The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Tuesday that Asurion has recalled counterfeit BlackBerry-branded batteries found in refurbished BlackBerry devices.
The voluntary recall was made because the counterfeit batteries can overheat, causing risk of burns and fire hazards.
Asurion, based in Smyrna, Tenn., has received two reports of these counterfeit batteries causing minor burns to someone's finger and minor damage to a sofa and car seat.
The recall affects 470,000 units, which were sold as part of Asurion's handset protection claim program from March 2004 through October 2009.
The refurbished devices were sent to consumers and included nearly all models of refurbished BlackBerry devices distributed by Asurion before November of last year.
The news release said true BlackBerry-branded batteries, other Asurion or BlackBerry products are not included in the recall.
Consumers with the affected products — received before November 2009 — should stop using the product and contact Asurion for a replacement. The company is contacting consumers known to have the affected batteries. Customers can call Asurion at 866-384-9175 or visit its website.
