Dangerous Power Banks: Amazon Recalls Over 490,000 Faulty Units, Safety Alert
Danger Lurks in Portable Power: 500,000 Power Banks Recalled
As a smartphone user, you’re likely no stranger to the importance of having a reliable power source on the go. That’s why power banks have become an essential accessory for many of us. But did you know that almost 500,000 power banks sold exclusively on Amazon over the last six years have been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Power Safety Commission (CPSC)? These power banks, manufactured by Charmast, were found to be melting, overheating, expanding, smoking, and even igniting, making them extremely dangerous to use.
The Recalled Power Banks: What You Need to Know
The recalled power banks, model W1056, were sold in black, blue, green, mint, pink, and white colors, and featured the brand name "Charmast" on the front and "Model: W1056" on the back. If you own one of these power banks, it’s essential to stop using it immediately and contact Charmast to receive a full refund. To initiate the refund process, you’ll need to send a letter to the manufacturer, including a photograph of your power bank, your name, and the date the photo was taken, as well as the severed power cord.
What to Do with Your Recalled Power Bank
Once you’ve sent in your letter, you should dispose of the power bank according to your local and state regulations. It’s also important to note that the CPSC warns against throwing the product in the trash or in used battery recycling boxes, as lithium batteries require special handling.
The Risks: What Happened to the Consumers
Charmast has received 44 reports of the W1056 power bank expanding, igniting, melting, overheating, or smoking, with four consumers suffering burns or blisters. The product’s lithium batteries, in particular, pose a significant risk if not handled correctly.
Getting in Touch with Charmast
If you have any questions or concerns about the recall, you can contact Charmast by calling their recall hotline at (929)-636-0293, Monday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm EST, or by emailing them at [email protected]. Don’t wait – take immediate action to protect yourself and your loved ones from these dangerous power banks.
Pictures of the Charmast power bank recalled by the Consumer Power Safety Commission. | Image credit-CPSC
