As the holidays get into full swing and folks begin to make their lists of presents for young and old alike, we thought it might be a good idea to point everyone to some helpful online consumer resources. In particular, we wanted to mention two Justia web sites which allow users to look-up information on recalled items and goods.
We created the Recall Warnings site with Nolo Press to provide easy access to thousands of product recalls and and consumer alerts from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The recalls cover a variety of products such as toys, child furniture and outdoor play items, adult clothing and accessories, products for pets, and household appliances and electrical equipment. You can browse through various categories of goods or, if you are interested in learning more about a particular brand or item, you can also search the site. In addition, you may create RSS feeds to help you be an up-to-date and savvy consumer all year round.
Auto Recalls
We’ve all seen the commercials on TV of a car in a driveway wrapped with a bow, but before you make such a big purchase, we’d suggest you check out our Auto Recall Center. Thousands of recalls are here organized by manufacturer (e.g., Ford, Toyota, etc.) and then by the specific model. Like our Recall Warnings site, you may also set up RSS feeds to track ongoing recalls for a car you may already own or one you may be interested in purchasing or learning more about.
Additional Consumer Product and Safety Resources
Recalls.gov – A “one stop shop” for U.S. Government recalls of consumer products, motor vehicles, boats, food, medicine, cosmetics and environmental products. Recalls.gov also has a mobile phone app to keep you informed while you are on-the-go.
W.A.T.C.H. – World Against Toys Causing Harm’s 2010 “Worst Toys” List.
Consumer Product Safety Commission – You’ll find a wealth of consumer-related information on the site including publications and information centers on items such as cribs.
Consumer Reports – A great resource, but some information is behind a pay-wall. Check out your public library’s online databases which usually have a full-text subscription available for card holders.
Kelley Blue Book – Pricing information and reviews for new and used cars, trucks and other vehicles.
Consumer Action Handbook – A free guide to being a smart shopper from the Federal Citizen Information Center.
American National Standards Institute – Consumer Resources on the Web
