CPSC, Verizon Wireless Announce Recall of Counterfeit Cell Phone Batteries

The following product safety recall was conducted voluntarily by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Counterfeit LG-branded TM-510 Cell Phone Batteries

Units: About 50,000

Manufacturer/Importer: Verizon Wireless of Bedminster, N.J.

Hazard: Some LG-branded TM-510 batteries may be counterfeit and susceptible to overcharging, especially if used with a non-LG charger. LG Infocomm U.S.A. Inc. states that these are counterfeit LG-branded batteries, which do not contain a safety device in the circuitry to prevent overcharging. In turn, the counterfeit batteries can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to users.

Incidents/Injuries: Verizon Wireless has received 18 reports of incidents involving counterfeit batteries, including injuries to users and property damage.

Description: The recalled batteries can be found in LG TM-510 model cell phones, have a manufacturer/date code of “AEMLLL 02220,” AEMMHH 02220,” “AEMLLL 02X25H” or “AEMMHH 02725” and were distributed by Verizon Wireless. The manufacturer/date code can be found on the battery, below the words, “Model/Modelo” or “LG.” The phone’s model number appears on the back side of the phone beneath the battery. The cell phones, which come in black or silver, may have the Verizon Wireless name on the front.

Sold at: The phones were sold at Verizon Wireless retail locations nationwide and on Verizon Wireless’s Web site from April 2001 through December 2002 for between $150 and $200. The batteries were sold from August 2002 to November 2003 for between $40 and $60.

Remedy: Consumers with a LG TM510 cell phone battery having one of the identified manufacturer/date codes and purchased from Verizon Wireless should stop charging the battery immediately and contact Verizon Wireless to receive a replacement battery. Verizon Wireless is sending letters directly to consumers notifying them of this hazard.

Consumer Contact: Call Verizon Wireless at (888) 351-2121 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or log on to the Company’s Web site at www.vzwshop.com/lgbattery