Counterfeit software is the result of unauthorized copying, reproduction, or manufacture of software products. Counterfeit software often looks authentic and is sometimes distributed in packaging that imitates the original manufacturer's packaging.

The Counterfeit Gallery
The Counterfeit Gallery shows examples of counterfeit software in three categories (low-grade, mid-grade, and high-grade counterfeits). The more you know about counterfeit software, the easier it will be for you to ensure you always purchase genuine Microsoft software.

Launch the Counterfeit Software Gallery now.

Note: This gallery requires Microsoft® Internet Explorer 5.5 or later and Macromedia® Flash®.

Scams
Counterfeit software can come from a number of sources. It’s important to use a reputable reseller when purchasing software or PCs that come with software. Some common scams to avoid are:

• Re-bundled software
  CDs that are genuine but are not intended for resale are bundled with COAs and EULAs from illegal sources. In some cases, all of the components are genuine, but they were not produced to be sold together, which makes the whole product counterfeit. Look on CDs for text such as “Not For Resale” and on COAs for the names of companies other than those from whom you bought the software or the acronym OEM if you did not purchase the software preinstalled on a PC.
• Auction Web sites
  The Business Software Alliance (BSA) estimates that “a high percentage” of software sold on auction sites is counterfeit. Sellers may claim the low price is for “liquidated product” or due to having an agreement with Microsoft. They may say that the disk is a backup copy or offer a special price for a compilation CD (with software from multiple publishers on one disk or CD).
• Spam e-mail messages
  E-mail messages claiming drastically discounted prices for Microsoft software are probably scams. Many lead to flashy sites from which you can buy counterfeits at low prices. In many cases, the information you use when buying the counterfeit (name, address, credit card) is then used to commit identity theft or credit card fraud.
• Deals from other regions
  Try to buy locally to avoid scams from other regions. Software is often stolen in one region and sold cheaply in another. In other instances, counterfeiters from another region may offer to let you buy multiple units of a product for a very low price so that you can sell them online, promising you will make a lot of money. Instead, you may find yourself paying large fines for dealing in counterfeits and the real counterfeiters already have your money.
• Non-Microsoft.com downloads
  Microsoft does not authorize any other Web sites to offer downloads of Microsoft software. Some of these counterfeit downloads may include viruses or broken code. The only way to download genuine Microsoft software is through Microsoft.com.
• Hard disk loading
  Sometimes, there’s nothing for you to look at and confirm that your software is genuine. You pay someone to install the software or you buy a PC with software pre-installed, but they don’t give you a CD, a COA, or a EULA. All you have is the software loaded on your hard disk drive. Unless your company has a volume license, you should always at least have a COA.
• Street vendors
  In most regions, street vendors sell counterfeit software, either openly or to those who know the “correct” way to ask. Whether or not you have to ask for it in a special way, you can help avoid counterfeits by not purchasing from street vendors.