Media item validation for media terminals

A method, comprising:

• capturing, by a first sensor, first data associated with a media item inserted into a media terminal;
• evaluating, by a first validator, the first data to determine if the media item is potentially counterfeit;
• when the media item is potentially counterfeit based on the evaluating by the first validator:
• selectively activating a second sensor and second validator during a same transaction, wherein the second sensor and second validator are activated based on a score generated by the first validator during the evaluating, and wherein the score is below a predefined threshold, above a predefined threshold, or within a predefined threshold range;
• capturing, by the second sensor, second data associated with the media item;
• and
• analyzing, by the second validator, the second data to determine if the media item is genuine or counterfeit;
• and
• directing the media item to a first storage area when determined to be genuine or to a second storage area when determined to be counterfeit based on results from one or more of the first validator and the second validator.

A system comprising:

• a media terminal;
• a first sensor configured to capture first data associated with a media item inserted into the media terminal;
• a second sensor configured to capture second data associated with the media item;
• at least one processor;
• and
• a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to:
• evaluate, using a first validator, the first data to determine if the media item is potentially counterfeit;
• when the media item is potentially counterfeit based on the evaluation by the first validator:
• selectively activate the second sensor and a second validator during a same transaction, wherein the second sensor and second validator are activated based on a score generated by the first validator during the evaluation, and wherein the score is below a predefined threshold, above a predefined threshold, or within a predefined threshold range;
• analyze, using a second validator, the second data to determine if the media item is genuine or counterfeit;
• and
• direct the media item to a first storage area when determined to be genuine or to a second storage area when determined to be counterfeit based on results from the first validator and the second validator.