Can using a non Apple USB cable damage an iPhone?

If I use a generic/aftermarket iPhone USB cable instead of the official Apple product, can it damage the iPhone? A vendor at the mall said that high quality iPhone USB cables have a chip that regulates the charging current so it won't damage the device. He said the cheaper cables don't have that capability. Doesn't sound very credible, so I wanted to double check.

They are generally safe to use. And they don't have a chip (at least the ones I've used).

The charger itself may regulate the current, but the cable itself doesn't. I've used a multitude of cables from a multitude of vendors over the years and I've never had a problem with damaging devices. Build quality is a different matter. Too cheap, and the cables inside can break. Rare but does/can happen.

the vendor is trying to upsell you to the expensive brand

as Rob says above the charger may make some difference (unlikely) but the cable wont

there absolutely is no "chip" in a 30pin apple ipod cable