Authenticity Check: 5 Should-Scan Places to Spot Fakes
Published on 29 April 2025
(Images by hosnysalah, RayPhotosPerth, Barbhuiya, T., RDNE Stock project, and namair from Pixabay and Pexels)
The Fake Product Epidemic
$500 billion – that’s what counterfeit goods cost the global economy annually, as stated by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (2022). Beyond financial losses, fake goods can pose real health risks to you and your family, deadly fakes lurk in everyday purchases: severe skin reactions from toxic-laced cosmetics, fake medicines have led to hospitalisations, and knockoff electronics have been known to overheat or even explode. Here are some real-life incidents of counterfeits causing harm:
Counterfeit goods are silently invading our homes, costing the global economy billions while poisoning our families with dangerous fakes so perfect, you’d never suspect the threat. How can you possibly protect your family when counterfeiters are getting this good?
What is a SmartKood and Why Do You Need It
Quanties and quality of counterfeits are increasing everyday. (Image by Guilaine from Pixabay)
SmartKood is an advanced product authentication system that uses unique, dynamic QR codes to give every product its own digital identity. By simply scanning a SmartKood QR code with your smartphone, you instantly verify if the product is genuine. This quick, easy process connects you to detailed product information, including origin, batch numbers, and authorised sellers, all secured by SmartKood’s advanced traceability technology to prevent duplication. SmartKood not only protects you from counterfeit products but also enhances transparency and trust between brands and consumers. It’s an essential tool in today’s market where counterfeiters use near-perfect packaging and fake online reviews to deceive shoppers.
SmartKood QR Codes: 5 Must-Check Spots for Authenticity
(Image by hosnysalah from Pixabay)
Pharmacies – Medications, Supplements, Personal Care
According to a W.H.O. (2017) research, 10% of medicines in developing nations are fake or dangerously substandard – putting millions of lives at risk every day. By scanning SmartKood QR codes, you can verify medications instantly and protect yourself from counterfeit medicines and supplements.
(Image by RayPhotosPerth from Pixabay)
Cosmetics and Beauty Shops – Skincare, Makeup, Perfumes
A European Union Intellectual Property Office study (2019) found that counterfeit cosmetics and personal care products cost the EU industry approximately €7 billion in annual revenue losses. Knowing that, you should not only choose the right shade of your lipstick, but you should also look out for SmartKood QR codes while shopping next time.
(Image by hosnysalah from Pixabay(Image by Barbhuiya from Pexels)
Baby Product Shops – Baby Formula, Food, Accessories
Ever wondered if the baby formula you’ve bought is real? According to a Red Points (2022) research, 3 in 10 parents have unknowingly purchased counterfeit baby products through online retailers. Don’t take chances with your baby’s health—always scan the SmartKood QR code before using any baby product. That quick 3-second check could be the difference between safety and serious risk.
(Image by RDNE Stock project from Pexels)
Pet Shops – Pet Foods, Medications, Supplements
Veterinary Practice (2020) have stated that illegal traders can often use real imagery and adverts to sell fake pet products at a slashed down price. There is no way to verify the authenticity of the products through adverts, but SmartKood will help you to verify if your product is authentic in mere seconds. Therefore, the next time you feel unsure about the authenticity of your purchases, just look out for SmartKood QRs.
(Image by namair from Pixabay)
Electronic Shops – Accessories, Gadgets, Components
Have you ever seen clearance sales from closing electronic stores and felt that the prices are too good to be true? You see 80% discounts on computer parts or half prices off some branded speakers, but you just cannot shake off that sneaky suspicion. SmartKood can instantly clear the paranoia in just seconds and help you acquire good deals without being scammed.
Be a Smart Shopper
Shop smarter with SmartKood (Image by Stevepb from Pixabay)
Don’t fall victim to counterfeit scams. Always look for the SmartKood Trust Badge and scan the QR code before buying to verify product authenticity in seconds without downloading any dedicated apps. Share this guide and help protect your family and community from fake products. By scanning to verify with SmartKood, you’re not just buying a product—you’re securing peace of mind, shop smarter starting today.
Author: Chung Kai Foong, Team SmartKood.
Looking to enhance your supply chain visibility and product traceability? Ready to transform your supply chain? Learn how SmartKood can help your business stay competitive!
Sources referenced:
Barbhuiya, T. (2022). A Close-Up Shot of a Scooped Formula Milk Powder [Stock image]. https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-close-up-shot-of-a-scooped-formula-milk-powder-11501481/
Ennoventure. (n.d.). Why Fake Electronic Parts are a risk to your device’s lifespan. https://ennoventure.com/blogs/why-fake-electronic-parts-are-a-risk-to-your-devices-lifespan/
European Union Intellectual Property Office. (2019). Up to EUR 60 billion lost each year in the EU due to counterfeiting in 11 key economic sectors. https://euipo.europa.eu/tunnel-web/secure/webdav/guest/document_library/observatory/documents/reports/2019_Status_Report_on_IPR_infringement/2019_Status_Report_on_IPR_infringement_pr_ireland.pdf
Guilaine. (2014). Can Soft Drink Beverage [Stock image]. https://pixabay.com/vectors/can-soft-drink-drink-beverage-443123/
hosnysalah. (2023). Doctor Pharmacy Pharmaceutical [Stock image]. https://pixabay.com/photos/doctor-pharmacy-pharmaceutical-8264057/
Karim, F. N., & Shah, A. (2016). Exclusive: Toxic cosmetics killing Malaysians [VIDEO]. https://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/12/198864/exclusive-toxic-cosmetics-killing-malaysians-video
namair. (2018). Drone Technology Aerial Remote [Stock image]. https://pixabay.com/photos/drone-technology-a-aerial-remote-3202860/
RayPhotosPerth. (2014). Department Store Cosmetics Counter [Stock image]. https://pixabay.com/photos/department-store-cosmetics-counter-265135/
RDNE Stock project. (2021). A Paper Bag with Dog Treats on a Brown Table [Stock image]. https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-paper-bag-with-dog-treats-on-a-brown-table-7310213/
Red Points. (2022). The growing problem of fake baby products. https://www.redpoints.com/blog/fake-baby-products/
Stevepb. (2014). Shopping Mall Store Retail Center [Stock image]. https://pixabay.com/photos/shopping-mall-store-retail-center-509536/
U.S. Chamber of Commerce. (2022). Back-to-School: Business and Law Enforcement Team Up to Protect Students, Parents, and Teachers from Counterfeit Goods. https://www.uschamber.com/intellectual-property/back-to-school-business-and-law-enforcement-team-up-to-protect-students-parents-and-teachers-from-counterfeit-goods
Veterinary Practice. (2020). More than 1 in 10 pet owners have been conned into purchasing fake pet medicines online. https://www.veterinary-practice.com/2020/more-than-1-in-10-pet-owners-have-been-conned-into-purchasing-fake-pet-medicines-online
World Health Organization. (2017). 1 in 10 medical products in developing countries is substandard or falsified. https://www.who.int/news/item/28-11-2017-1-in-10-medical-products-in-developing-countries-is-substandard-or-falsified