Charging Up Chaos: The Great HaloLock Recall

Picture this: you’re out and about, your phone’s gas gauge teetering on empty, and you flash your sleek HaloLock wireless power bank like a lifeline. But instead of smooth, worry-free charging, these pocket-sized gadgets have been moonlighting as pyrotechnic props—fully capable of bursting into flame when you least expect it. Cue the recall sirens, because what was supposed to be your trusty sidekick in the battle against low battery is suddenly auditioning for a spot on “Kitchen Counter Infernos.”

These unassuming devices that slip into your pocket are available in five chic colors—deep navy, pastel sky blue, stealthy gray, stark white, and classic black. Each one sports a row of LED dots, innocently counting down your battery’s fate, and a glossy ESR badge on the back, daring you to plug it in. With capacities of 6,000 mAh or a beefier 10,000 mAh, they promised to juice up your device for a song—until they started belting out an aria of heat and sparks.

Reports started rolling in of batteries overheating, crackling with an almost malicious glee. A few units turned their owners’ desktops into miniature bonfires, leaving behind singed corners and smoke alarms in hysterics. Miraculously, no one got hurt—though some unlucky customers did end up with singed eyebrows and a newfound appreciation for traditional wall outlets.

So, how do you know if you’re carrying around a clandestine flamethrower? It’s simple: find the model numbers—2G520, 2G505B, or 2G512B—stamped on the side. If your power bank matches, it’s time to retire it from active duty. Leave it unplugged, unblinking, and decidedly uncharged until you figure out the next steps.

And please, don’t be tempted to toss it out with your recycling or drop it in a random battery bin. This little gadget is too hot a potato to handle casually. Instead, bundle it up and haul it down to your local hazardous waste center, where professionals will treat it with the respect (and careful handling) it deserves. Think of it as sending a fiery ex-lover off to therapy—only they can get it under control.

The good news?ESR is ready to make things right. They’ll cheerfully refund your purchase in full—no questions asked. Just mark “Recalled” on the unit with a bold pen stroke, snap a photo of the disclaimer alongside the model number, and send it off to their friendly support team. Soon enough, you’ll have cash in hand, one less ticking time bomb in your pocket, and a great story to share at your next gadget-obsessed gathering.

Here’s a little anecdote to consider: You want to impress your friends by charging everyone’s phones during a remote camping trip. You whip out this fabled HaloLock. You plug it in, plug everyone else's devices into it and for a glorious minute, everyone cheers…until the tent fills with smoke and your marshmallows get roasted without the help of a camp fire. You all end up having to evacuate the picnic table as your tiny wildfire gets out of hand. Moral of the story: if your charger starts auditioning for campfire duty, it’s time to head back to civilization—and possibly refund central.