Recall: Asurion Recalls Counterfeit BlackBerry-branded Batteries Due to Burn and Fire Hazards

Asurion Recalls Counterfeit BlackBerry®-branded Batteries Due to Burn and Fire Hazards

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Counterfeit BlackBerry®-branded cell phone batteries in refurbished devices

Units: About 470,000

Distributor: Asurion, of Smyrna, Tenn.

Hazard: The counterfeit batteries can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards.

Incidents/Injuries: 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.

Description: 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.

Distributed through: Asurion as part of their handset protection claim program nationwide from March 2004 through October 2009.

Manufactured in: Unknown

Remedy: 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