Amazon and TikTok remove scam energy-saving devices from sale as shoppers warned

Amazon and TikTok are removing scam energy-saving devices from being listed for sale as shoppers were issued a warning. In spite of the devices promising to cut bills for those who purchase them, they could instead result in electric shock and fire. Safety campaigners warned that two of the devices exploded during testing. All 13 devices bought by Electrical Safety First from AliExpress, Amazon Marketplace and TikTok Shop failed basic safety tests. The devices are advertised as being able to save electricity and reduce energy bills. Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter They claim they can do this by stabilising the voltage in a home simply by plugging them into a socket. However, this turned out not to be the case. Electrical Safety First found that none of the devices contained components capable of delivering the energy savings claimed by the seller. Additionally, they would actually cost users money to run them. On top of this, the plug pins on all 13 devices failed to meet the required dimensional and mechanical strength requirements. This increased the risk of electric shock and fire. Other devices had no fuse or other suitable protection inside. Some contained a glass fuse in the mains circuit, which doesn’t meet safety requirements and could shatter, once again putting users at risk. There are now fears that tens of thousands of the devices may have already been sold to UK shoppers , judging on information suggested on the product listings. With energy bills hitting a three-year high as Ofgem’s energy price cap rises by 4%, it's another blow amid the cost of living crisis for those who purchase one of the devices. Electrical Safety First product safety engineer Giuseppe Capanna said: “Unscrupulous third-party sellers on online marketplaces are exploiting the financial pressures facing households, promoting bogus products that prey on people’s understandable desire to save money on their energy bills. Don't let an algorithm decide what Manchester news you see - click here to add the MEN as your preferred Google source “At a time when household budgets are already being squeezed, consumers should be able to trust that products being sold to them are safe and do what they claim. “But our investigation exposes these so-called energy-saving devices for what they really are: worthless products that deliver no savings while potentially putting people at serious risk of electric shock or fire.” Show more He added: “Shopping through online marketplaces in the UK is currently far too dangerous. Time and time again, our investigations uncover dangerous products being sold on these platforms, despite their claims that customer safety is a priority. “We need bold and robust, legally enforceable measures that make platforms responsible for the safety of products sold on their sites. Without urgent action, dangerous products will continue to put consumers’ lives at risk.” Show more AliExpress noted in a statement: “Product safety is our top priority at AliExpress. We have removed the five listings identified by Electrical Safety First and are contacting affected customers to initiate a recall through our established channels. We are also reviewing the broader category for enhanced controls. “We welcome detailed findings like these and remain committed to ensuring a safe online shopping environment.” Meanwhile, Amazon and TikTok said the products flagged in the investigation have been removed from sale and are no longer available to buy on their sites.