PHOENIX — The price is low, sometimes half the cost of what you'd pay for it brand new. Facebook Marketplace and Offer Up are two sites offering a place to sell and buy used goods, but how do you know you're getting what you paid for or that it's even safe?
Laws requiring companies to pull items from the shelf also make it illegal to resell those recalled items.
"So, yes it's illegal, but people do illegal things every day," said Judy Popper, a Law Professor at University of Missouri-Kansas.
In fact, the Let Joe Know Team did a search on Facebook Marketplace for the "Fisher Price Rock N Play Infant Sleeper." The item was recalled back in April after more than 30 confirmed infant deaths.
A handful of variations of the item came up with no way to know what was recalled and what wasn't. The same for Offer Up.
Popper says there is no way to police every single online transaction, adding that it's really up to consumers to do their research.
"There isn't enough public scrutiny. There have been so many injuries that we can't ignore it any more... injuries and deaths," said Popper.
Offer Upand Facebook Marketplace both have policies banning the sale of recalled items. Offer up even mentioning the recalled sleeper.
The most important thing to do - research what you're looking to buy.
Ask to see any packaging or user guides to help determine if a specific model has been recalled.
