Security labels can deter counterfeiters
We all know expensive wines, especially rare vintages, are an easy target for counterfeiters and thieves. The high price tags make it an appealing product, especially since it can be difficult to pinpoint fake bottles. Well, it isn’t just the luxury market that is at risk anymore. Low end, moderately priced California wines are the latest victims of savvy counterfeiters.
In other countries, especially China, counterfeiting has become an easy way to make quick money. Since lower priced items aren’t as closely monitored, it is easier for criminals to get away with selling fake product. For sometime, we have talked about anti-counterfeit labels that can help reduce the risk of fraud. These measures, including RFID, 2D barcodes, holograms, tamper-evident labels, black light inks, etc., are great ways to deter criminals, but sophisticated criminals can easily reproduce these types of labels. Since lower level items aren’t thoroughly monitored, the anti-counterfeiting protection labels can be replicated and easily pass most checks.
When a fraudulent item is sold, it opens up the brand to enormous risk. What if someone is sickened from a fake bottle of wine and then the manufacturer is sued? How can they prove it wasn’t really their product? The only way to beat counterfeiters is to prevent it from happening. The FDA recommends a layered approach, and we couldn’t agree more.
If you have a product that runs a high risk of counterfeit, multiple measures must be taken to protect your brand. An RFID label may work well, but when coupled with black light or hidden inks, it can be a much stronger force field. Also, security changes should be evaluated and changed often. If criminals can’t figure out what you are doing, they won’t be able to copy it. Lastly, no system works if there isn’t someone checking it. The person checking a label to make sure it is real is just as important as the security measure implemented.
Just remember, it may cost more to have multiple security labels, but it far outweighs the cost of losing the consumer’s trust.
Tags: custom label printer, custom labels, RFID labels, security labels, tamper evident labels
