A method for storing information in a smart tag comprises providing a smart tag having a memory, the smart tag memory having a permanent number stored in a first portion thereof that cannot be changed, and having a second portion in which information can be stored; storing application specific information in the second portion of the smart tag memory; generating a relational check number representative of one of (a) the application specific information and (b) the application specific information and the permanent number; and storing the relational check number in the second portion of the smart tag memory.