Just when you thought fake flash drives were the worst of it, another tech scam is spreading fast — this time in the form of flashy, multifunction charging cables being sold on TikTok Shop.
These “240W 4-in-1 USB-C Cables” claim to offer blazing-fast charging speeds, broad compatibility, and premium build quality — all for under $10. Sounds great, right? Unfortunately, it’s another cleverly packaged trap.
The Problem: The Specs Are a Lie
Let’s get this out of the way: the cables are real, but the advertised specifications are not.
- Claims of 240W power delivery and 5A fast charging are simply false.
- The actual charging performance is typically limited to under 20W — barely suitable for quick-charging modern smartphones, and definitely not for tablets, laptops, or high-drain devices.
- Many of these cables use generic or mislabeled chipsets that don’t properly negotiate charging standards like USB-PD or Quick Charge, which can lead to voltage miscommunication.
Even Worse: They Can Damage Your Devices
Some users have reported:
- Overheating charging bricks or ports
- Unreliable data transfers
- Fried charging ICs (the part of your phone that manages charging)
- Premature battery degradation due to voltage instability
These aren’t just cheap knockoffs — they’re potential device killers disguised as bargains.
Brought to You By the Same Sellers…
If you read my previous post about the fake “512GB” flash drives making rounds on TikTok, the pattern here should feel familiar:
- Cheap price
- Too-good-to-be-true features
- Slick marketing with glowing reviews and fake specs
- Sellers offering free shipping and generous return windows to create a false sense of security
This time, it’s the same tactic — just with a different product.
How to Protect Yourself
- Stick with trusted brands: Anker, Aukey, UGREEN, and Belkin are safer bets.
- Understand true specs: A proper USB-C PD cable should list its wattage with certification (e.g., “USB-IF certified”).
- Avoid overly generic listings with inconsistent product names or oddly translated descriptions.
- Check verified buyer reviews and avoid listings that seem to have inflated feedback or copied photos.
- Don’t buy tech off hype videos — if a creator can’t explain why a cable is safe beyond “it works,” that’s not a review, it’s a gamble.
Final Thoughts
TikTok is a great platform for creativity — but when it comes to tech, it’s becoming a hotbed of misinformation and shady dropshippers looking to exploit impulse buys. Don’t risk your phone, laptop, or tablet on a $9 cable claiming “240W fast charging.”
At Hamelton.dev, I’ll continue calling out these scams so people don’t lose money — or worse, their devices.