Study: 99 Percent Of Fake Apple Chargers Fail Basic Safety Test

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Are you using a fake Apple charger? Well there is a 99 percent chance that it could be unsafe.

An investigation conducted by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute in the United Kingdom revealed that 99 percent of counterfeit Apple chargers bought online fail a basic safety test.

During the operation, investigators bought 400 counterfeit Apple chargers from suppliers around the world including the United States, Canada, Colombia, China, Thailand and Australia. Several test were conducted which included an assessment of the risk for electrical shock. After testing, it was revealed that only three of the 400 passed.

"Criminals across the globe are using online platforms to lure you in with cheap deals for fake items, many of which are dangerous and have been known to overheat and cause house fires," Lord Toby Harris, chair of National Trading Standards, said in a statement.

Not sure if your charger is counterfeit? Head over to Apple's support website. There is an extensive guide  showing you in detail what your authentic Apple charger should look like.

Chartered Trading Standards Institute also has a few quick tips to further keep you and your family safe:

• Only using a genuine charger made and licensed for use with your product.
• Don't over charge your product, once it is charged disconnect it and turn the charger off.
• Never cover your device while its being charged, don't put it under a pillow at night or in contact with bedding.
• Never use a damaged charger with a cracked case or frayed cable or one that is not working properly.