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Despite most consumers considering counterfeit goods to be theft, over a third have knowingly bought them while abroad, according to research by Microsoft. The overwhelming reason is that if it's cheap, it's fair game.

However, what appear to be fantastic bargains often include some undocumented 'extras' designed to infect PCs and hand control over to online criminals. Black market copies of Windows frequently come complete with spyware included so, while customers think they are saving a few pounds, they could also be storing up a lot of trouble

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Michala Alexander, Microsoft's head of anti-piracy, told Computer Shopper that, "the chance of buying something at a cut price is attractive, but people are getting more than they bargained for."

"People who buy pirated software are putting themselves at risk of cyber-crime and identity theft, which can have dire consequences. Using non-genuine software also means that internet fraudsters can access your personal details more as pirated goods are typically far less secure," she said.

Microsoft found that, of all counterfeit items bought by those surveyed, software was the fourth most popular while DVDs, music and fashion were the most common. The majority of those who bought pirated goods believed with the statement that, "If I can get them more cheaply, why wouldn't I."

The Business Software Alliance has found that the majority of pirated software is found in Central and Eastern Europe and Latin America. In both regions nearly 70 per cent of all software installed on PCs is pirated. The Middle East, Africa and Pacific Asia follow closely, with over 50 per cent of all PCs containing illegal software.