing you at risk.
- Don’t take the seller’s word for it – or the reviewer’s!
- Be cautious of products that have solely positive reviews. This is especially if the reviewers aren’t verified.
- Similarly, take account of past reviews – especially if there is concern over the products quality.
- Be wary of unnecessary adjectives
- If the seller claims their product is ‘genuine’, ‘real’ or ‘authentic’, double-check the source.
- Most reputable retailers, don’t need to market their products like this.
- If the price is (almost) right
- Some electrical counterfeits are for sale just below the recommended retail value – seeking to trick shoppers into thinking the product is real.
- In these case, do your homework and check the seller’s authenticity before buying.
- Spot the lock
- Websites that allow you to pay safely have a padlock symbol at the bottom of the screen when you are filling in your payment details.
- If you can’t see it, don’t enter your payment details.
When the parcel arrives:
- Check the packaging and item carefully
- Look for tell-tale signs such as flimsy packaging or low quality printing.
- Also look out for spelling mistakes or grammatical errors.
- If you’re questioning the packaging, compare your item to an online image from a trusted, high street retailer.
- Look for a safety label
- All electrical products should have safety certifications on their label – if they’re made by a legitimate manufacturer.
- If there is a certification mark on the packaging but not the product, it is likely the product is fake.
- Check everything is there
- Electrical counterfeits may not include materials like a manual, a product registration card, or even all the parts!
- Check the plug
- If you’ve purchased the product from a UK retailer, check to see whether the appliance has a three-pin UK plug or charger.
- Trust your instincts
- If you are still uncertain about the product for any reason, you’re probably right to be wary.
- Read our tips below on what to do if you’ve bought a fake item.
Realised you’ve bought a fake?
- Act immediately
- If you have proof your item is a counterfeit, contact the supplier immediately stating your case – and ask for an explanation.
- If there has been a mistake, this is the opportunity for them to clarify.
- Request a refund
- You have the legal right to a refund if you’ve bought a counterfeit good.
- Protect yourself by paying with PayPal or your credit card – as your purchase is more likely to be insured.
- If the seller refuses a refund – or doesn’t respond
- If you can’t settle the dispute yourself, contact the marketplace (e.g. Amazon). They may be able to intervene on your behalf.
- If they can’t help, contact the Citizens Advice helpline on 03454 04 05 06 for advice.
- Provide feedback
- Leave feedback to warn future shoppers about the situation and potential problems.
- Make sure to stick to the facts and that your feedback is accurate.
- Don’t ignore it – report it
- If you know a product is fake, report it to Trading Standards so they can take action against the seller.