Blog post: Online security
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Blog post: Online security
Every day, millions of consumers shop on Amazon, eBay, AliExpress or Wish. These platforms have become the go-to solution for quickly finding a product at a competitive price. But behind the flood of tempting offers lies a darker reality: counterfeit tech products are everywhere. Chargers, earphones, batteries, electronic toys… these imitations pose real risks to safety, privacy and consumers’ wallets.
Marketplaces rely on a model that makes it easy for thousands of third-party sellers to join, often based abroad. While this brings variety, it also opens the door to unscrupulous sellers. Controls are automated and often superficial: a simple declaration is enough to list a product. As a result, non-compliant and sometimes dangerous goods appear alongside legitimate offers.
Consumer demand also fuels the issue. Shoppers are drawn to low prices and aggressive promotions. Some knowingly avoid the original, hoping for a bargain. Others believe they are buying an authentic product, convinced that the platform guarantees reliability. In both cases, the ground is fertile for counterfeits.
Not all categories are equally exposed. Tech products are particularly vulnerable: high demand, attractive prices, and the difficulty for buyers to verify compliance.
The most common are smartphone chargers and cables, which look genuine but fail to meet safety standards. External batteries and powerbanks also top the list, often delivering far less capacity than advertised. Wireless earphones and headsets are another hotspot: marketed as cheap alternatives to AirPods or premium brands, they offer poor sound quality and, worse, unsafe electronics.
Other frequent cases include small appliances or wellness gadgets (shavers, UV lamps, muscle stimulators) and electronic toys. These last ones are particularly worrying as they are often intended for children and can present fire risks or choking hazards.
Buying a counterfeit tech product is not just about losing money. The consequences can be far more serious.
The UK’s Trading Standards, Action Fraud, and European authorities regularly issue alerts about such products withdrawn from the market.
Fortunately, several signs can help you identify suspicious products before you buy.
In recent years, UK Trading Standards and the European Commission ordered the removal of hundreds of dangerous electronics from Amazon and eBay. These included phone chargers that could catch fire and toys that failed EU safety standards.
The European Commission’s Safety Gate database (formerly RAPEX) publishes annual recalls of dangerous products. Items from AliExpress and Wish, like LED lamps, earphones or batteries, frequently appear.
These cases show that even reputable platforms cannot guarantee full protection. Marketplaces hold direct responsibility.
Amazon, eBay and AliExpress claim to fight counterfeits. Programs like “Amazon Transparency” or “Official Store” labels aim to reassure customers. In practice, however, the sheer volume of listings makes thorough checks nearly impossible.
EU law is tightening. The Digital Services Act (DSA), in effect since 2024, strengthens platform responsibility. They must act faster after reports and face penalties if dangerous goods remain available.
This legal pressure is vital, as counterfeits will keep spreading as long as they generate sales.
Discovering you’ve bought a fake is frustrating, but there are remedies.
First, contact the platform to request a refund. Amazon, for example, has flexible refund policies even for third-party sellers. You can also report the product to Action Fraud in the UK or the European authorities.
If the product is dangerous, stop using it immediately. If you paid by card, some banks allow chargeback for fraudulent purchases. Finally, share your experience online to prevent others from falling into the same trap.
Vigilance is the best defence. Here are key points to check before buying:
⚠️ For sensitive tech products like chargers or batteries, it’s safest to buy directly from the brand or a trusted retailer.
Counterfeit tech products are not harmless imitations. They pose real threats to safety and consumer trust. Behind this multi-billion euro shadow economy lie risks of fires, financial losses, and data theft.
While marketplaces share responsibility, buyers can reduce risks with simple habits: compare prices, check sellers, read listings carefully. Information is the best protection.
When in doubt, it’s better to abstain than to endanger your money and safety. Remember: if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
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