Counterfeiting is the act of creating fake items that are intended to deceive people into believing they are genuine. This can include money, documents, designer goods, and even pharmaceuticals. Counterfeit products often lack the quality and safety standards of the real items, which can lead to financial loss and health risks for consumers. Governments and organizations work to combat counterfeiting through various measures, including stricter laws and advanced security features on currency and products. The U.S. Secret Service is one agency that investigates counterfeit currency, while brands often employ trademark protections to safeguard their products from imitation.