There’re powerbanks filled with sand in the market. Here’s what you should know

Last Updated on 2016-05-18 , 4:57 pm

Thanks to the world’s increasingly heavy usage of smartphones and tablets, the sales of power banks have grown over the years. This has resulted in companies flooding the market with cheap power banks knock-offs.

In a recent case, The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) uncovered a scam by unscrupulous manufacturers where power banks were filled with sand. Here are some things that you need to know to prevent yourself from being a victim.

Circulation
Night markets, flea markets and shopping malls in Malaysia are some of the few places where these shoddy power banks were sold. While a decent power bank costs around $15 or more, these sand-filled ones merely costs $6.70. Sellers mostly took their stocks from China. There is also no warranty or refund option available should there be a problem with the power banks.

Sand is used to make up for weight
The sand-filled power banks uses cheap batteries which are light. To make up for the weight, sand-filled battery covers are used. In general, there is a preconception by consumers that the heavier and bigger the power bank, the higher its power storage capacity. Together with the low pricing, consumers are duped to believe that they are getting a good deal.

Telltale signs
Upon using the power bank, consumers discovered that the power drained out quickly despite the high power capacity claimed on the packaging. Additionally, such power banks are also sold at prices way below the market rate for the amount of capacity that the packages claim. When something is too good to be true, it often is.

Dangers of using cheap power banks
Authorities have warned against the usage of such shoddy power banks. Dangers include damaging the electronics being charged, overheating and catching on fire. In some worst cases, explosions have also been reported from the usage of cheap power banks.

The bottom line: Don’t be a cheapskate and fork out a few dollars more for a good quality power bank.