CPSC, SecureAlert Announce Recall of Safety and Security Phones

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: GPS2000 MobilePAL+GPS Safety and Security Phones

Units: 1,000

Distributor: SecureAlert Inc., of Salt Lake City, Utah

Hazard: Using the test button can result in the battery being drained without the user's knowledge. Without battery power, the phone is unable to call for assistance in an emergency.

Incidents/Injuries: SecureAlert has received 10 reports of batteries being exhausted as a result of this problem. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves GPS2000 MobilePAL+GPS units with serial numbers between 08810948 and 08813447, which can be found on a label in the battery compartment. They are white phones with a red "call" button and a gray "test" button that notifies an emergency call center and can track callers using the Global Positioning System (GPS). "MobilePal+GPS" is written on the front of the phones.

Sold At: SecureAlert and private security dealers nationwide from May 2003 through July 2003.

Manufactured In: Japan.

Remedy: Call SecureAlert toll-free at (800) 584-4176 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday (MT) to arrange a free replacement. SecureAlert is directly contacting owners of these products. Until the replacement phone is received, consumers should refrain from using the test button on their recalled phone.