Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Ways to detect counterfeit gift certificates for department stores

In South Korea, paper gift certificates account for much bigger share in the market than gift cards or mobile gift certificates. In 2014, the value of Korea's paper gift certificate market was 9.4 trillion Korean Won(KRW) and that of mobile gift certificate market was 500 billion KRW. Among the figure, 5 trillion is estimated to account for gift certificates for department stores, 900 billion for gift certificate to use at the pump, 600 billion for recreation and culture gift certificates for shoes. Anyone who wishes to issue gift certificates can pay stamp duty to Korea's National Tax Service and issue them through Korea Minting, Security Printing and ID Card Operating Corporation.


The image above is the picture of one of the widely-circulated gift certificates for department stores. The gift certificate has the value of some 9 US dollars according to the current exchange rate. Gift certificates are used just as cash in membership stores so some of the security measures applied to bank notes are also used to protect them. Theses gift certificates have protruding water mark and partial exposure security thread(with hologram fine letters embedded), making it possible to discern with plain eyes.




In cases where visual detection with plain eyes is tricky, a separate device needs to be used. When the UV light is shone upon the surface of the gift certificate using UV LED Detector MP12t, the fluorescence fiber emerges overall and the hidden logo of issuer 'LOTTE' emerges in fluorescent green. Filling inside the logo are LOTTE's in fine letters. The overall fluorescence fiber also emerges at the back of the certificates.

In September 2015, Korea faced a serious challenge as counterfeit gift certificates worth more than 900 billion US dollars were known to be circulation in the country. The gift certificates of high face value are circulation and can be used just like cash, making them an easy target for counterfeiting crimes. Gift certificates have different security measures and designs but basically share many of those applied to bank notes, so please be aware of these in advance.

Feel free to contact us anytime if you have questions. ; uvleddetector@mv21.co.kr

Monday, November 30, 2015

Nowadays, the genuine labels are easily forged. Here is a solution, UV LED detector MP12t

Since the fakes are rampant in a variety of industries from electronics or automotive to cosmetics and other consumer products, the holographic or security labels are widely used nowadays for confirming authenticity of the products.

However consumers need to pay attention to the fakes because, with the technology of forgery developed in recent years, the increasing number of the skillful counterfeiting of the holographic or authentic labels is reported.

We have checked if it is an authentic label with MP12t the portable counterfeit detector.

The below is the Cheonjiram, one of famous liquor of Yanghadaegok, China. Three kinds of series, Haejiram, Cheonjiram and Mongjiram, are sold under the brand name of "Yanghanamsaekgyeongjeong".



As an expensive liquor, and authenticity label is attached. The attached brand name of Yanghanamsaekgyeongjeon and the trademark, looked as a hologram, are but materials of silver foil. The back is a kind of security labels, and the adhesive surface is made to be easily damaged when removing so that customers and easily check whether it is genuine or not.


MP12t the portable counterfeit detector is thrown over the product, a gradation of fluorescence appears from the upper left part of the brand in the center of the sticker. It is to certify the product is authenticity and to prevent forgery at the same time by applying the fluorescent element as an additional security.



Since the increasing number of holographic or authentic labels are skillfully forged or counterfeited with an advanced technology of forgery, it is highly recommended to check not only the presence or absence of stickers but to take meticulous care for additional identification.

Feel free to contact us anytime if you have questions. ; uvleddetector@mv21.co.kr

Monday, November 16, 2015

Detecting pollutants, fluorescence brightening agents, and particles with the UV LED Detector

UV light is not only used for screening fake bills or ID cards, but also can be used for other multiple purposes such as detecting particles, pollutants, refrigerant leak, bodily fluid and finger prints, or fluorescence brightening agents.



The image above show soap and other pollutants on a front wall of a sink found by the UV LED Detector MP12t. Natural light cannot, but only UV light can check such marks.



The image above shows how the UV LED Detector MP12t detects fluorescence brightening agents. The left image turned blue as the paper contains fluorescence brightening agents, but the right image does not show any response as the paper does not contain any fluorescence brightening agents.

Fluorescence brightening agents are used in many consumer goods such as paper, soap, sanitary items, textile, plastic, and paint, and are known to cause various skin problems and digestion issues. In particular, toddlers who ha sensitive skin are recommended to use clothes, towels, and tissues that do not contain fluorescence brightening agents.



The image above shows how the UV LED Detector MP12t detects particles such as dust on an LCD sample. Since having particles significantly affect semiconductor and display process, thorough particle control is necessary.

Feel free to contact us anytime if you have questions. ; uvleddetector@mv21.co.kr

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Security measures for Peso of the Philippines

Some counterfeit bills of 500 peso or 1,000 peso are being detected in the Philippines. On top of this, voting rights are often sold and bought illegally in the country, so counterfeit bills are often found during the election season. Filipino bills are equipped with security measures preventing counterfeiting such as raised ink printing, serial number, fluorescent appearance, watermark and security seal so please heed to those signs. We'll have a look at the fluorescent security measures that can be easily detected by UV LED detector.

