At the CII meeting, Keithley displayed an evidence table that included a fake Caterpillar oil filter and fraudulent power cord, as well as other consumer items that included counterfeit automotive parts, roller bearings, batteries, golf balls and condoms.

"A lot of times these counterfeiters are engaged in other criminal acts," Keithley said, noting that the FBI targets CFSIs that are seen as threats to health and safety, thefts of trade secrets or examples of large-scale piracy, or that are linked to larger criminal networks.

In any case, firms should not be afraid to report CFSI incidents to federal authorities, which can be reached at www.iprcenter.gov, Keithley said.

"We need to know about these things," she said. "Nothing is too small."

Stronger Supply Chains

Once companies have identified, reported and remediated suspect items, the next challenge is changing future procurement practices, said Fluor's Taylor.

Remember those fake dust masks? Fluor's safety auditors went to a local African hardware store and found the same packages on the store's shelves.

"We took it home and called 3M," Taylor says. "Our rep confiscated it." The incident encouraged Fluor to establish a global supply deal with 3M to avoid future mishaps. Looking back, Taylor warms anyone tempted by super-low prices to consider the source.

"Buy from a reputable person," he said.