Fraudsters Add Metal Weights to Fake Apple Chargers, Increasing Fire and Shock Risks

By Evans Momodu
3 minute digest
Published 10:39 UK GMT, March 4, 2025



Counterfeit Apple chargers are being modified with metal weights to deceive consumers into believing they are purchasing genuine Apple products, according to an investigation by Apple and Electrical Safety First.

Apple and consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First examined 22 counterfeit Apple power adapters and discovered that 68% contained metal weights—a deceptive tactic aimed at making the fake Apple chargers feel authentic.

The charity has warned that these additional metal components pose a serious electrical hazard, increasing the risk of short circuits, electric shocks, and fire hazards.

Electrical Safety First investigation

Luke Osborne, Deputy Technical Director at Electrical Safety First, highlighted the growing dangers of counterfeit electronics:

“Criminal counterfeiters are doing everything they can to trick shoppers into thinking they’ve bagged a bargain, continuously developing new tactics to avoid detection.

Some of these new tactics—including adding metal weights to make fake Apple chargers feel authentic—are increasing the risk of electric shock and fire hazards for buyers.”

How to Avoid Buying Fake Apple Chargers

To avoid purchasing dangerous counterfeit chargers, consumers should:

1.  Buy from Apple-authorised resellers or reputable electronics stores.
2. Check for genuine Apple branding, proper certification marks (CE, UL, or MFI), and high-quality build materials.
3. Avoid extremely cheap deals—if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
4. Compare the weight and feel of a charger with a genuine one—but don’t rely on weight alone, as fraudsters are now adding metal components to deceive buyers.

Stay Safe from Counterfeit Apple Products

The rise of fake Apple accessories is a growing concern for consumer safety. To protect yourself and your Apple devices, always purchase from official Apple retailers and stay informed about counterfeit electronic scams.

For more safety tips, visit Electrical Safety First or Apple’s official website.
Source: Sky news