Fake BlackBerry Batteries Prompt Recall, May Pose Fire and Burn Hazard

Some <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/practice_areas/product_liability">BlackBerry-branded batteries provided with refurbished devices may be counterfeit, according to the batteries’ distributor. As such, Asurion, of Smyrna, Tenn. is recalling about 470,000 Blackberry-branded batteries. The company said in its recall notice that the batteries may pose a fire and burn hazard.

Genuine BlackBerry-branded batteries are not included in this recall. No other Asurion or BlackBerry products are involved in this recall.

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.

The refurbished BlackBerry devices involved in this battery recall were sent to consumers by Asurion through a handset protection program between March 2004 through October 2009. The batteries were used across virtually all models of refurbished BlackBerry devices distributed by Asurion prior to November 1, 2009.

Consumers who received refurbished BlackBerry devices through Asurion prior to November 1, 2009 should immediately stop using the product and contact the company for a replacement product. Asurion is directly contacting known consumers with the affected batteries to notify them of this recall.

For more information on this recall, consumers should 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.