United to Safeguard America from Illegal Trade

We're United to Safeguard America from Illegal Trade (USA-IT), a public and private sector partnership designed to help protect American security and prosperity from black market criminals. Learn more → usait.org

Counterfeit beauty products are spreading across online marketplaces. Recent lab testing found every suspicious cosmetic purchased from third-party sellers had significant formulation issues and possible contamination. Consumers deserve better safeguards.

Criminal networks are exploiting gift cards through tampering, phishing, and scam calls, costing consumers and retailers hundreds of millions. Gift card fraud fuels broader illicit activity. Stay alert and check for signs of tampering before purchasing.

Intellectual property rights violations carry real consequences. Counterfeiting and trademark infringement undermine innovation, hurt legitimate businesses, and can expose consumers to unsafe products. Strong IP protections support jobs, creativity, and market integrity.

One month until the 2026 USA-IT National Summit (May 11–13) in D.C. Law enforcement, industry, and policy leaders coming together to focus on real-world strategies to combat illegal trade. Hope to see you there! RSVP: events.bizzabo.com/806231

Just this year in MA, nearly 34,000 pounds of frozen snow crab worth $325K were stolen in a cargo theft scheme involving hacked emails and fake trucking paperwork. Food and beverage shipments are now top targets for organized theft. This is a growing supply chain threat.

On April Fools’ Day, you expect a few jokes or harmless deception. You shouldn’t have to worry about fake products entering the marketplace. Counterfeit goods are pushed by criminal actors who profit from confusion and risk consumer safety. Don’t be fooled.

This month, @USTradeRep released its 2025 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy, identifying 37 online and 32 physical markets linked to substantial counterfeiting and copyright piracy. As digital piracy evolves, strong IP enforcement remains critical.

As global demand & online marketplaces continue to expand, wildlife trafficking remains a $10–$20 billion-a-year illicit industry pushing endangered species toward extinction. This trade fuels transnational criminal networks, increases disease risks, & undermines legal trade.

Human trafficking, organized retail crime, & contraband smuggling are connected, & they don’t stop at borders. Criminal networks use the same routes to move people and illicit goods, funding dangerous threats. That’s why USA-IT supports the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act.

Counterfeit goods continue to resurface – deceiving consumers, undermining legitimate businesses, and funding criminal activity. Breaking the cycle requires strong enforcement and action.

Recent analyses estimate cargo theft losses surged to nearly $725 million in 2025 – a 60% increase from 2024. This growing threat robs supply chains and consumers alike, targeting vulnerable points anywhere goods are in transit.

Big events like Mardi Gras bring crowds, commerce—and increased risk for illicit activity, including ORC, counterfeiting, and trafficking. That’s why preparedness, intelligence-sharing, and frontline training are critical to protecting communities.

Valentine’s Day means higher spending, and higher risk for organized retail crime and counterfeit goods. Seasonal demand gives criminal networks new opportunities, which is why law enforcement–industry collaboration and training matter most during peak retail moments.

Sheriff Chris West and incoming Executive Director Justin Smith accepted the USA-IT Partnership for 2025 Award, recognizing NSA’s commitment to stopping illegal trade and strengthening public safety. Justin Smith also joined leaders across government on the USA-IT panel “Closing the Gap: Public Sector Roles Against Illegal Trade” to share how sheriffs are on the frontlines of this fight every day. Grateful for partners who share this mission. @IllegalTradeUS

PFMA is on site in D.C. for the USA-IT 2025 National Summit. Strong programming, direct engagement with policymakers, and real collaboration on combating illegal trade. Proud to bring the Food and Beverage Industry’s voice to this national conversation. @IllegalTradeUS

🚨 We’re ONE WEEK OUT! Join @IllegalTradeUS in Detroit Oct 15–16 for the Midwest Anti-Illegal Trade Summit — free training for law enforcement & brand protection pros. Includes a free professional workshop on Oct 16! 👉 RSVP & Event Page: usait.org/events/midwest…

ICYMI: Yesterday, global e-commerce, social, payments & iconic brands met under @IACC_GetReal's MAC to set new standards for collaboration against counterfeits—protecting consumers and IP worldwide. #IACCMAC

Human trafficking generates $236 billion annually, perpetuating the horrors of modern slavery. On #WorldDayAgainstTrafficking, let’s raise awareness, support survivors, and fight for a world free from exploitation.

This #WorldAntiCounterfeitingDay let’s bring awareness to counterfeiting. It isn’t just about fake products—it fuels organized crime, human traffcking, and global destabilization. With counterfeits making up 3.3% of global trade, it’s time to take action.

What an incredible Film & Fireside event in #SanDiego over the weekend! Big thanks to Alastair Gray from @INTA, Travis Johnson from @IACC_GetReal, and @LLipkus for sharing their perspectives on countering #counterfeiting and #illegaltrade.