How to spot unsafe or recalled products before they reach your home
PIRG: About 30 percent of product recalls in 2024 were for products designed for children
(InvestigateTV) — Dangerous or recalled product may be lurking in homes across the country – and many Americans are simply unaware of their risk.
A new ‘Safe at Home in 2025?’ report from the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) showed that product recalls hit an eight-year high last year. It identified 869 injuries linked to recalled products in 2024, many coming from online purchases.
Despite fewer consumer protections, it’s estimated that more than 40 percent of clothing purchases happen online, along with 17 percent of consumer electronics and 14 percent of toys and children’s products.
“One of the things we found in our most recent research is products that are sold online were twice as likely to have violated a testable federal standard,” Teresa Murray with PIRG shared. “Like the easy stuff. We’re not just talking about oh this thing that breaks – because sometimes things break.”
Murray said that while many online deals are cheaper than those in brick-and-mortar stores, lower prices don’t always guarantee the same safety or quality.
She said before making a purchase – especially for children’s products or electronics – take a moment to check for recalls at CPSC.gov/recalls and review complaints at SaferProducts.gov.
To avoid buying dubious items:
- Stick with known sellers or authorized retailers listed on the brand’s website
- Read reviews carefully
- Make sure the seller has a U.S. address and a working phone number
- Watch for red flags like long shipping times or a website that looks suspicious
Murray also reminded shoppers to be alert for fake reviews – nearly identical comments, unverified purchases, or over-the-top praise can be a tip-off.
If an item looks suspicious, check the packaging and labels, verify the serial or UPC codes, and report it to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) or Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
“There’s more to life than getting a good deal,” Murray cautioned. “Especially if it’s something that breaks right away or it causes an injury, or it causes your kid to get sick.”
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