U.S. Chamber, Google Back Maloy Bills Targeting Retail Crime

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Utah Chamber, in partnership with Google, hosted a roundtable on fraud and retail crime with Rep. Celeste Maloy (UT-02) in Salt Lake City, Utah. The session centered on two bipartisan bills now moving through Congress: the Guard Act and the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA).

The roundtable examined how fraud and organized retail crime hit local businesses and communities, and what tools employers and law enforcement need in response. Google contributed a Digital Scam Readiness Demonstration focused on personal and family security in an age of artificial intelligence and digital life.

Thomas J. Wickham, Vice President and Managing Director at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, tied the event directly to the pending legislation. "The U.S. Chamber is proud to support Rep. Maloy and her work on combatting fraud and retail crime. The Guard Act and CORCA will help provide the necessary resources to local, state, and federal law enforcement to fight fraud and the organized crime rings that are hurting businesses and communities. We commend Google for its leadership in promoting personal and family digital security in the battle against scammers," Wickham said.

Maloy, who attended the discussion with business and community leaders, framed the economic stakes plainly. "Fraud and organized retail crime aren't victimless crimes. The direct victims are our neighbors, and we are all indirect victims because fraud causes price increases," Maloy said. "That's why I spent time with business and community leaders learning what tools they need to prevent and combat these hidden drags on the economy."

Derek Miller, President and CEO of the Utah Chamber, stressed the role of employers in shaping the policy response. "A strong economy starts with safe, thriving businesses. As organized retail theft and financial fraud continue to impact employers and consumers across Utah, it's critical that business leaders have a seat at the table as policymakers consider solutions. We appreciate Congresswoman Maloy for engaging directly with the business community and for her commitment to addressing these challenges through thoughtful, collaborative policy," Miller said.

The two bills take different but complementary approaches.

The Guard Act targets financial fraud and scams aimed at older Americans. It provides resources and cutting-edge technologies to local law enforcement to support investigations into scams against retirees.

CORCA attacks the supply side of organized theft. The bill would increase collaboration between jurisdictions to curb retail crime and cargo theft, while strengthening the partnership between law enforcement and businesses to dismantle the criminal syndicate networks behind these schemes.

CORCA has already cleared one chamber. The House passed the legislation on May 16, and Rep. Maloy has been a strong proponent of the bill. The roundtable signals that the business lobby intends to keep pressure on as the legislation moves forward, with Google positioning itself as a private-sector partner on consumer scam prevention.