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Recall Alert: 567,000 myCharge Portable Battery Chargers Sold at Costco

In a recent safety announcement, myCharge, a Michigan-based company, has initiated a recall of approximately 567,000 units of its popular myCharge POWER HUB All-In-One 10,000mAh portable battery chargers. These chargers, sold nationwide through Costco stores and online channels between January 2022 and November 2023, have been linked to significant safety concerns. Specifically, there have been 120 reports of these chargers overheating while in use, leading to two residential fires. Although no injuries requiring medical attention have been reported, the incidents involving these chargers have raised serious alarms.

The affected myCharge portable chargers, identified by model numbers AO10FK-A, AO10FK-B, and AO10FK-C, were priced at approximately $40 each. The recall was prompted by reports from consumers and observations made by Costco, which received 115 returns of the chargers due to issues such as melting, expanding, smoking, fire, burning, exploding, or sparking. The recall notice, issued in coordination with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), urges owners of these chargers to cease using them immediately and contact myCharge for a replacement.

For assistance, myCharge has established communication channels including a dedicated phone line at (888) 251-2026 operating from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, customers can reach out via email at compliance@mycharge.com or visit myCharge's official website for further instructions and support.

This recall underscores the importance of product safety and consumer vigilance, particularly in the realm of electronics and portable charging devices. Understanding the details of this recall, including the affected model numbers and the potential risks associated with continued use, is crucial for consumers who have purchased these chargers during the specified timeframe.

Understanding the Recall: What Happened?

The recall of the myCharge POWER HUB All-In-One 10,000mAh portable chargers centers on reports of overheating during the charging process, which has led to instances of fires in residential settings. This issue was identified after myCharge and Costco received numerous reports from consumers experiencing various dangerous occurrences with these chargers. These incidents ranged from minor malfunctions like smoking and sparking to more severe situations such as melting and fires. The recall affects chargers sold between January 2022 and November 2023 under specific model numbers AO10FK-A, AO10FK-B, and AO10FK-C, all of which were marketed at a price point of around $40.

Identifying the Risks: Consumer Reports and Company Responses

According to myCharge, they have been made aware of five cases where the chargers overheated, leading to fires in two homes. Costco, as the retailer, also noted 115 returns of these chargers due to various safety issues reported by customers. The incidents reported to both myCharge and Costco described scenarios where the chargers either malfunctioned or exhibited signs of potential hazards like overheating, melting, or even catching fire. While there have been no reported injuries requiring medical attention so far, the potential dangers associated with these chargers necessitate immediate action.

Consumer Guidance: What Should Owners Do?

If you own one of the recalled myCharge portable chargers, it is strongly advised to discontinue use immediately. Continuing to use these chargers could pose serious risks, including fire hazards and other safety concerns. Instead, consumers are encouraged to contact myCharge promptly to arrange for a replacement. To facilitate this process, myCharge has set up dedicated support channels, including a customer service phone line and email address specifically for handling recall inquiries.

Company Response and Regulatory Involvement

In response to the identified safety issues, myCharge has taken proactive steps to cooperate with the CPSC and issue a comprehensive recall notice. This collaboration ensures that consumers are promptly informed about the risks associated with these chargers and are provided with clear guidance on how to proceed. The CPSC, as the federal agency responsible for overseeing product safety in the United States, plays a crucial role in monitoring and coordinating recalls such as this one to protect consumers from potential harm.