Ohio ranks seventh in the nation for overall losses as a result of retail crime. Now, the state’s senate has passed bill HB 272, which closely mirrors the INFORM Consumers Act, federal legislation that would require online marketplaces to verify high-volume third-party sellers.
The Buy Safe America Coalition, a diverse group of retailers, consumer groups, wholesaler-distributors, manufacturers, and law enforcement officials that support efforts to combat organized retail crime and protect consumers and communities from the sale of counterfeit and stolen goods, issued the following statement in response:
“This legislation will make it harder to peddle counterfeit goods and stolen products to Ohio consumers, and will make it easier for law enforcement to track and prosecute organized criminal activity in Ohio,” said Michael Hanson, Buy Safe America Coalition spokesperson. “We applaud Ohio’s legislators for recognizing the need to protect Ohio consumers and businesses, and we urge Governor DeWine to sign the bill into law as soon as possible.”
Learn more about how organized retail crime is affecting the nation—and what is being done to put a stop to it—in LPM‘s upcoming Special ORC Issue.