Fake lithium batteries may be the reason some hoverboards – those self-balancing, two-wheeled, motorized platforms – have been bursting into flames. Apparently, there is a huge black market out for them but the feds are cracking down!
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) realeased a statement on December 11, warning about counterfeit hoverboard batteries and assured consumers that they are working to prevent unsafe products from being sold.
“CBP’s enforcement efforts have led to the seizure of 164 hoverboards with fake batteries or other counterfeit marks,” the statement said.
The blackmarket for the batteries accompanied the rise of hoverboards as THE thing to have or get for the Holidays.
“The men and women of CBP remain vigilant in protecting American consumers,” CBP Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske said. “Working closely with our partners, we want to ensure that counterfeit and substandard merchandise does not appear in households this holiday season.”
Be vigilant, everyone!
