Merchandise Below Market Value
Question
Where I live (and in many other places), it is not unusual for people to sell merchandise that is highly in demand on the streets for a small fraction of the price the identical goods are customarily sold for in a retail store. I have no proof that any of these vendors have stolen their wares, only the ‘too good to be true’ suspicion on the basis that there is no way I know of to obtain this merchandise for such a low price. Even retailers pay more from wholesalers than these vendors are selling these items for. What is the Halacha when it comes to buying from these street vendors?
Answers
It is forbidden to buy merchandise that you are pretty sure has been stolen. Even if you are not certain but it is clear to you that such items cannot be sold at such prices unless they are stolen, it would be forbidden to buy them.
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