(1) However, they are quite happy with the deception. Although the quality can’t be guaranteed, they can, at least for a short while, pretend to themselves and their friends that they are wearing the same clothes, watches, perfume and jewellery as the celebrities they admire.

Now, however, the problem is growing. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development estimates that the value of counterfeit goods crossing international borders is over $250 billion a year. This figure rises further if you include products sold in the country where they are produced. (2) This in turn makes it more difficult for governments to finance schools, hospitals and other essential services.

However, the problems are not only financial. (3) The most dangerous of all are fake medicines. Many people who would never deliberately buy any drugs not regulated by the government are fooled by authentic-looking websites. They may end up taking substances that could be deadly. Large numbers of children have been killed by fake drugs and baby products in countries such as China, Panama and Nigeria in recent years. Almost certainly, individuals have suffered in the same way in many other places.

It is easy to avoid fake products. Reputable shops and their websites are careful to only stock genuine items, so you can feel confident buying from them. (4) By careful searching, it is often possible to find bargains.

You can save even more money, though, by searching for cheap, but legal, alternative products. A quick search shows that a Rolex Explorer II watch can cost from about $3,000 to over $5,000 depending on the model you prefer. A fake Rolex is cheaper but it may not work or it may not even arrive. However, an original Steinhart Ocean II can be yours for under £500 and it is reasonably similar to a Rolex. (5) But at least you have a genuine product and you haven’t done anything illegal by buying it. You will also have a receipt in case anything goes wrong.

We all like a bargain and some products are extremely expensive but buying counterfeit goods is not the best way to find one.

A Some fake products are now so good that even experts struggle to tell them apart from the originals.

B The trade in fake goods reduces the amount of money that national governments collect in tax revenues.

C But purchasing goods legally in this way doesn’t mean you will pay ridiculous prices.

D Some fake products offered for sale online could be harmful to people.

E Of course, you may find that your friends aren’t as impressed by the less well-known name.

F Most people who buy these goods know that what they are buying isn’t genuine.