Verizon Wireless, and LG InfoComm USA Inc. and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall of about 50,000 LG-branded, TM-510, cell phone batteries that may be susceptible to overcharging when used with a non-LG charger, and which pose a possible fire hazard. According to the CPSC, Verizon Wireless has received 18 reports of incidents involving possible counterfeit batteries, including injuries and property damage.
The handsets in question were sold at Verizon Wireless retail locations and online from April 2001 through December 2002 and have a manufacturer/date code of "AEMLLL 02220," "AEMMHH 02220," "AEMLLL 02X25H" or "AEMMHH 02725," while the impacted batteries were sold from August 2002 through November 2003.
LG InfoComm said in a statement that the counterfeit batteries do not have adequate circuit-protection devices to prevent overcharging, illegally bear the LG trademark and closely resemble actual LG batteries. The company added that it has identified one source of the counterfeit batteries and has initiated legal action against the US importer.
