There has been an increase in sophisticated counterfeit operations in Virginia.

For example, in May 2007 Newport News authorities confiscated $1.8 million worth of counterfeit goods from 11 stores. And, a few weeks ago, Suffolk Police seized more than $32,000 in counterfeit goods from a downtown store, including 260 pairs of counterfeit shoes.

Thanks to new laws that went into effect July 1 that were part of our Office’s legislative agenda, Virginia consumers and businesses have new safeguards against counterfeit and unsafe products.

Counterfeit products have included: automotive brake pads, diabetes test strips, airline mechanical parts, smoke alarms, baby food, prescription drugs, cancer-fighting drugs, surgical products, batteries, wine, clothing, shoes, DVDs/CDs, toys, toothpaste and jewelry.

"Virginia is one of the first states to pass a law toughening penalties and making it harder for counterfeiters to sell their fake merchandise,” said Del. Ben Cline, who was the chief patron of the legislation in the General Assembly.

It is estimated that counterfeiting and piracy cost the United States about $250 billion each year and has led to the loss of more than 750,000 jobs. Plus, many of these “knockoff” products, like medical supplies and car parts, also endanger the user.

The Food and Drug Administration estimates that counterfeit drugs account for 10 percent of all drugs sold in the nation. The Federal Aviation Administration estimates that 2 percent of the 26 million airline parts installed each year are counterfeit - about 520,000 parts.

“Counterfeiting and piracy threaten consumers’ health and safety, while shaking our confidence in the products we rely on and the brands we trust,” said Caroline Joiner, vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center. “This legislation will protect Virginia’s consumers from dangerous and defective counterfeit and pirated products, while sending a strong message to the perpetrators of these crimes.”

Here are some tips for consumers to avoid dangerous counterfeit products:

-If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Know the usual price range for your intended purchases;

-Inspect the quality of the product. Scrutinize labels and packaging. Are there any misspellings? Does the country of origin match the country that normally produces the product?;

-Seek authorized dealers for the product you are planning to purchase and make your purchases from the most legitimate source possible; and

-Report questionable and faulty products to law enforcement.

Consumer protection is an important statutory duty of the Office of the Attorney General, and our staff can help. In an age of increased consumer issues, we all must continue to be educated and vigilant.

Bob McDonnell is the Attorney General of Virginia.