Press Release

Media Contact: media@buysafeamerica.org

In Case You Missed It!

The “Real” Problem: Knockoffs Are Cheap but Exact a Heavy Price

Loss Prevention Magazine recently published an article that examines the counterfeit industry and the consequences that come with the sale of knockoff merchandise. Some article highlights include: 

“While we still have the issue of pawn shops and flea markets, there is no type of regulatory body that protects consumers from stolen and counterfeit goods on online marketplaces, and that’s where we see the trend going,” said Michael Hanson, senior vice president for public affairs at the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA).“The sale of illicit goods is only going to increase, and we don’t see the trend of buying online changing.” 

RILA launched the Buy Safe America Coalition, a diverse group supportive of efforts at all levels of government to combat organized retail crime (ORC) and protect consumers and communities from the sale of counterfeit and stolen goods. Rite Aid, DICK’S Sporting Goods, and Lowe’s are all coalition members, and all stakeholders in the fight are encouraged to join. “It’s an issue that affects such a broad spectrum of companies, and the more retailers that join, the more people that hear the powerful stories they have to tell.” 

The major thrust currently is the Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces (INFORM) Consumers Act, which would require online marketplaces to obtain and verify straightforward information from third-party sellers, such as their government ID, tax ID, bank account information, and contact information, and require third-party sellers to disclose their information to consumers. “It provides transparency and accountability, and more information to track down and prosecute [bad actors],” said Hanson. 

You can view the rest of the article here. 

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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.