![[iTrace Technologies] The Weaponization of QR-Codes and the Impact on Brand Protection](https://traceability.fyi/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/01/itrace_logo.jpg "[iTrace Technologies] The Weaponization of QR-Codes and the Impact on Brand Protection"){kind=logo}
In February of 2025 the Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) released a white paper titled Signals of Trouble. This article highlighted how Russia was weaponizing the QR-Code on popular messaging apps to gain access to systems, data and devices.
![[VeriTrace] Proprietary UID Codes for B2B Program Success: a series of posts](https://traceability.fyi/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/08/veritrace_posts.jpg "[VeriTrace] Proprietary UID Codes for B2B Program Success: a series of posts")
VeriTrace is producing a series of posts exploring how proprietary UID codes are superior for B2B product identification and how they are changing the way companies protect their products, strengthen supply chains, and gain greater business intelligence.
![[VeriTrace] The Limitations of Open Codes vs Proprietary Codes – Why Security Matters](https://traceability.fyi/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-29-at-15.21.11.png "[VeriTrace] The Limitations of Open Codes vs Proprietary Codes – Why Security Matters")
Open QR Codes and DataMatrix codes have transformed product identification.
This white paper examines the global challenge of production overrun, commonly referred to as unauthorized manufacturing, unauthorized production runs, or third‑shift manufacturing, and how it undermines brand integrity, supply‑chain security, and legitimate market channels.
![[VeriTrace] Why Choose a Security Printer Over a Commercial One](https://traceability.fyi/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/1755109972106.jpeg "[VeriTrace] Why Choose a Security Printer Over a Commercial One")
Many commercial printers now offer security labels to combat counterfeiting, providing UID systems to authenticate, track, trace, and identify diversion. They may be able to create products that resemble security labels, but they don’t address real security concerns.
![[VeriTrace] Connect to Consumers While Protecting Your Brand](https://traceability.fyi/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/1758552576940.jpeg "[VeriTrace] Connect to Consumers While Protecting Your Brand")
Non-secured versus smart-secured package labeling
![The hidden dangers of counterfeit beauty products [NSS G-Club]](https://traceability.fyi/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/shamblen-studios-xwM61TPMlYk-unsplash.jpg "The hidden dangers of counterfeit beauty products [NSS G-Club]")
Have you ever really thought about what you’re putting on your face when you buy counterfeit or fake cosmetics? How to spot them and why the risks just aren’t worth the savings.
![Counterfeit Goods: A Danger to Public Safety [ICE.gov]](https://traceability.fyi/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/ship-4490852_640.jpg "Counterfeit Goods: A Danger to Public Safety [ICE.gov]")
The production and trafficking of counterfeit goods poses a significant health and safety threat to consumers. It also impacts the economic growth of legitimate businesses and consumers through lost revenue, downtime, and replacement costs.
![CBP, Partners Seize More than $18 million in Fake Gibson Guitars in Largest Counterfeit Musical Instrument Seizure on Record [CBP.gov]](https://traceability.fyi/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/fake_guitars_2_jpg_webp_80.jpg "CBP, Partners Seize More than $18 million in Fake Gibson Guitars in Largest Counterfeit Musical Instrument Seizure on Record [CBP.gov]")
Officers and Import Specialists assigned to the LA/Long Beach Seaport, in conjunction with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agents, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Investigators, and Gibson representatives, announced the seizure of over 3,000 counterfeit Gibson guitars with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), had they been genuine, of $18,742,820 (USD).
![Fraud in a bottle: How Big Pharma takes on criminals who make millions off counterfeit drugs [CNBC]](https://traceability.fyi/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/03/danilo-alvesd-Y14ONzYtxb4-unsplash1.jpg "Fraud in a bottle: How Big Pharma takes on criminals who make millions off counterfeit drugs [CNBC]")
A CNBC investigation found criminal networks altering pill bottles of lifesaving drugs and then selling them back to pharmacies at large discounts.
![Ex-mechanic pleads guilty to fake airbag sales [SecuringIndustry.com]](https://www.securingindustry.com/assets/98/deployed_airbag.jpg "Ex-mechanic pleads guilty to fake airbag sales [SecuringIndustry.com]")
Mohammed Al-Abadi imported fake components from China and assembled the parts to make counterfeit airbags.
![Convicted Felon Arrested in the San Fernando Valley for Selling Counterfeit Rolex Watches and Carrying a Loaded Ghost Handgun [LAPD]](https://traceability.fyi/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/03/conv-felon-arrst-final.jpg "Convicted Felon Arrested in the San Fernando Valley for Selling Counterfeit Rolex Watches and Carrying a Loaded Ghost Handgun [LAPD]")
The purchase of counterfeits products may be hazardous to your health. There have been instances where counterfeit watches and jewelry contain elevated levels of lead and other dangerous metals.
![[GM Authority] Counterfeit GM Parts Operation In Michigan Busted By Feds](https://traceability.fyi/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/02/ivana-cajina-WPVtT0MEM00-unsplash-scaled.jpg "[GM Authority] Counterfeit GM Parts Operation In Michigan Busted By Feds")
A parts dealer in Warren, Michigan suspected of storing and distributing counterfeit GM parts was investigated by federal authorities.
[Defense News] The Defense Department is developing new tests to find counterfeit parts, putting a renewed emphasis on reporting when problematic components are found.
Under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), signed into law December 2023, items imported that were wholly or partially manufactured, mined, or otherwise sourced from Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China…
“Hopefully, by educating more brands on the profit potential of brand protection and high ROI, companies will see the importance of prioritizing these measures to protect them and their customers from fraud.”
From the Forbes article
In this article on Forbes.com, Keith Goldstein, President and COO of VerifyMe, explains the ROI of brand protection, and how track & trace technology is first and foremost in a brand protection initiative.
![Deadly Counterfeit Air Bags Are Making Their Way Into Vehicles [Wall Street Journal]](https://traceability.fyi/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/accident-1497295_640.jpg "Deadly Counterfeit Air Bags Are Making Their Way Into Vehicles [Wall Street Journal]")
