Norfolk, Va. - U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Officers at the Port of Norfolk seized hundreds of a popular purchase this holiday season.
Officers took 445 hoverboards with counterfeit trademarks and fake batteries on December 16th.
Picture of seized hoverboard -- Courtesy: U.S. Customs and Border Patrol
Hoverboards are two-wheeled, self-balancing, motorized platforms that have quickly become one of this year's most sought after Christmas items. They've recently come under scrutiny due to safety concerns following reports of fires that may have been caused by substandard and counterfeit batteries inside some of the units.
Officers inspecting the shipping container at the Port of Norfolk found the hoverboards and batteries, manufactured in China, and displaying a "Samsung" trademark. It was quickly determined that the trademark was counterfeit and all of the products were seized as a result.
The total retail value of the seized products was more than $171,000.
Area Port Director with Customs and Border Protection, Mark Laria, says the Consumer Product Safety Commission is currently investigating the hoverboards.
Laria says it is up to customers' discretion as to where to buy the hoverboards, but he recommends that they do their research.
"I would do my best to identify the legitimate products and purchase those."
