2,600 counterfeit hoverboards seized at Georgia seaport

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) Federal customs officials say they seized more than 2,600 hoverboards with counterfeit labels that were shipped to the Port of Savannah.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a news release Tuesday the bogus merchandise, which originated in Asia, was confiscated Jan. 26 after inspectors found they posed a safety risk and used trademark logos without authorization. The agency said if the hoverboards had been authentic, their retail value would exceed $1 million.

The U.S. Product Safety Commission sent a letter last week to hoverboard manufactures, retailers and importers warning regulators would seize or recall any of the two-wheeled, self-balancing scooters that fail to meet safety requirements.

The U.S. government says there have been at least 52 reports of fires that users say were caused by hoverboards in 24 states.