Cornwall’s safety experts have issued a Black Friday warning about fake electrical goods.

New research carried out by the charity Electrical Safety First reveals that an estimated nine million UK consumers have bought a fake electrical product as a Christmas gift in the past.

As this Black Friday’s retail bonanza encourages people to shop for a festive bargain, the charity is reminding people to watch out for fake electrical products as they present a serious fire risk.

Online retailers account for the majority of counterfeit purchases, with three in five of all counterfeit electrical purchases taking place online. 

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service’s watch manager, Katie Hoskins-Sweeney said: ’We would like to urge shoppers in Cornwall to take the time to check that the products they are buying are genuine.

’Fake electrical products appear more convincing than ever, but they can contain less than half the internal components required to run safely.

’So, while there will be a lot of demand for this year’s “must have” Christmas gifts, remember that if a bargain looks too good to be true, the chances are it probably is.’

For information on how to spot a fake, including after you’ve bought it, visit www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/SpotTheFake