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Verizon Wireless Counterfeit Cell Phone Batteries

November 17, 2004
Verizon Wireless is recalling about 50,000 LG-branded TM-510 cell phone batteries. Some of the batteries may be counterfeit and susceptible to overcharging, especially if used with a non-LG charger.

The counterfeit batteries do not contain a safety device in the circuitry to prevent overcharging. Thus, the counterfeit batteries can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to users.

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

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.

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.

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 (800) 922-0204 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

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