- As the nation is gripped by hit TV show The Traitors, experts warn a traitor could be lurking under your nose
- AI images reimagine inconspicuous household gadgets as treacherous goods
- Product safety experts reveal the tell-tale signs your gadget could be cloaking hidden dangers
As The Traitors keeps TV viewers on edge, consumers are being warned to check if there is a ‘traitor’ lurking in their own home.
Product safety experts from Electrical Safety First are urging consumers to look out for electrical gadgets that might appear ‘faithful’ but could actually be putting their safety at risk.
“Whilst the nation is busy anticipating the outcome of the finale of this season’s The Traitors, there may be a traitor lurking right under your nose, masquerading as something as innocuous and innocent as an everyday gadget,” warns Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First. “Just like the treacherous ‘traitors’, some gadgets may seem like a great deal on the surface, but hidden dangers could be lurking beneath and all may not be quite what it seems.”
The warning comes in the lead up to the TV show’s anticipated finale, with experts now warning households to look out for signs an online bargain buy may have let a treacherous and potentially dangerous product into their home.
How to spot a treacherous gadget:
“When shopping for online bargains, products can be treacherous and dangerous from the moment we purchase them, if they are substandard,” Giuseppe adds. “With any electrical item, the biggest clue that something is cloaking potential hidden dangers starts with the plug. Beware of clover leaf-shaped plugs, which are often sold through online marketplaces. These plugs are much smaller than a regular UK plug, and our investigations have shown they almost never come with a fuse. A plug without a fuse is a serious fire risk, as it cannot effectively cut power if a fault occurs, leaving the cable prone to overheating and potentially catching fire.”
Electrical Safety First has used AI to imagine a variety of electrical gadgets that could be posing as a ‘traitor’, from an e-scooter to kitchen appliances, draped in an iconic traitor-esque cloak.
Giuseppe continues: “Where you purchase gadgets from can be the difference between bringing a ‘traitor’ or ‘faithful’ product into your home. Third-party sellers online are increasingly cutting corners to part you with your hard-earned cash in exchange for a product that may risk electric shock or fire. Some of these sellers will do all they can to dupe you into thinking the product is safe. The best way to protect yourself is to stick to a reputable high street retailer you know and trust, as they would have done much of the hard work for you by ensuring only safe and compliant gadgets are available for you to buy.”
How to tell if your gadget has been recruited as a traitor:
“However, it’s not only online products that pose a risk. Electrical products can be recruited as a ‘traitor’ over time and pose a potential risk to you and your home if they are not maintained or cared for properly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions; Some kitchen appliances should be cleaned of lint regularly so they don’t become a fire risk over time, and you should always inspect the wires on your appliances to ensure they haven’t become damaged or frayed. Do not use a gadget if the plug or supply cable shows any signs of damage and consider installing a residual current device socket or plug to protect you and your property from serious appliance faults.”
So, before you trust your latest tech purchase, take a moment to look at the clues. Are they ‘faithful’ and safe, or have you been duped by a ‘traitor’ gadget?
Five signs your gadget could be treacherous and unsafe
Unusually shaped plug – beware ‘clover leaf shaped plugs’ often sold via online marketplaces. These plugs do not meet the dimensions required of them to be legally sold to you in the UK and because of this can risk both electric shock and fire.
No fuse – all UK plugs should meet strict safety rules including being fitted with an appropriate fuse. If the plug fitted to your device is lacking a fuse, stop using it immediately as without one, the device could present a serious fire risk.
No instructions or user manual – if your gadget comes with no instructions or user manual, it's a sign that due care has not been taken before that product has been sold to you and may be an indicator of other risks that may not be so obvious at first.
Spelling mistakes on both the product and in the user manual – persistent spelling errors or grammatical errors either on the product or in the user manual are a warning sign that your product may not have come from a reputable seller who would ensure instruction manuals are clear and accurate.
Foreign plugs with UK travel adaptors – if your gadget arrives with a foreign plug and a UK travel adaptor, stop using it. Manufacturers selling into the UK must ensure any electrical product is fitted with a compliant UK plug and it may be an indication that care has not been taken throughout the manufacturing process of the product more widely.
How to banish a dodgy product from your home
Act immediately
If you suspect your item is unsafe, contact the supplier immediately stating your case and demand an explanation. If there has been a mistake made, now is their chance to clarify.
Demand a refund – but stay civil and calm
You have the legal right to a refund if you have bought something that is unsafe. Despite this, it can be difficult if you have made the purchase from an unknown source so be sure to pay with PayPal or your credit card, as your purchase may be insured depending on the total cost of the transaction
If the seller refuses to give you a refund
If you are not able to settle the dispute yourself, contact the retailer that manages the marketplace (such as Amazon) as they are able to intervene on your behalf. If they are unable to help, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06 for advice.
Alert other consumers – provide feedback
If you can, leave feedback to warn future shoppers about the situation and potential problems, but do stick to the facts and make sure any claims are accurate.
Don’t ignore it – report it
If you know your product is unsafe, do not use it and report it to Trading Standards so that they can take action against the seller – selling unsafe products is illegal and puts people’s lives at risk.
Notes to editor:
- Electrical Safety First is a consumer safety charity dedicated to reducing fires, injuries and deaths caused by electricity in the home
- Where possible we kindly as you consider including a backlink to our dedicated page on shopping online safely, where your readers can get more important information on staying safe: https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/dbe
- To download imagery please use the following link: https://brand.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/share/hm36wzoyRFFG6BRLtpVP