Press Release

February 4, 2021

Media Contact: media@buysafeamerica.org

Consumers Must Keep An Eye Out For Knockoff Sports Merchandise 

Buy Safe America Coalition Issues Warning To Consumers On Counterfeit Sports Merchandise On Online Marketplaces Ahead of Super Bowl LV

Washington, DC – The Buy Safe America Coalition, a diverse group of retailers, consumer groups, and manufacturers who support efforts to combat organized retail crime and protect consumers from the sale of counterfeit and stolen goods, today released the following statement on the recent surge in counterfeit sports merchandise ahead of Super Bowl LV.

“With Super Bowl LV just around the corner, knockoff sports apparel and memorabilia are flooding leading third-party marketplaces,” said Michael Hanson, Buy Safe America Coalition spokesperson. “Merchandise for the big game is in such high demand, resulting in counterfeiters becoming more aggressive in an attempt to profit off of unwary consumers. Federal legislation is desperately needed to close the verification loopholes on these platforms and ensure that fans won’t be deceived.” 

Through “Operation Team Player,” the Department of Homeland Security has seized 169,000 counterfeit sports goods, totaling $44 million dollars. This merchandise, ranging from knockoff jerseys to fake championship rings, can be easily found on e-commerce platforms. The Buy Safe America Coalition is urging Congress to pass the INFORM Consumers Act, which would require online marketplaces to collect and verify basic seller information and provide that information to consumers. 

“Removing the anonymity on these platforms by creating basic accountability measures will protect consumers from illicit goods and aid law enforcement in their efforts to track the worst offenders.  We can protect consumers if we force bad actors out of the shadows and make it harder for them to build a business selling counterfeit merchandise,” said Hanson. 

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.