Electrical Safety First is urging fans bombarded with ads for discounted goods “don’t bring it home” in a new campaign to raise awareness of unregulated online marketplaces. Previous investigations by the charity have uncovered substandard and dangerous electrical products across many major online marketplaces. Examples of dangerous goods found last year via third party sellers across a variety of online marketplaces include portable heaters posing a serious risk of electrocution, beauty buys such as hair straighteners and hair dryers featuring illegal UK plugs lacking essential safety components and substandard e-bike chargers that pose a fire risk.
Electrical Safety First chief executive Lesley Rudd said: “Football, and other global sporting events, are experiencing advertising blitzes by major online marketplaces across the globe, and at a time when millions of people are struggling with finances, we understand how appealing low-cost deals will be. “But it’s important for fans to remember that they risk scoring an own goal if the deal they bag turns out to be a substandard or dangerous product. “Substandard electronics can have serious consequences for your safety and an innocent purchase could put you and your family at risk.
” The charity is urging the next government to introduce new laws for online marketplace giants to ensure they are legally obligated to take reasonable steps to ensure goods on their sites are safe. Current legislation does not recogni.
