When I opened the box of my Janty classic, all the batteries were on, which startled me. Jeff said that it was the air movement caused by the opening of the box. When I open the little pouch where I carry them around, they also come on. However, I don't think that they ever turned themselves on while in my pocket, although one did while falling from my hand (but then air would be passing through it, I guess). They are a little eager, but they have not caused me any problem. What you describe sounds worse, though. If you trust your seller (as I trusted Jeff at Janty), ask them if this is normal or not. Jeff suggested I carry them disassembled, but I never bothered, after I checked them randomly for the first day.