How Technology Features Help Safeguard Paper Checks
As far as securing paper checks goes, the right features can go a long way toward keeping consumers and businesses alike safe. High security fraud protection typically comes down to three critical parts of a paper check: the paper of the check, the ink on the check, and the printing and microprinting within the check. If you’re handling financial transactions using checks, you need to make sure your money is well-protected. Read this article to learn more about how technology features help safeguard your paper checks and financial transactions.
1. Artificial Watermark
Secure checks may have symbols printed onto them, also known as simulated watermarks, so that they only become visible to the human eye when viewed at a certain angle. They might also fluoresce under a blacklight.
2. Dual-Image Numbering
Checks with dual-image numbers have two colors of ink: black and red. The red ink forms a halo around the black ink as it penetrates the document fibers, making it more visible on the back of the check.
3. Embossing
Some documents can also use dies that distort the paper, creating a raised surface on one side and a matching depression on the other, although this is less common for laser-printed checks.
4. Holograms
Holograms give the appearance that the sticker is moving when viewed at different angles and with different forms of light. These are especially difficult for someone to replicate, making them a top security feature for checks.
5. Microdots
Very small circles of varying sizes can be used as a quality control device as well as a covert image; most scanners and copiers are unable to replicate this feature, providing excellent protection.
6. Microprinting
Similar to microdots, microprinting is a means of marking a check in a specific way. To the human eye, it looks like a solid or dashed line, but magnification reveals words or other characters that make up the line.
7. Secure Font
Some check-printing companies also use the proprietary font. Due to the unique design and its controlled distribution to those in the financial industry, it’s extremely difficult to counterfeit this font.
8. Tamper-Evident Coatings
Many checks use protective chemical coating that materializes the word “VOID” when exposed to other chemicals used to “wash” documents, including bleach and solvents.
9. Toner Lock
Similar to the tamper-evident coating, toner lock further protects the most sensitive parts of a check from being illegally altered. As the name suggests, this coating “locks” the toner in place and makes it incredibly difficult to remove.
10. Void Pantograph
Whereas some security features are meant to be difficult to replicate under a photocopier, a void pantograph reveals markings when exposed to the rays of a copier. Specifically, it makes the word “VOID” appear on the check, defacing what might otherwise seem like a perfect copy.
The Bottom Line
The above security features are critical to preventing fraud and theft from ruining your finances. To take security a step further, consider upgrading to high security checks, especially if you’re writing them on behalf of a company. After all, you shouldn’t have to worry about using essential business tools.