1. 20 Peso



1) Front : When shed with UV light, the serial number on the left end of the bill glows in fluorescent green and the fluorescent security threads appear.
2) Back : When shed with UV light, the sun pattern of Filipino national flag as well as the image of a small Palm Civet emerge in fluorescent yellow and red, and the fluorescent security threads appear.


2. 50 Peso



1) Front : When shed with UV light, the serial number on the left end of the bill glows in fluorescent green and the fluorescent security threads appear.
2) Back : When shed with UV light, the sun pattern of Filipino national flag as well as the image of a small Giant Trevally emerge fluorescent light green, orange and red, and the fluorescent security threads appear.


3. 100 Peso



1) Front : When shed with UV light, the serial number on the left end of the bill glows in fluorescent green and the fluorescent security threads appear.
2) Back : When shed with UV light, the sun pattern of Filipino national flag as well as the image of a small whale shark emerge in fluorescent light green and pink, and the fluorescent security threads appear.

Feel free to contact us anytime if you have questions. ; uvleddetector@mv21.co.kr

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

There are security concerns regarding the cash out voucher of casinos.

Just like chips at the casino's game table, you get a cash out voucher after playing a game at the slot machine. The cash out voucher can be exchanged at the cage or at the automatic exchanger within the casino.

Because the cash out voucher can be reinserted into the slot machine, and it can be used in place of cash within the casino, it is equipped with the fluorescent security factor.
The cash out voucher below is one which is actually being used in casino in Korea and the US, and nothing appears under natural light. However, the hidden security factor shows up when placed under the UV light.



 This is the cash out voucher used in Korean casinos. Nothing shows up on the front, but the casino's logo shows up on the back. Both the front and back consists of fluorescent paper, but the security factor show up clearly.


This is the cash voucher used in the US casinos. Just like above, nothing shows up on the front, but the casino's logo shows up on the back. The other cash out voucher uses only fluorescent fiber, and no other fluorescent factor is added.(Does not show clearly in photo.)


Because the automatic exchanger only exchanges the voucher of a certain limit, and if you win a huge amount at the slot machine, you must go to the cage for the exchange. This is when the secure factor is utilized. Through the primary barcode, the high value voucher is checked for validity, and once more, checked for secure factor. This is because there is possibility of forgery.

Forgery of chips or cash out vouchers at the casino is illegal and subject to punishment.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Fake ID cards and Korean data privacy laws.

In Korea, the use of stolen or forged ID cards by teenagers to enter drinking establishments or purchase alcohol or tobacco products has become a problem. If caught, the teenagers are not prosecuted but the convenience store or drinking establishment that sold the product may have its operating license revoked or need to pay a fine. Even if the owner insists that the ID card was verified during the purchase, without evidence in the form of CCTV footage, no justification is possible. This becomes a target of abuse when teenagers skip out on paying restaurant or bar bills, or when underage employees employed by a business owner drink alcohol at a competing establishment and then report the event leading to social problems when administrative measures are required.

To solve these problems, some companies have recently begun selling a machine for the verification of real names and fingerprints in Korea. This machine scans a customer's ID card and uses the customer's name and ID number to verify the customer's real name and then verify the customer's fingerprint. Although the machine is expensive, because administrative measures such as fines are a major detriment to business, there are an increasing number of business owners who have purchased the machine to prevent problems.

This machine, however, has problems of its own as it violates Korean data privacy laws. As it collects the customer's private data such as the customer's photo, date of birth, and fingerprint, the customer must agree to this process or revoke his/her consent. Most private data ends up being collected without the customer's consent, however, leading to a serious situation where customers' data is stored on individual PC's and may be exposed to data theft/leakage.

To verify if a minor's ID card is stolen of forged, using a trustworthy UV detector for a visual inspection with the naked eye is most appropriate. If the scene of the inspection is recorded using CCTV and saved, it can be used as evidence for justification if charges are pressed to avoid administrative measures and follow data privacy laws.

You can contact us : uvleddetector@mv21.co.kr

--- Extract of the news report ----
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Although 35,000 terminals of this type have been installed at businesses nationwide, almost none of the sites informed customers that their data was being saved.

<Recording> Business employee(voice modified) : "Because it commonly found in other businesses, most people just show their ID to us and scan their fingerprint to enter. We almost never explain the process..."

This is a violation of data privacy laws.

Consent must be given according to data privacy laws for data to be collected and allowances must be made to revoke previously given consent.

