As more New Yorkers turn to thrift stores and secondhand shopping to save money, state officials are urging consumers to take extra precautions to avoid buying recalled or unsafe products.
The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection on Wednesday released a series of safety tips designed to help shoppers identify potentially dangerous items before bringing them home.
“Many New York consumers shop secondhand for bargains, unique vintage or antique wares, to keep products out of landfills, and even for the simple thrill of the hunt,” Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said. “As affordability is becoming a priority for many families, the number of New Yorkers looking to lower costs is increasing and thrift shopping is on the rise. Keep these tips in mind so your good deal doesn’t put you or your family’s safety and health at risk.”
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said consumers should be especially cautious when purchasing children’s products.
“Items like cribs, car seats and children’s products can look perfectly fine but no longer meet current safety standards or may have been recalled altogether,” McDonald said. “Before you buy, take a few minutes to check for recalls and inspect items closely.”
The state advises consumers to avoid buying certain products secondhand whenever possible, including infant sleep products, car seats, booster seats, helmets, smoke detectors, surge protectors, lithium-ion batteries and non-stick cookware. Officials say many of those items have expiration dates or may no longer meet current federal safety standards.
The Division of Consumer Protection also recommends checking the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall database before purchasing used items, carefully inspecting electronics for damaged cords, avoiding products with loose or missing parts, and anchoring secondhand furniture to prevent tip-over injuries.
Parents are encouraged to carefully inspect children’s clothing and toys for choking hazards, damaged parts and signs of wear. The state also warns against purchasing vintage plastic toys that may contain lead, water beads, used teething products and toys with loose magnets.
Consumers shopping online are urged to buy only from reputable resale platforms, watch for counterfeit products and review return policies before making a purchase.
The state says taking a few extra minutes to inspect secondhand items and verify they have not been recalled can help consumers save money without compromising safety.
