# How do I check if a product is genuine?

> Scan the FirstScanIt QR code on the pack with your phone camera. No app, free, in 23 languages. Learn what each result means and what to do next.

Source: https://firstscanit.com/docs/verify-a-product

If the pack carries a FirstScanIt code, checking it takes three steps and a few seconds. It is free, and you do not need an app or an account.

## Three steps to check a pack

1. **Find the QR code on the pack.** It is printed on the label, strip or box, usually near the batch number and expiry date.
2. **Point your phone camera at it.** Any modern Android phone or iPhone works. Tap the link that appears.
3. **Read the result.** Green means genuine. Amber means take a closer look. Red means do not buy. The page also shows the maker, batch, dates and how many times this pack has been checked.

## What does each result mean?

*The five results:* Genuine, Scanned before, Not signed, Recalled and Expired. Each result has an icon and a word as well as a colour.

## See what a buyer sees

*Try a situation:* Interactive example of the result page for a first scan, a repeat scan, a photocopied code, an unsigned code and a recalled batch. Sample product. Illustration only, not a live check.

## Shopper questions

### Do I need to install an app to check a product?

No. Your phone’s normal camera opens a web page with the result, in English or any of 22 Indian languages.

### Does it cost anything to check a product?

No. Checking is always free and unlimited. You only use a little mobile data to open the page.

### Can someone just copy the QR code?

They can photocopy it, but they cannot change it or create new valid ones. A copied code shows up as the same pack appearing in many places, and FirstScanIt warns buyers and alerts the maker.

### I scanned my own pack twice. Is that a problem?

No. The code stays valid and the result shows that it was checked before, with the count. Scanning your own pack again is normal.

### My sealed pack says “scanned before”. What should I do?

Look at the first-scan city and date on the result. If neither you nor the shop scanned it, ask the shop or choose another pack.

### What should I do if I see a red result?

Do not buy or use the product. If you already bought it, keep the pack and the bill. The maker is alerted automatically.

### Do I have to share personal details to check a product?

No. There is no sign-up and no name is asked for. An approximate location is recorded with the scan so the maker can see where fakes appear.

### What if my product has no FirstScanIt code?

Then the maker has not joined FirstScanIt yet, and the check does not apply to that product. Buy from a licensed shop and keep the bill.

## Related

- [How does FirstScanIt work?](https://firstscanit.com/docs/md/how-it-works.md)
- [What does FirstScanIt change for pharmacies and distributors?](https://firstscanit.com/docs/md/pharmacies-and-distributors.md)
- [What is FirstScanIt?](https://firstscanit.com/docs/md/index.md)

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FirstScanIt provides technology-assisted verification based on the maker’s digital signature and scan records.