In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, several companies are recalling children’s products that pose risk of injury.

CRIBS: Simmons Juvenile Products is recalling more than 68,600 cribs for repair. Bracket hooks used to position the height of the mattress can break, causing the mattress to collapse. Babies can become trapped and suffocate when this happens.

There have been more than 800 reports of bracket hooks breaking on cribs sold under the name “Little Folks.” Many stores including Sears sold the cribs from January 1998 through December 2000 for between $200 and $600. The cribs are constructed of wood and painted or stained in various colors. “Simmons” appears on the top rail.

If you think you have one of these cribs, stop using it immediately and contact Simmons to determine if yours is being recalled. If so, you will receive free replacement brackets by overnight mail. Contact Simmons anytime at (800) 421-2951 or www.simmonsjp. com/recall.cfm

Highchairs: Graco Children’s Products Inc. is recalling about 860,000 highchairs. The chair legs can come out, causing the chair to fall to the ground. Children can suffer serious injuries from the fall.

Graco has received 108 reports of this problem resulting in more than 105 injuries. The recalled highchairs were manufactured from Jan. 1, 1995, through Dec. 8, 1997, and have a white plastic seat with white metal legs. “Graco” is printed on the front of the tray. The highchairs were sold from January 1995 through June 1998 for between $30 and $35.

Consumers should stop using the highchairs immediately and call Graco at (800) 617-7447 for a free repair kit. Additional information is available at www.gracobaby.com under Customer Service/Recall Information.

Barbie sunglasses: IMT Accessories of New York, N.Y., is recalling about 70,000 BarbieTM sunglasses. The frames of the sunglasses can break, allowing the petroleum distillate and floating glitter to leak out. Petroleum distillates can be harmful to children’s eyes and skin and could be fatal if ingested.

The recalled sunglasses are tinted pink, have floating glitter in the temple, and say “BarbieTM” and “Mattel” on the left side of the earpiece and “China” on the right. The sunglasses were sold from June 1999 through August 2000 for about $6.

Consumers should stop children from wearing the sunglasses immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. Call IMT Accessories toll-free at (800) 868-7870 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday for information.

“809” phone scam back: This scam is making another round. Don’t respond to e-mails, phone calls, or Web pages which tell you to call an “809” phone number. This scam is spreading quickly and is losing victims $24,100 or more.

Here’s how it works. You will receive a message on your answering machine or pager asking you to call a number in area code 809. The reason you’re asked to call varies. It can be to receive information about a family member who has been ill, to tell you someone has been arrested or died, or to offer you a wonderful prize. You are told to call the 809 number right away.

If you call from the United States, you will apparently be charged $2,425 per minute. You may get a long recorded message which tries to keep you on the phone as long as possible to increase the charges. You’ll be safe if you simply don’t return 809 calls unless you know the caller. Thanks to Verizon and the Bangor Savings Bank for bringing this recycled scam to our attention.

Consumer Forum is a collaborative effort of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast COMBAT. Send questions to Consumer Forum, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329. COMBAT is a nonprofit organization with annual dues of $10. For membership information, write to the above address.