Patent ID: 8214252

Claim:
A method for bestowing an advantage with a monetary value or for crediting a telecommunication account, the method comprising the steps of: a) generating a plurality of unique codings; b) storing the plurality of unique codings generated in step a) using a server; c) hiding each unique coding by covering each coding with a layer which cannot be removed non-destructively; d) transferring the hidden codings to a manufacturer or distributor of the consumer item for association of one hidden unique coding with each consumer item; e) receiving a telecommunication message from a consumer, the consumer having acquired the consumer item, exposed the hidden coding associated with the consumer item by destroying the layer covering the coding and detected the exposed coding, wherein the message is transmitted by a telecommunication device and contains the previously hidden unique coding associated with the acquired consumer item as well as a telecommunication number of the telecommunication device sending the message; f) storing, using the server, the unique coding and the telecommunication number of the telecommunication device; g) comparing the coding received in step e) with the plurality of unique codings stored in step b); h) informing the telecommunication device of the consumer that the acquired consumer item is or is not authentic; and i) crediting an advantage with a monetary value to the telecommunication number should the acquired consumer item be authentic.