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            CNN Investigation Finds AmazonBasics Products Dangerous

   Josh Centers

   Many of us own electronics sold under the AmazonBasics brand, Amazon's
   private label that includes products ranging from batteries and
   charging cables to charcoal grills and microwaves. I even recommend the
   AmazonBasics HDMI cables in [1]Take Control of Apple TV. But we might
   want to exercise more caution when purchasing such products. [2]CNN has
   published a jaw-dropping investigation of the brand that reveals
   numerous tales of fires and explosions caused by AmazonBasics products.
   CNN discovered more than 1500 reviews on Amazon's own site documenting
   these and similarly concerning issues, including:
     * Flames shooting out of a surge protector
     * Leaking and exploding batteries
     * USB cables bursting into flame
     * Paper shredders exploding
     * Microwaves catching on fire

   Of course Amazon, like [3]Dan Aykroyd's Irwin Mainway character from
   Saturday Night Live, denies there's any problem. But Amazon has
   struggled with quality issues for years'we reported on the company
   selling counterfeit Apple accessories back in 2016 (see '[4]Be Careful
   When Buying Apple Accessories on Amazon,' 24 October 2016).

   Despite Amazon's denial, we suggest subjecting AmazonBasics products to
   a higher level of caution until more details come out. Now excuse me as
   I nervously eye the squat AmazonBasics paper shredder that sits
   menacingly next to my desk.

   

References

   Visible links
   1. https://www.takecontrolbooks.com/apple-tv/?pt=TIDBITS
   2. https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/10/business/amazonbasics-electronics-fire-safety-invs/index.html
   3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veMiNQifZcM
   4. https://tidbits.com/2016/10/24/be-careful-when-buying-apple-accessories-on-amazon/

   Hidden links:
   5. https://tidbits.com/wp/../uploads/2020/09/AmazonBasics-shredder.jpeg

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