15 Key Check Security Layers

The Security of a Check can be enhanced in many ways to deter the would-be forger by layering in complex paper and ink features thus making your check a Fortress of Company Safety.

PAPER:

  1. Mill Produced Watermarks: These "Fourdrinier" (True) watermarks are formed among the fibers of the paper during the paper making process. They are visible through the paper when the document is held up to a light source. They cannot be photocopied, removed, or easily corrupted in any way. (i.e. Appleton's DOCUCHECK paper or Glatfelter's DEFENSA)
  2. Security Fibers: Short, fine colored fibers are imbedded when the paper pulp is being made. They can be visible or invisible fluorescent, which can only be viewed under a UV black light.
  3. Chemical Sensitivity: Check papers can be made chemically sensitive so that an attempt to chemically alter the printed check with acids, bleach, or solvents, will result in a highly visible stain on the sheet/check face.
  4. Toner Retention: This is a chemical treatment done at the paper mill to allow the printer toner to anchor itself to the paper. This safety step deters forgers from scraping or lifting (sometimes with Scotch Tape) the check data applied by the laser printer to the check.
  5. Customized Controlled Paper Stock: The check papers as outlined above are not available in the general marketplace to forgers and thieves to obtain and use.

INKS:

  1. Hidden VOID: This printing of the word VOID across the face of the check or in the "Amount" area will appear very strong when a forger attempts to copy/duplicate an original check document.
  2. Warning Bands: This is the printing of a strongly worded alert on the face of the check and also sometimes on the back to warn the forger, to advise the user, and to call attention to the safety features of the check.
  3. LogoLine: This low cost idea utilizes microprinted text which is too small to be photocopied sucessfully and it also performs very effectively against desktop publishing scanners - Can be used as signature lines and check borders.
  4. Prismatic Printing: These very fine multi-colored ink shadings, usually done in the check body, are difficult for a forger to duplicate.
  5. Thermochromatic Ink: This ink reacts to changes in temperature, cannot be photocopied, and its printed image disappears when rubbed with a human thumb/finger. The image reappears as the document cools to approximately 78 degrees fahrenheit. Padlock images and company logos can be used effectively using this heat reactive ink.
  6. Coin Reactive: This security idea hides a "Key Image" or company logo hidden underneath a coin image. the Key or logo reappears when the outer image is rubbed with a coin. This cannot be scanned/photocopied by forgers.
  7. Sequenced Control Numbers: This is a consecutive number printed on the check back to be used for audit purposes or pinpoint the run date of a suspicious looking check document.
  8. Chemical Reactive Inks: These inks are often used on elaborately printed check borders and they wash away if a forger washes a check in acetone or strong solvents in an attempt to create a "Blank Check".
  9. Safety Block: An extra security pattern can be printed in an extremely critical area of a check like the "Amount Area" or the "Address" area. It can be comprised of a custom repeated pattern of Microprinting for example.
  10. Printed Watermark: is designed to print in a Fluorescent White Opaque reflective ink. The reflective effect can be seen when viewed at an angle or with a UV black light to prove document authenticity - Less costly than "True" watermarks.