FIRE chiefs are warning people in Tenbury and the Teme Valley to be on their guard against fake electrical good in the run-up to Christmas.

They warn that fake good may not only not work but could be a hazard.

The warning applies in particular to shopping on-line.

One of the bits of advice is to compare prices and that if something seems too good to be true then it probably is.

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has issued the warning.

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

"We would like to urge shoppers in Herefordshire and Worcestershire to take the time to check that the products they are buying are genuine,” said station commander Stuart Crebbin.

“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".

Electrical Safety First and HWFRS have produced guidance to help shoppers avoid dangerous fake and substandard electrical products.

One of the tips is to check that voltage is 230-240V, 50Hz and that products are fitted with a three-pin UK plug or charger and another is to look for the seller's contact details, for online marketplaces.

They advise buyers to look for a full address and not just a PO Box number. Not all websites with a .co.uk address are based in the UK.

For more information on how to spot a fake visit www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/SpotTheFake