Rechargeable Power Banks Recall Issued After House Fire and Reports of Overheating

Following at least one house fire, a recall has been issued for more than 170,000 rechargeable power banks, which were sold in the shapes of unicorns, rainbows and other whimsical designs marketed for children.

The Universal Rechargeable Power Banks recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on March 26, following at least three reports of power banks overheating, and one instance where the device caused a house fire that resulted in about $150,000 in property damage.

The recall affects Universal Rechargeable Power Banks Power Banks marketed for use with smart phones and tablets. The products were sold in a variety colors and shapes including a unicorn head, emoji’s, penguins and many others.

The products were manufactured in China under Yiwo City Fuman Leather & Associates Co. Ltd., and were imported by Daniel M. Friedman & Associates, a division of Steve Madden Ltd., of Long Island City, New York.

According to the recall notice, the chargers were sold at Burlington, Kohl’s, Ross and various other retailers nationwide from November 2016 through January 2019 for about $25.

CPSC officials estimate about 170,500 charging banks were sold throughout the U.S., and another 6,900 were distributed for sale in Canada.

Customers are being asked to stop using the recalled chargers immediately and to contact Daniel M. Friedman & Associates at 855-706-6500 or email them at info@betseyjohnson.com for information on how to arrange a return for a full refund.