08/13/2010 // West Palm Beach, FL, USA // Sandra Quinlan // Sandra Quinlan
Smyrna, TN—Asurion, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), voluntarily recalled approximately 470,000 counterfeit BlackBerry®-branded cell phone batteries in refurbished devices due to fire and burn threats associated with them. The CPSC announced the product safety recall on Tuesday, August 10, 2010.
Asurion was notified of two incidents in which counterfeit BlackBerry®-branded cell phone batteries overheated, leaving one consumer with minor burns and causing minor property damage to a sofa and car seat.
According to the CPSC news release, “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.”
The defective counterfeit BlackBerry®-branded cell phone batteries were made available through Asurion’s handset protection claim program nationwide between March 2004 and October 2009. It was unknown where the counterfeit batteries were manufactured.
Consumers who obtained refurbished BlackBerry cell phone devices via Asurion, before November 1, 2009, have been urged to cease use of the devices to eliminate safety hazards and contact Asurion for a complimentary replacement product. The distributor has reportedly begun contacting known consumers to inform them of the defect and its subsequent recall.
Consumers with additional questions concerning the product safety recall are advised to contact Asurion toll-free at (866) 384-9175 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT or online at www.001batex.com.
Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan– Legal News for Product Liability Lawyers.
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