Press Release

December 17, 2020
Media Contact: media@buysafeamerica.org

3M Joins Coalition to Combat the Sale of Fraudulent Goods 

3M Joins Buy Safe America Coalition in Effort to Bring More Transparency and Accountability to Largest Online Marketplaces 

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Buy Safe America Coalition, a diverse group of retailers, consumer groups, wholesaler-distributors, and manufacturers who support efforts to combat organized retail crime and protect consumers and communities from the sale of counterfeit and stolen goods, announced the 3M (MMM) as a new member. 3M will take part in the fast-growing coalition alongside existing members from other industries including CVS, DICK’S Sporting Goods, The Home Depot, HP Inc., Lowe’s, Philips, Rite Aid, Ulta Beauty and Walgreens. 

Stopping the sale and manufacture of counterfeit 3M products such as N95 respirators, stethoscopes, and other products has been a priority for 3M for many years. This year, the sale of counterfeit 3M personal protective equipment (PPE) has been a serious concern amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

As part of an ongoing effort to keep counterfeit merchandise from making its way to unsuspecting consumers and frontline health care workers, 3M has successfully secured the removal of more than 13,000 fraudulent e-commerce listings and seized more than 5 million counterfeit respirators through customs seizures and raids. 

“3M is looking forward to working with the other members of the Buy Safe America Coalition,” said Colette Durst, 3M Chief Trademark Counsel. “This is another step in our global effort to combat fraud and counterfeiting and protect the public from those who try to exploit the demand for critical 3M products during a pandemic.” 

“Now more than ever, our health care workers need the highest-quality medical equipment available,” said Michael Hanson, Buy Safe America Coalition spokesperson. “During a pandemic, e-commerce platforms have an added responsibility to collect and verify third-party seller information to prevent the sale of defective medical supplies. We are pleased to have 3M join the coalition as part of their continuous efforts to keep consumers safe and healthy.” 

In addition to joining the BSAC, 3M has established resources and hotlines around the world to report suspected fraud and created resources to help prevent price-gouging, identify authentic 3M products, and ensure products are from 3M-authorized distributors.

Visit BuySafeAmerica.org for more information about the growing problem of stolen and counterfeit goods and solutions to better protect consumers and businesses.

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The Buy Safe America Coalition represents a diverse group of responsible retailers, consumer groups, manufacturers, intellectual property advocates and law enforcement officials who support efforts at all levels of government to protect consumers and communities from the sale of counterfeit and stolen goods.