Don't buy or use loose 18650 lithium-ion battery cells.
That's the advice from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which is warning consumers. These are not batteries, but individual battery cells designed for battery packs and not sold to consumers.
But, some Chinese companies are known to separate the packs - and sell the individual cells online.
These cells are manufactured as industrial component parts of battery packs and are not intended for individual sale to consumers, according to a commission press release.
The battery cells have a fire and explosion risk. The batteries could be sold on Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Wish and Newegg.
Overheating and fires turn the batteries into exploding bombs with serious or deadly consequences, the press release said. Legitimate batteries are used in cameras, toys, vape devices, laptops, flashlights and more.
Consumers receiving a fraudulent 18650 Li-ion battery should stop using it immediately. Do not mail, ship, disassemble, or throw the battery in the trash; you may be responsible for an injury or death, and in violation of federal law. Find a qualified recycler for drop-off.