Scam 'energy-saving' plugs sold on Amazon, TikTok and AliExpress EXPLODE in tests as energy bills rise

From the Newshound archive · first published 1 October 2026 · last updated 2 October 2026.

Fake energy-saving plugs hurled scorching, glowing metal fragments during safety tests carried out by Electrical Safety First, which found that all 13 devices examined posed a genuine risk of fire and electric shock. The charity timed the investigation to coincide with a 4% increase in the energy price cap on 1 October, and established that the gadgets — sold via Amazon Marketplace, TikTok Shop and AliExpress — cannot deliver any of the savings their listings claim. Product safety engineer Giuseppe Capanna called the products "worthless" and said "unscrupulous third-party sellers" were taking advantage of households already under pressure from rising bills. Tens of thousands of units appear to have been sold despite customer reviews describing them as a "complete scam" and "genuine fire hazard."

All 13 devices failed basic safety tests — many consisted of little more than a circuit board driving an LED light.

Plug pins on every device failed strength requirements, risking pins snapping and becoming lodged in sockets.

Electrical Safety First is calling for legally enforceable rules that would oblige online platforms to ensure the safety of goods sold through their sites.