There are numerous security features
available from the printing industry today. From security papers to overt features (you can see the features) to covert features (not detectable with the human eye). Layering the features on the checks or check stock is the best start in protecting your company.
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Security Papers
The papers used for business checks today offer optically dull paper (copier and ink jet papers are optically bright). The paper can have artificial watermarks on the back of the paper, white paper front with different colors or patterns of ink on the back, true watermarks built into the paper (this feature can not be copied or scanned with any known technology today), florescent fibers imbedded into the paper and toner fusion coating on the front of the paper (this feature prevents toner from being lifted off the paper after the check has gone through the laser printer).
Warning Bands and Microprinting
Warning bands on the face of the check alert banks to be aware of some of the security features present in the check. Microprinting, in which the type font is so small it looks like a faded solid line but when magnified reveals either words or phrases, is used in the signature line or part of the border which becomes solid when copied or scanned.
Check Designs and Printing
Color copiers have made some of the older "Void" pantographs or check backgrounds obsolete. New designs and ink combinations make check backgrounds all but unbeatable. Some of the best check backgrounds include:
- Color changing designs that are printed with "thermochromic ink". This ink is heat sensitive and color copiers generate heat as part of their copying process, thereby changing the background color that the copier will show when the copy comes out. The colored background returns to the original color when the paper cools back to room temperature.
- Check backgrounds that change their design pattern when copied or scanned are still a great deterrent to both color and black and white copiers and scanners.
- Fluorescent inks can not be copied or scanned. They can only be viewed under a black light.
- Endorsement Back Printing on the reverse side of the check allows space for the inclusion of a box area that lists all of the features present on the check paper.
- A Padlock icon printed on the face of the check indicates your check contains features recognized by the Financial Stationers Association.
- The "MP" symbol is used to indicate where microprinting is present.
- On pre-printed checks, the red Arabic numbers should have "bleed-through" numbering so the Arabic number will make a mirror image of itself on the backside of the check paper.
Businesses that use Printed Security Check Stock also use:
