What does this mean?
This means that fake and other dangerous electrical products are being sold to unknowing customers. Containing sub-standard or counterfeit parts, they present a serious risk of fire or electric shock.
Stop the sale of dangerous electricals on online marketplaces
In the UK, online marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay and Wish are not bound to the same laws as traditional retailers.
Help influence your MP to take action
39,715
have signed this petition, help us get to 100,000
- S signed 14 hours ago
- David signed 19 hours ago
- Terry signed yesterday
- Judith signed yesterday
This petition will help us to change the law so that online marketplaces will have to:
- follow the same safety regulations as other UK retailers
- make sure that electrical goods offered for sale on their sites by third party sellers are safe for use in the UK
- ensure that any electrical products reported as unsafe must be removed from the site within 24 hours
You'll also be able to notify your local MP that you've signed at the click of a button!
Safe shopping online
The growing popularity of online retailers has led to an increase in the number of fake electrical products sold to UK shoppers. It can be impossible to spot a fake as they can look the same as a genuine item on the outside, but often contain faulty components that can overheat and catch fire or deliver a fatal electric shock. A third of people who have bought an electrical fake purchased it from an online marketplace. It is far too easy to set yourself up as a seller on these sites and there is not enough regulation in place to prevent the sale of dangerous electrical products.
Here are some important things to watch out for when you’re shopping online:
- Don’t trust that the image displayed on the advert is a true representation of what you will receive.
- Look for the seller’s contact details and be wary if there aren't any. Many fake electrical goods are made and supplied from overseas where they will not be safety tested.
- Don’t rely on reviews, these can easily be faked.
- If the price seems too good to be true, then it probably is!
Stay safe whilst you shop with "Check it Out", our Google Chrome extension
Make sure you know who you are buying from. A lot of the products for sale on marketplaces are sold by unregulated, third-party sellers. When you’re shopping on Amazon or eBay, our free Chrome plug-in will let you know when you are not buying directly from a manufacturer or retailer that you trust. Download it here.