UK iPhone users have been issued a serious warning about a growing risk that could put them in danger. Electrical Safety First (ESF) has raised concerns over the increasing number

of counterfeit chargers flooding the market, warning that these fake accessories pose a significant safety hazard.

What makes this threat particularly alarming is that many of these counterfeit power adapters contain hidden metal weights, designed to make them feel more like genuine Apple chargers.

The hidden danger inside fake chargers

Traditionally, one of the easiest ways to identify a fake charger was its weight. Genuine Apple adapters are built with high-quality materials, making them heavier than cheap imitations. However, criminals have now found a way to deceive consumers by inserting metal weights inside their counterfeit products.

At first glance, this might seem harmless—but in reality, it significantly increases the risk of electric shock and fire.

"Inside a genuine adapter, there is sufficient separation between internal components to ensure that the incoming 240 volts from the mains supply does not come into contact with the USB output connector," explained Electrical Safety First.

An investigation by ESF revealed that these added metal weights compromise that essential electrical separation, making it possible for users to be exposed to dangerously high voltage levels. Out of 116 chargers tested, 22 underwent further internal inspection—68% of them were found to contain metal weights. These not only increased the risk of electrical shock but also posed a serious fire hazard.

Why you should avoid counterfeit chargers

Luke Osborne, an expert at Electrical Safety First, warned that many fake chargers look nearly identical to official Apple products, making it difficult for consumers to recognize the danger.

"Often with counterfeits and substandard lookalikes, the dangers are entirely hidden within the plastic casing of the adapter. Consumers are often unaware of how little care has been given to manufacturing these devices until they either stop working or, worse, cause incidents such as electric shocks or fires," Osborne said.

Although counterfeit chargers are often much cheaper, the risks far outweigh the savings. Experts strongly advise against purchasing unverified accessories.

How to stay safe

If you're worried about the authenticity of your charger, the best way to stay safe is to buy directly from Apple or trusted third-party brands like Belkin or Anker.

In response to the growing concerns, Apple reiterated its commitment to customer safety:

"The safety of our customers is our first priority, and the risks associated with counterfeit products can be very serious. We have a dedicated team working with law enforcement, merchants, social media companies, and e-commerce sites worldwide to stop the sale of counterfeit products.

"Every year, we remove more than one million listings for fake Apple products from online marketplaces. To ensure you're purchasing a genuine product, we recommend buying directly from Apple or an authorized Apple distributor."

With the risks of fake chargers now confirmed, UK iPhone users are being urged to stay vigilant and avoid buying cheap, unverified accessories that could put their safety at risk. Photo by IPHONE ONE, Wikimedia commons.