KryptoTag
Inspiration
Return fraud is a growing threat in the e-commerce industry, especially in the fashion and footwear sectors. Customers often buy, wear, and return items while falsely claiming they are unused. This leads to massive revenue losses, damaged inventory, and increased logistics costs. We wanted to create a scalable, tech-enabled solution that verifies whether an item has been used—something no current system effectively offers.
What it does
KryptoTag is a dual-verification tagging system that helps e-commerce platforms detect fraudulent returns.
It uses:
- Visible QR codes linked to transaction records
- Invisible ink markers that react under UV light to reveal tampering or wear
This allows return centers to instantly verify whether a returned product is truly unused, protecting profits and inventory integrity.
How I built it
- QR system: A backend service in Node.js generates unique QR codes for each product and links them to customer/order metadata in Firebase
- Invisible ink layer: UV-reactive, non-damaging ink applied to discreet product areas during packaging
- Mobile verification app: Built with React Native to scan QR codes and check ink visibility using UV light
- Dashboard: Firebase-powered interface for return agents to view return history and scan results
Challenges I ran into
- Ensuring the invisible ink works across different fabrics and materials without damage
- Making tags tamper-evident without ruining the customer experience
- Seamlessly integrating the verification flow into existing return processes
- Ensuring real-time, low-latency data sync between devices and the cloud
Accomplishments that I'm proud of
- Built a working prototype with both QR and invisible ink detection
- Achieved a less than 5-second return verification process
- Created an intuitive mobile app for return agents
- Designed the system to be cost-effective and easy to scale
What I learned
- Combining hardware (UV ink) and software creates powerful fraud-detection tools
- Product tagging needs to be minimally invasive but highly effective
- A simple system can solve a billion-dollar problem when executed well
- E-commerce logistics are deeply complex but open to innovation
What's next for KryptoTag
- Run a pilot with an e-commerce brand in fashion or electronics
- Add AI-based wear detection via image analysis
- Expand to sectors like cosmetics and luxury goods
- Integrate with platforms like Shopify, Flipkart, and Amazon Seller Centra
Built With
- arduino
- cdm
- css
- db
- devops
- express.js
- html
- javascript
- mongodb
- node.js
- php
- react
- sensor
- tft
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