Probably just sends a number as data, and if it gets it back then doesn’t charge.
You’re right that some cables don’t carry data, but most do and as long as the cable that comes with it does then it’s going to be fine for 99% of cases.
There’ll often be a way to break it like going through a USB hub, but most people aren’t actively trying to damage things. I can see people wrapping the cable around it and plugging both ends in to stop them flapping about though.