PR: The FBI and Intellectual property Rights Center warns public of counterfeit battery scams

Scammers are leveraging the vulnerabilities in the global supply chain, as well as the public’s continuing need for new batteries to sell a wide variety of counterfeits or unauthorized replicas online. Do not fall victim to online fraudsters or unauthorized dealers or manufacturers. Counterfeit batteries do not go through the same standardized testing as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) batteries and can adversely impact the safety and health of the consumer.

Reputable OEMs will recommend a compatible size and type of battery for different devices. Products using OEMs have gone through multiple tests to warrant specific battery types. Consumers using alternative manufacturers or battery types may be at risk of harmful or negative impacts, such as overheating—which can cause fires or explosions and result in personal injury or property damage—poor battery performance, device damage, or complete product failure.

When designed, manufactured, and used properly, batteries are a safe power source. However, batteries can cause injury if they are designed improperly, made of low-quality materials, assembled incorrectly, charged improperly, or damaged. Always research the legitimacy of the seller and battery manufacturer before buying.

TIPS TO AVOID BEING A VICTIM

Always purchase batteries from legitimate and trusted sources, which include authorized dealers or distributors that sell batteries tested by nationally recognized testing laboratories.

Many manufacturers sell directly from their website or provide a list of trusted vendors.

Consumers can find a list of nationally recognized testing laboratories on the OSHA website at https://www.osha.gov/nationally-recognized-testing-laboratory-program/current-list-of-nrtls.

Avoid aftermarket batteries when possible because they may be dangerous. Not all aftermarket suppliers are the same; consumers should research and read reviews before making a purchase.

Consumers should avoid all third-party purchases of batteries, as they can appear to be legitimate OEM batteries but are likely counterfeit.

Always avoid batteries that:

• are not properly packaged;
• have misprinted or misspelled labels;
• have labels that peel off; or
• do not have official manufacturer batch numbers.

It is good practice to compare prices before purchasing. However, batteries sold at deep discounts or at significantly lower-than-average prices are likely counterfeit.

Consumers can familiarize themselves with legitimate manufacturers’ designs and look for any significant variations when purchasing new or replacement batteries to avoid purchasing counterfeits.

Many battery manufacturers also have online resources and/or contact information to help consumers determine if they have received counterfeit products.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE A VICTIM

People who believe they are a victim of a counterfeit battery scam should:

Report the activity to the online payment service used for the financial transaction.

Report suspected counterfeit or fake goods through:

STOPfakes.gov, or The Intellectual Property Rights Center atIPRCenter.gov.

Report all Internet and Cyber-related frauds and scams to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.