FBI is Warning Against Fake Batteries, Possible Dangers to Health and Safety

Isaiah Richard, Tech Times 10 October 2022, 01:10 am

Fake items from the internet are harmful, and one of the main reasons is that the sellers or manufacturers do not hold any liabilities for accidents or malfunctions that may occur after their purchase. With this, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is now issuing a warning to users regarding their purchases, particularly with fake or counterfeit batteries available in the market.

Despite the massive supply issues for these power cells, the FBI urges the public to still purchase from legitimate ones to avoid any dangers in their use.

FBI Warns Against Fake Batteries in the Market

(Photo : John Cameron on Unsplash)

Browsing online stores and other retailers for batteries will give users plenty of options, but finding one with a relatively low price to its counterpart may be duplicates or fake versions of it. The FBI is now warning the public regarding the rise of fake batteries in the market, and it is rising at an alarming rate, according to its data.

Fake batteries are present among many stores and sources, which may look identical to legitimate ones or say that they are OEM (original equipment manufacturer), which is the same as the branded ones. However, they are not what they seem to be, with the FBI noting that several indicators include its low price or sketchy look.

Manufacturers who bring counterfeit power cells do not guarantee their reliability and safety when used on electrical devices.

Use and Purchase Legit Batteries Only

The OSHA website provides a list of testing laboratories that verify the legitimacy and quality of these batteries, and it is worth checking it out to know more about one's power cell purchase. Still, users should be wary of several indicators, including packaging, labels, prints, and other subtle differences that might throw them off from deducing a fake from an original battery.

Batteries and their Shortage

It is a known and massive issue in the present that batteries are seeing hardships in their production and supply chain, as there is a depleting number of natural resources and processing that make it a challenge to produce these power cells. The emergence and fame of EVs bring about this problem, not to mention the global shortage of supplies across different industries.

The United States is now focusing on creating its batteries to give tax credits to manufacturers and customers, and despite the battery shortage at the present, the country wants to produce its power cells.

It is widely known that companies are relying on manufacturers like China, South Korea, Japan, and others for their battery needs.

With these issues present in the battery production industry, there are none to answer the demand from customers in their need for the power cells that will help in their tech and needs. Still, resorting to OEMs or fake batteries is not something that the FBI advises, especially as it may bring danger and safety issues for the public.

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Written by Isaiah Richard