Approximately 488,000 Charmast power bank chargers sold exclusively on Amazon over the past six years have been recalled due to safety concerns. Reports of the devices expanding, melting, overheating, and even igniting have prompted the recall, with some users reporting visible smoke emissions. Priced between $14 and $25, these power banks were sold from December 2018 to September 2024 and are now being pulled from circulation due to the risks they pose.
Safety Risks and Incidents
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has disclosed that the recalled power banks, which use lithium-ion batteries, have been linked to over 44 safety complaints. At least four customers suffered burns or blisters caused by the devices. The defective power banks, sold under the Charmast brand name, were deemed a significant safety hazard, leading to this widespread recall.
Proper Disposal Instructions
Charmast has urged customers not to dispose of these defective power banks with regular household trash or place them in standard battery recycling bins, as their defects pose additional safety risks. Instead, the company and the CPSC recommend taking the devices to municipal recycling centers equipped to handle damaged or defective lithium-ion batteries.
The CPSC advised, “Recalled lithium-ion batteries should be disposed of in accordance with any local and state ordinances, following procedures established by your municipal recycling center for damaged/defective/recalled lithium batteries.”
How to Claim a Refund
Affected customers can receive a full refund by following these steps:
- Contact Charmast: Reach out to the company directly for refund instructions.
- Document the Product: Customers must provide photographs of their model W1056 power bank.
- Include Identification: Write your name and the date of the photograph in permanent marker above the device’s label.
- Sever the Power Cord: As part of the process, you will also need to cut and include a photo of the severed power cord.
This information will help the company verify the product and issue the refund accordingly.
If you own a Charmast power bank purchased between 2018 and 2024, it is crucial to stop using it immediately. Visit the official Charmast website or contact their customer service for detailed instructions on processing your refund. By following these steps, you can ensure your safety and recover your purchase cost.
This recall serves as a reminder of the risks associated with defective lithium-ion batteries and highlights the importance of addressing such hazards promptly.