The acquisition of Business Watch International (BWI) by LeadsOnline was completed earlier this year. This combines the two largest for-profit pawn data collection companies into one that looks to expand their coverage in the U.S. and Canada. 

Pawnbrokers’ cooperation with law enforcement to prevent and solve property crimes is obviously in our best interest. However, the security of our consumer pawn customers’ non-public personal information (NPPI) is also of primary importance and required under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 and by other federal agencies. 

The NPA is preparing a comment to the FTC on the proposed trade regulation rule on the prevalence of commercial surveillance and data security practices that harm consumers. 

Team GRC needs your input on any instances of the misuse of your customers’ personal information you are required to submit to law enforcement through one of these third-party-for-profit companies. 

Please send it to Fran Bishop grc@nationalpawnbrokers.org as soon as possible.