The London Fire Brigade has warned that counterfeit iPhone chargers on sale in the UK put lives at risk.
According to fire investigators, the bogus accessories could cause electrocutions or burns as they house less than half as many components as genuine Apple chargers.
Several of the additional parts found in the official plugs are designed to prevent dangerous levels of heat build-up and minimise the risk of electrocution.
"I was shocked at how potentially dangerous these chargers are. There have been some near misses in the last few months and, unless people stop buying them, it's only a matter of time before we are called to a fatal fire," said Fire investigator Andrew Vaughan-Davies.
"Genuine chargers may cost more and you may think you are only paying for the brand name, but you're actually buying peace of mind because you know the charger is going to be of better quality and specifically designed for your phone.
"For the sake of saving a few pounds is it worth putting the lives of your family at risk and taking the chance of potentially destroying your home?"
The fire service claims that counterfeit chargers, which can be bought for as little as 99p, have caused "a number of incidents" across London, including one in February that caused a house in Tottenham to catch fire.
According to fire investigators, the bogus accessories could cause electrocutions or burns as they house less than half as many components as genuine Apple chargers.
Several of the additional parts found in the official plugs are designed to prevent dangerous levels of heat build-up and minimise the risk of electrocution.
"I was shocked at how potentially dangerous these chargers are. There have been some near misses in the last few months and, unless people stop buying them, it's only a matter of time before we are called to a fatal fire," said Fire investigator Andrew Vaughan-Davies.
"Genuine chargers may cost more and you may think you are only paying for the brand name, but you're actually buying peace of mind because you know the charger is going to be of better quality and specifically designed for your phone.
"For the sake of saving a few pounds is it worth putting the lives of your family at risk and taking the chance of potentially destroying your home?"
The fire service claims that counterfeit chargers, which can be bought for as little as 99p, have caused "a number of incidents" across London, including one in February that caused a house in Tottenham to catch fire.