Lee Sang-il(Nation Assembly Education, Culture, PE, Tourism Commitee Member)
<Interview> "In accordance with National Human Rights Commission, in order to verify the entrance of minors, only the date of birth needs to be confirmed. Scanning and collecting fingerprints is tantamount to excessive data collection."

Manufacturers of the terminals assert that it is the duty of business owners to ask for consent from customers. After recording started, it was announced that steps to include consent in the program would be pushed for.
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Click on the following link for more detailed information.


September 19, 2015 / KBS TV

Friday, August 21, 2015

Security features of Lottery Tickets

Do you realize that lottery tickets also have fluorescent security features to prevent forgery and falsification?

This is a Korea's pension lottery that pays the winning prize in monthly chunks over a certain periods of time. Every week, 6.3 million lottery tickets are sold and 327.60 million tickets are printed annually.



Although the safety features are not visible in natural light, a blue letter 'Lotto' appears when the ticket is exposed to ultraviolet, and light orange color patterns in an area where the lottery number is written appear as fluorescent orange.

Please be careful because lottery tickets can be a target for forgery and fraud as they can be cashed in immediately.

Monday, July 27, 2015

High power UV flashlight

Introducing the High Power UV Flashlight!

Our UV flashlight is equipped with highly intense light radiation for use in finding particles in during the production process for semiconductors or displays, or for discovering fingerprints, bodily fluids, or blood stains at crime scenes. In addition, it can be used very effectively as a handy curing device for curing in a variety of industrial fields. It may also be used for special lighting entertainment, ad displays, and on stages.


Have you confirmed the power of UV flashlight?

Instead of printing photos on plain white paper, print them using UV ink to make sure nothing is visible under natural light. This enables the verification of the contents only under ultraviolet light.


Our UV LED detector MP12t allows for this kind of image when viewed under ultraviolet.
[UV LED Detector]


However, an even clearer and wider image is visible under an UV flashlight.
[High power UV flashlight]


A rechargeable battery is built in to the product so no power cable or battery is necessary enabling the product to be used without space limitations as long as it is charged.


The products can be produced with a customized UV LED wavelength depending on the task required.

Feel free to contact us anytime if you have questions. ; uvleddetector@mv21.co.kr


Friday, July 24, 2015

Elkhart Police see increase in counterfeit currency this month

The Elkhart Police Department is warning individuals and especially businesses that they've seen an increase in counterfeit currency this month.
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(omitted under)

Source : http://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/Elkhart-Police-see-increase-in-counterfeit-currency-this-month-317865091.html

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

MP12t detects forged casino chips

Casino chips have the same value as cash inside a casino. Thus, they are frequently a main target of forgers and criminals. Although casino operators have expended a lot of effort to detect forged casino chips, it is currently difficult to detect forged chips with 100% accuracy.

It is no easy task to detect forged casino chips with the naked eye. Therefore, casino chips use fluorescent security features for enhanced security, similar to cash, checks, and ID cards. Our company's MP12t makes it easy to verify the fluorescent security features of casino chips. Many casinos around the world currently use the MP12t.

Below are photos of a variety of chips produced by different manufacturers. Under the UV light of the MP12t, text invisible under natural light appears or certain parts of the chip change color. If the fluorescent security features do not appear under UV light or their position, shape, torm, or ccolor is different, it is possible that the chip may be forged.

[Natural light]

[UV light]

When the MP12t is used, it is possible to protect yourself from losses arising from forged chips. The MP12t is a very convenient device that allows you to use a single device to analyze not only casino chips, but also cash exchange vouchers issued within casinos, money bills, checks, and ID cards.

You can contact us : uvleddetector@mv21.co.kr

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Fluorescent security factors in the Thai baht

The 50-baht and 1000-baht donominations of Thai baht are typically targeted for forgery. In March 2013, in the southern Nakonsi Thammarat region, a woman in her twenties was caught using a scanner to copy bills via a computer before editing them to print. In August 2010, in the northern Ubun Ratchathani region, three university students who produced 4.7 million baht of forget bills were arrested.

Let's look at the main fluorescent security features used in the Thai baht.

1. 20 baht 
 

- Front : The number 20 should be visible on the right, while some parts of the flower pattern should turn fluorescent green. The red serial number should turn fluorescent orange while a general fluorescent security fibers should emerge.
- Back : The entire statue of Ramkhamhaeng in the middle should turn fluorescent green, while a general fluorescent security fibers emerge.

2. 50 baht

- Front : Some parts of the background surrounding the portrait of Rama 9 King Bhumibol Adulyadej should turn fruorescent green and yellow. The red serial number should turn fluorescent orange, while a general fluorescent security fibers should emerge.
- Back : A general fluorescent security fibers should emerge.

