Asurion Recalls Counterfeit BlackBerry-branded Batteries

Washington, DCAbout 470,000 counterfeit BlackBerry-branded cell phone batteries in refurbished devices are being recalled by the distributor, Asurion, of Smyrna, TN, because the counterfeit batteries can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards.

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.

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.

The counterfeit batteries were distributed through Asurion as part of their handset protection claim program nationwide from March 2004 through October 2009.