The value of copper has made it an attractive target for thieves over the years who strip plumbing components from foreclosed homes or steal wiring to sell the copper for its scrap value, but some enterprising crooks figured the copper was worth more if manufactured into convincing — but fake — parts. Earlier this year, Underwriters Laboratories sent out a warning to electricians and contractors that counterfeit eight-foot ground rods were floating around the marketplace. The rods were imprinted with made-up identification numbers, but they didn’t meet U.S. safety requirements.