3. 100 baht (Old bill)

- Front : Some parts of the background surrounding the portrait of Rama 9 King Bhumibol Adulyadej should turn fluorescent orange and sky blue. The red serial number should turn fluorescent orange, while a general fluorescent hue should emerge.
- Back : A general fluorescent security fibers should emerge.

4. 500 baht (Old bill)

- Front : Some parts of the background surrounding the portrait of Rama 9 King Bhumibol Adulyadej should turn fluorescent green. The red serial number should turn fluorescent orange, while a general fluorescent hue should emerge.
- Back : A general fluorescent security fibers should emerge.

Friday, May 22, 2015

Fluorescent security factors in the New Taiwan dollar

1. 100 TWD


- Front : The red serial number turns fluorescent orange while the entire bill displays the fluorescent security fibers.
- Back : The entire bill displays the fluorescent security fibers.

2. 500 TWD




- Front : The red serial number turns fluorescent orange while the entire bill displays the fluorescent security fibers. In addition, a person playing baseball on the left side while the letters indicating the denomination on the right turn a fluorescent yellow.
- Back : A green bamboo design appears in the middle while the entire bill displays the fluorescent security fibers.

3. 1000 TWD


- Front : The red serial number turns fluorescent orange while the entire bill displays the fluorescent security fibers. In addition, a fluorescent green astronomical telescope appears on the far right side while the letters indicating the denomination turn a fluorescent yellow.
- Back : The fluorescent security fibers appear while a picture of a flower appears in fluorescent orange along with an identical flower pattern in the upper right hand side in the center of the bill.

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Fluorescent security factors in the Euro

1. €10 bill

 


- Front : The fluorescent security fibers are visible under UV light. The flag of Europe and the signature of the governor of the European Central Bank changes from navy to green. The color of the stars changes to fluorescent orange.
- Back : The fluorescent security fibers are visible under UV light. The patterns in text displayed on the bill all turn to a yellowish fluorescent color.

2. €50 bill



- Front : The fluorescent security fibers are visible under UV light. The flag of Europe and the signature of the governor of the European Central Bank changes from navy to green. The color of the stars changes to fluorescent orange.
- Back : The fluorescent security fibers are visible under UV light. The patterns in text displayed on the bill all turn to a yellowish fluorescent color.




- Front : The fluorescent security fibers are visible under UV light. The flag of Europe and the signature of the governor of the European Central Bank changes from navy to green. The color of the stars changes to fluorescent orange.
- Back : The fluorescent security fibers are visible under UV light. The patterns in text displayed on the bill all turn to a greenish fluorescent color.

Monday, April 27, 2015

The importance of product choice

Ultraviolet wavelengths can be divided into UVA(320~400nm), UVB(280~320nm), UVC(100~280nm). The wavelengths capable of verifying forgeries are UVA wavelengths.

When purchasing a UV LED Detector, it is important to double check the UV LED’s quality. The results can be significantly affected depending on which UV LEDs are used.

One of the following currency bills is a forgery. Can you tell which bill is a forgery? As you can see, the quality of the paper and printing conditions are very similar, making it is impossible to distinguish which bill is forged using the naked eye. How will the two bills change when viewed under ultraviolet light to uncover which one is forged?


1) Low-price UV LED Detector(test product made by us for research purposes)

The currency bill was verified using the low-price UV LED Detector. Fluorescent security features are visible in identical spots on the front of the bill. Except for the fact that the top bill has slightly blurry security features, it is almost impossible to distinguish which bill is a forgery.

2) MP12t

The currency bill was verified using our MP12t product. Although fluorescent security features are visible in identical spots on the front of the bill, they are of a different color. The fluorescent security fibers on the bottom bill are clearly visible whereas the one on the top is not visible at all. The top bill is a forgery.

It is possible to verify the existence of security features using the low-price UV LED Detector. However, they should not be used to determine is a currency bill is real or forged based on the mere fact that security features exist. Using machines that cannot distinguish between the colors of fluorescent security features or detect the existence of color fibers poses as risk and makes them extremely suitable for use when identifying forgeries. Which product would you select?

You can contact us : uvleddetector@mv21.co.kr

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Fluorescent security factors in US dollars

1. $20 bill


- Front : a fluorescent green line appears on the left-hand side of the bill
- Back : a fluorescent green line appears on the left-hand side of the back as it does on the front, the inside of the line has 'TWENTY USA or USA TWENTY" printed across it.

2. $50 bill

- Front : a fluorescent yellow line appears across the center of the bill
- Back : a fluorescent yellow line appears across the center of the bill as it does on the front, the inside of the line has "50 USA or USA 50" printed accross it.

3. $100 bill

- Front : a fluorescent pink line appears on the left-hand side of the bill
- Back : a fluorescent pink line appears on the left-hand side of the back as it does on the front, the inside of the line has '100 USA or USA 100" printed across it.