Warning on dangerous electric blankets no longer sold online

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A consumer group has warned that illegal electric blankets being sold online could cause electric shock.

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Some of the products being sold are made "so bad" that they could pose a "serious risk".

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Separately, the charity Electrical Safety First says it has found "highly dangerous" electrical products for sale online by third-party sellers.

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It wants new rules to strengthen consumer protection.

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The cost of living crisis has seen a huge rise in the popularity of electric blankets as people try to reduce their central heating use.

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Nine out of 11 power blankets, throws and shawls which items bought from third party sellers on AliExpress, Amazon, eBay and Wish should not be legally sold in the UK.

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The consumer champion group identified problems with how the products are made, packaging, markings and instructions.

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Some products were found with electrical cords that could be easily pulled out and others did not have proper safety standard markings.

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In addition to safety concerns, some blankets were incredibly inefficient and didn't work properly.

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Electrical Safety First has listed on Amazon Marketplace, eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Wish.

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Boss Leslie Rudd said: "Homes are being left at risk from products such as dangerous electric blankets forever, as people want to keep heating costs down.

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AliExpress, Amazon, eBay and Wish.com all said they take security very seriously and have removed listings that flagged them.

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None of the third party sellers of the products commented on what

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