It's the busiest shopping season of the year and many Canadians are on the hunt for bargains. But how do you know if you're getting the real deal?

Counterfeit goods are on the rise and it's not just designer purses or fake DVDs flooding the market anymore. The RCMP uncovered 35 million dollars worth of counterfeit items just in the past 45 days in the greater Toronto area. Counterfeit items include cosmetics, Viagra, jeans, hats, NHL Jerseys and many other products.

Lorne Lipkus with the Canadian Anti-Counterfeiting Network says, "Counterfeiters are costing Canadians jobs as these fakes are produced off shore and shipped into Canada harming legitimate retailers who are doing business properly and paying taxes."

Inspector Todd Gilmore with the RCMP says, "Anyone who buys counterfeit items is contributing to organized crime."

Retailers are also being duped into buying fakes at full price. While many counterfeit goods often end up in flea markets, now some of them are being purchased by Canadian department stores that are unknowingly paying full price for fakes.

Consumers also need to be extra cautious on the internet as many fake goods are moving online. Only shop at reputable websites and avoid pop up ads and unsolicited e-mails. Microsoft Canada also says that some pirated computer software is coming our way with hidden malware and viruses. If you buy pirated software you could end up infecting your computer and even having your identity stolen.

Key Points:

• Counterfeit goods now range in everything from fake designer clothes and cosmetics to batteries, ice wine and computer software.
• Police have seized 35 million dollars worth of counterfeit goods in the past 45 days in the Toronto area alone.
• Consumers should look at the price, packaging and quality of the item for tell-tale signs that a product may be a fake.
• Counterfeiters are now fooling legitimate retailers into selling their fakes at full price.
• Many counterfeiters are also selling their wares online, posing new risks to Canadian consumers and businesses.
• Pat attended the 16th Annual Fraud and Anti-Conference on Nov. 30, 2011. For more information on the event visit: http://www.eemac.ca/codes-and-standards/Anticounterfeiting/Support/index.html