How to Identify a Fake Hologram: 7 Simple Checks

By Rajneesh Sharma, Owner, Kiran Holographics

Holograms are used to prove that a product or document is genuine. But counterfeiters know this too. Some try to copy holograms with shiny printed stickers or cheap stock holograms that look similar at first glance.

The good news: a real, well-made hologram is very hard to fake, and most copies fail simple checks. This guide explains 7 checks anyone can do, and how brands can make their holograms even harder to copy.

Check 1: Tilt it and look for movement

Hold the product and tilt it slowly. A genuine hologram changes as you move it: colours shift, parts of the image move, and some elements may appear or disappear. A printed or metallic copy usually just reflects light without real movement.

Check 2: Look for depth

Many genuine holograms show layers, where parts of the design seem to sit in front of or behind others. Fakes often look flat, with all parts of the image at the same level.

Check 3: Check the sharpness

Look closely at the logo, text and edges. A genuine hologram made from an origination master has sharp, clean lines. Copies are often blurry, grainy or have uneven edges, because the copier did not have the original master.

Check 4: Compare colours with a known genuine product

If you have a genuine product, hold both side by side. Copies often show different colours, a duller shine, or a different rainbow pattern when tilted.

Check 5: Look for tamper signs

On tamper-evident holograms, check that the sticker is whole and has not been lifted. Look for tears, missing pieces, a pattern left behind on the surface, or signs that the sticker was peeled and stuck back. A broken seal means the pack may have been opened.

Check 6: Look for hidden features

Many security holograms carry hidden details, such as very small text that can be read with a magnifier. If the brand has told buyers about a hidden feature, check for it. A fake usually leaves it out or shows it unclear.

Check 7: Check the serial number

Some holograms carry a unique number. If the brand offers a way to verify numbers, use it. The same number appearing on many products is a clear warning sign.

Warning signs of a fake hologram

For brands: make your hologram harder to copy

If you are a brand owner, these steps make your hologram much harder to fake:

  1. Use a custom hologram made from your own master, not a stock design anyone can buy.
  2. Combine security levels: visible features for buyers, hidden features for your team. Learn more in our guide on types of holograms.
  3. Use tamper-evident stickers on caps and openings.
  4. Add serial numbers to track batches.
  5. Tell buyers what to check on your packs, website and social media.
  6. Choose a supplier that makes everything in-house, so your master and design are not passed around.

Industry guides

See how different industries protect their products with holograms:

Genuine holograms, made in Jaipur

At Kiran Holographics, we make custom security holograms in-house in Jaipur, from master origination in our own master lab to the finished sticker. Your master stays with us, under one roof.

We have been in the holographic industry since 2002, supplying over 300 clients across India and in export markets. If fakes of your product are in the market, tell us about it, and we will suggest a hologram that is harder to copy. Get a quote and we will reply within one working day.

About the author: Rajneesh Sharma is the owner of Kiran Holographics, Jaipur, a security hologram manufacturer since 2002. He leads the work from client designs and origination to exports and plant projects.