Tamper-Proof and Anti-Counterfeit Labels: Protecting Your Business Against Retail Fraud

The Growing Problem of Label Swapping

Is your business losing significant revenue due to illegal, fraudulent behaviour? From major fashion retailers to small independent garden centres, the swapping of pricing labels has become a widespread problem across the UK and globally, potentially costing your company thousands of pounds each year.

Eye-Opening Statistics: A survey conducted by myvouchercodes.co.uk revealed that ‘swapping labels to pay less for an item’ is the most common method shoppers use to save money illegally, with 53% of participants admitting to this behaviour at least once. This percentage surpasses other common offences such as parking illegally (41%) and manipulating self-service machines (29%).

More alarmingly, nearly half (47%) of these offenders stated they would consider repeating their label-swapping tactics. With less than 39% of perpetrators being caught, this trend shows no signs of slowing down without intervention.

Soabar’s solution: Specially designed tamper-proof, anti-counterfeit, self-adhesive labels that make fraud immediately visible.

How Tamper-Proof Labels Work: The Technology Behind the Security

Our tamper-proof labels utilise advanced technology that combines easy-tear materials with industrial-strength adhesives. This creates a security feature that causes labels to visibly disintegrate when removal is attempted.

Key Features:

• Visible Evidence of Tampering: Unlike standard paper labels that can be cleanly removed, tamper-proof labels tear into multiple fragments when tampered with
• Impossible to Transfer: The fragmentation makes it physically impossible to swap the label to another product
• Easy Detection: Staff can quickly identify tampering attempts at the till
• Cost-Effective Protection: Low-cost solution that delivers significant savings

The image above demonstrates our tamper-proof labels in action. Left: intact label. Right: the same label after an attempted removal, showing clear evidence of tampering.

Is Your Business at Risk? Understanding the Scale of the Problem

This isn’t a minor issue affecting only certain sectors—label swapping has become a significant problem across the entire retail industry in the UK:

• Major Fashion Retailers: One international clothing retailer reported estimated losses of £480,000 over just a 6-month period (nearly £1 million annually) due to ticket swapping
• Supermarkets: UK grocers face similar challenges, particularly with high-value items
• Department Stores: Multiple instances of organised label fraud have been documented
• Garden Centres: Seasonal items are particularly vulnerable to price switching
• Electronics Retailers: High-value goods are prime targets for label swapping

Warning Signs Your Business May Be Experiencing Label Fraud:

• Inconsistencies between inventory and sales figures
• Unusual patterns in pricing discrepancies at till points
• Increase in returns of correctly priced items
• Unexpected revenue shortfalls for specific product lines
• Customer complaints about price discrepancies between shelf and till

Implementation Solutions: How to Integrate Tamper-Proof Labels into Your Operations

Soabar offers multiple ways to introduce these security labels into your existing business operations:

Option 1: In-House Printing Solution

If you already print your own pricing labels, you can simply switch to our tamper-proof materials. Our anti-counterfeit labels are available in both:

• Direct thermal substrates
• Thermal transfer substrates

This allows you to continue using your existing printing equipment while upgrading to tamper-evident materials.

Option 2: Outsourced Printing Service

Prefer not to handle the printing yourself? Soabar provides complete printing services:

• Available in various sizes and quantities
• Custom designs to match your brand requirements
• Comprehensive packaging and direct delivery
• Ready to apply to swing tickets or directly onto products

UK Market Insight: British retailers have been increasingly adopting tamper-proof labelling technology, with adoption rates rising by 35% in the past two years alone. The investment typically pays for itself within 3-6 months through loss prevention.

Case Studies: Real-World Success Stories

Case Study 1: UK Department Store Chain

Challenge: Experiencing approximately £250,000 in annual losses due to label swapping. Solution: Implemented tamper-proof labels on all high-value items. Result: 87% reduction in fraudulent pricing discrepancies within the first quarter.

Case Study 2: Independent Garden Centre Group

Challenge: Seasonal plants and high-value garden equipment were frequent targets. Solution: Rolled out comprehensive tamper-evident labelling across all price points. Result: Loss prevention improved by 73%, with staff reporting easier identification of tampering attempts.

Case Study 3: Fashion Retailer

Challenge: Designer items targeted for label swapping, particularly during sale periods. Solution: Introduced colour-coded tamper-evident labels with additional visual security features. Result: 92% decrease in suspected fraudulent transactions and improved stock accuracy.

The Financial Benefit: Return on Investment Analysis

The implementation of tamper-proof labels typically delivers:

Business Size	Average Annual Losses	Cost of Implementation	Typical ROI Timeframe	Potential Annual Savings
Small Retailer	£5,000-£15,000	£1,000-£2,500	3-6 months	£3,500-£12,500
Medium Retailer	£15,000-£50,000	£2,500-£7,500	2-4 months	£12,500-£42,500
Large Retailer	£50,000+	£7,500-£20,000	1-3 months	£30,000-£450,000+

Conclusion: Stay One Step Ahead of Retail Fraud

Soabar is proud to offer this revolutionary loss-prevention product to our customers. Our anti-counterfeit labels provide an effective solution to the widespread issue of label swapping, helping your company maximise profit margins and protect revenue.

Don’t continue to fall victim to fraudulent behaviour. Implement tamper-proof labels across your product range and effectively counter this growing form of retail theft.

Expert Consultation Available

Our team of security labelling specialists can provide:

• Free assessment of your current vulnerability
• Customised implementation plan
• Staff training on identifying tampering attempts
• Ongoing support and material supplies

Contact Soabar Today

For more information about prices, designs, or sizes of our tamper-proof labels, please contact a member of our sales team:

Phone: 0116 284 7000
Email: sales@soabar.co.uk
Website: www.soabar.com

Social Media

• Facebook: Soabar Ltd
• Twitter: @soabarltd
• Instagram: soabarltd

Label Swapping in the News

The prevalence of label swapping has been widely documented in UK media:

• Mother made £30,000 a month switching labels on children’s toys – Daily Mail
• Swapping price tags was no joke, judge tells defendant – Boston Standard
• Self-confessed shopaholic defrauded TK Maxx out of more than £600, court hears – Northern Echo
• Police: Woman nabbed for tag switch scam — again – Patch