ATLANTA -- Federal regulators are sounding the warning about the growing number of knock-off electronics on the market. Counterfeiters have moved from watches and handbags, to MP3 players and digital cameras.

Consumer Investigator Jim Strickland has what to watch for.

You buy a fake Rolex or a knock-off pair of Oakley’s from a street vendor, chances are, you know what you’re getting. But, officials say when the piracy goes high-tech, consumers can be duped with dangerous consequences.

After amateur photographer Matt Riopelle bought a high-speed digital camera, he was in the market for a memory card. He says he needed something specific. Riopelle found a great deal on the web, from what appeared to be a reputable seller. But when the product came to his door, Riopelle said he was suspicious.

He had suspicions that his memory card was a knock-off.

Therese Randazzo with U.S. Customs and Border Protection says that counterfeit technology is becoming a huge problem.

She says, "Last year, Customs and Border Protection with respect to counterfeit technology products seized over $9,000,000 worth of goods, 350 seizures."

They found memory sticks, computers, cell phone batteries, DVD and MP3 players.

Anush Yegyazarian with PC World Magazine says, "There's a manufacturer, usually overseas, that is re-labeling no name brands, and what they do is they slap a label that you recognize on it."

Yegyazarian says these phonies aren’t just popping up on the web, even some local store owners are being fooled.

Nick Tidd is a Counterfeit Goods Expert and he says, "It's actually really hard to tell whether the product is a knock-off just by looking at it. Retail locations may buy a batch of 100 of something -- 75 of them may be perfectly legitimate, and the 25 are bad."

And “The Bad” won’t just hurt you financially. Pirated goods have been known to overheat and melt.

Randazzo says, "If you're unlucky with one of these types of products it can present shock hazards to you, fire hazards in your home."

Within the past 2 years, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has received more than 130 reports of injuries from cell phone batteries and chargers overheating. So, what can you do to protect yourself and your technology?

First, take a look at the price. Ultra cheap means ultra risky.

Second, know where you’re buying from. Know the store. Don’t automatically go to a no-name place.

Lastly, take a close look at the product. Look at the wording on the label, the size, shape and color.

It’s the packaging that tipped off Matt Riopelle. He compared his memory card to one he knew was legit, and it was quite obvious he’d been had. And he’s worried after talking to other victims of the same seller.