Local broadcast news outlets routinely run stories warning viewers about the dangers of faulty, counterfeit or downright shoddy knock offs — and how to spot them. Usually these are a yawn. But in this one from a popular regional station in New England, the focus is on bogus extension cords, power strips, car chargers and the like with a new kind of legitimacy issue. To be specific, this is the first time I’ve ever heard a safety expert advise consumers that in addition to checking for barcodes and seals of approval or certifications, etc.,  we should check the spelling on the packaging, too. No wey?

The following are the words of Brett Brenner, Electrical Safety Foundation International President, talking on-air about spotting fakes:

“We’ve seen a lot of instances where something just isn’t right or something falls out or a button doesn’t seem to stick the right way.” 

And for my favorite part of the report: These kinds of dangers can be hard to spot in the store, but experts say the packaging can be a much easier way to spot a problem. Both this power strip and car charger have misspellings on the packaging. It should say “power” but the “e” is missing. And “battery” is spelled –b-a-t-t-e-t-y. This extension cord should be certified by a nationally recognized lab, but it has no certification markings, meaning it has not been tested and found safe.

Just two questions: Is there an explanation why forgers and fraudsters can’t spell? Two, in these products mentioned above are the battetys inkluded?