Counterfeit BlackBerry-branded cell phone batteries in refurbished devices have been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. There were about 470,000 units distributed by : Asurion, of Smyrna, Tenn. Use of the refurb BlackBerry devices with counterfeit batteries can cause overheating, posing burn and fire hazards.
Asurion has received two reports of counterfeit BlackBerry-branded batteries overheating, causing minor burns to a consumer’s finger and minor property damage to a sofa and car seat.
This recall involves only BlackBerry-branded batteries provided with refurbished Blackberry-branded devices. The refurbished devices were sent to consumers by Asurion through a handset protection program. The batteries were used across virtually all models of refurbished BlackBerry devices distributed by Asurion prior to November 1, 2009. Genuine Blackberry-branded batteries are not included in this recall. No other Asurion or BlackBerry products are involved in this recall.
Asurion as part of their handset protection claim program nationwide distributed them from March 2004 through October 2009.
Consumers who received refurbished BlackBerry devices through Asurion prior to November 1, 2009 should immediately stop using the product and contact Asurion for a replacement product. Asurion is directly contacting known consumers with the affected batteries to notify them of this recall.
Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Asurion toll-free at (866) 384-9175 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.001batex.com.
CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx