With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley
Q: What should consumers know when
shopping for gifts during the holiday season and beyond?
A: The pandemic fueled online shopping as more Americans
turned to e-commerce to purchase everyday goods and gifts. Estimates project
record-setting online shopping this holiday season, with sales reaching $207
billion in online sales. As the U.S. economy struggles to navigate bottlenecks
and low inventory in the supply chain, concerns about slow shipping and late
deliveries aren’t the only issues consumers need to watch. Law enforcement and
consumer watchdogs are warning shoppers to be on the lookout for counterfeit
and fake goods. Counterfeit and pirated goods rip off consumers to the tune of
$500 billion every year. And it’s not just hitting luxury brands and retailers.
Fake goods pose dangerous risks to consumer health, from sham baby formula to
faulty batteries and bad cosmetics. When shopping for goods online, don’t be
bashful about being skeptical. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it
probably is. Always trust your instincts. A bargain isn’t worth it if the
product being purchased is counterfeit or unsafe. Before sharing sensitive
information and financial information online, be sure the website uses a safe
and secure transaction portal. Specifically, look for a padlock symbol and the
https:// in your browser. That’s an important safety tool that indicates your
payments are protected. For example, illicit websites may install malware that
can skim your credit card information and passwords stored on your hard drive.
Consumer watchdogs also recommend buyers check labels and packaging for broken
or non-existent safety seals, tainted products, false warranty information and
expired dates on perishable products. Gifting and receiving is a cherished
tradition in America. I encourage shoppers to protect yourselves and loved ones
this holiday season. Don’t blindly fork over your hard-earned money and savings
to an online portal or e-retailer without due diligence to ensure it’s a
trusted business.
Q: What should consumers do if
they’ve been duped by counterfeit goods?
A: Don’t just chalk it up
to a hard lesson learned. Take action that can help others from getting
fleeced. Report unsafe counterfeit products to the U.S. Customs Border
Protection or the National IPR Center. Or, report suspicious activity by
calling (800) Be Alert. The National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination
Center works to protect Americans from transnational criminal organizations and
combat intellectual property (IP) theft. As the top Republican on the Senate
Judiciary Committee, I use my legislative and oversight authority to keep
pressure on faithful enforcement of our nation’s anti-fraud laws and consumer
protection tools. Putting teeth into trade enforcement and holding federal
agencies accountable are a couple ways I work on behalf of Iowans to protect
their welfare and hard-earned money. Getting swindled by online piracy not only
hurts consumers, it creates an unfair situation for legitimate retailers who
play by the rules, jump through regulatory hoops and pay taxes to create jobs
and support local economies. Bad actors infiltrate every sector of the economy,
from pharmaceuticals, to entertainment, electronic goods and apparel. Consider
the disappointment when cyber criminals swindle sports fans by selling fake
tickets to a Big 10 football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City or to see
some basketball magic at Hilton Coliseum in Ames. It’s a growing problem I’m
working to address on behalf of Iowans. I’m co-sponsoring a bipartisan bill
that takes aim at online sales of stolen, counterfeit and dangerous products.
It directs online retail marketplaces that include third-party sellers of
consumer products to verify the identity of those sellers. In cities across
America, we’re seeing a surge in organized crime sprees referred to as “smash
and grab” targeting brick-and-mortar stores. I’m working to protect consumers
from organized retail crime rings that sell stolen or counterfeit items in bulk
online. Improving transparency will help consumers be savvy shoppers and
discourage illicit sales. Tis the season to stop online grinches from taking
advantage of consumer trust and strengthen faith in the marketplace, online and
on Main Street.