Security Features You Should Know About If You Are Printing Your Own Checks

Hackers, spammers, and scammers are constantly surfing the Web looking for unwary victims. More and more people are falling victim to financial crimes such as check fraud, which is the number one crime in the financial sector.

In order to safeguard against check fraud, checks are being updated to contain enhanced security features. The increased security features help to prevent common crimes such as tampering, photocopying, and counterfeiting. Checks that lack security features can be readily altered by criminals.

It is common for checks to use one or more enhanced security features. One way to provide check security is by using special types of paper. One example is controlled paper stock in which checks are printed on a special, high-quality paper. Another way to provide security using paper is by printing checks on chemical sensitive paper. Checks are printed on a special paper that resists chemical alterations. Any type of chemical alteration will result in the destruction of the paper.

Another way to add security to checks is by using special printing techniques. Micro printing is an attractive security feature that places a small border around the check. To the naked eye, the border appears as a broken line but it is actually a series of words that cannot be duplicated by a photocopier or scanner. Prismatic pantographs are another printing option. This process employs a multicolor background with frequent changes in density. This makes the color impossible to duplicate. Watermarks are a type of security feature in which white ink is used to print the back of the check. The ink can only be seen using a black light thus the check is impossible to duplicate.

Other security features that can prevent check fraud include:

• Copy-void pantographs in which checks contain a series of dots on the backside. They are invisible to the naked eye but when photocopied or scanned, the word "VOID" will appear on the duplicate.
• Light-sensitive material known as fluorescent fibers can be used in check paper. These can only be seen in black light and they cannot be duplicated.
• Endorsement pantograph is a feature that prevents duplication of the check issuer's signature.
• Signature security is a feature in which there is a pantograph built in to the area surrounding the check's signature line. The pantograph interferes with scanners and copiers making it impossible to reproduce.
• Anti-fraud printing is a feature that uses MICR toner to create a stain to appear on any check that has been subjected to chemical tampering.

Learn more about secure check printing with MICR Toner and MICR Toner Cartridges by visiting the Inkcarts website.