Audio Transcript

Mollie Halpern: The FBI is seeing an increase in intellectual property crime ranging from the theft of trade secrets to counterfeit medication and automobile parts.

These crimes can threaten national security and put consumers at risk.

As part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, David Farquhar, the chief of the Intellectual Property and Criminal Cyber Integration Unit, says criminals are using the Internet to perpetrate these crimes.

David Farquhar: The emergence of e-commerce and the globalization of commerce has increased the threat because it has fundamentally changed the way counterfeit products reach consumers.

Halpern: The FBI works with its law enforcement partners and the private sector to combat and prevent intellectual property crimes. Farquhar offers ways consumers can do their part.

Farquhar: The first step is to not knowingly buy counterfeit products. The second step is to be vigilant to avoid inadvertently buying counterfeit products by being mindful of where online you buy and from whom you buy. Buy from known, trusted sellers.

Halpern: To report intellectual property crime, contact your local FBI field office or visit IPRCenter.gov.

I’m Mollie Halpern of the Bureau with FBI, This Week.