I've been told it's not safe to produce my company's
checks using my laser printer. Why not?
Losses in the U.S. due to check fraud now total billions
of dollars annually. That's due, in large part, to
advances in electronic publishing technology and scanning/copying
equipment, which have made counterfeiting easy.
How do the costs of using preprinted checks and
business forms for laser-printed business documents
compare with using plain paper?
Preprinted forms for laser sheets not only provide
a better image for your business but are also less
expensive over time.
What steps should a business take to protect checks
and other sensitive documents?
Many people are under the misconception that banks
are liable for losses due to check fraud. Depending
on how a court interprets the Uniform Commercial Code
(model guidelines that structure rights and obligations
of contracting parties within and between states)
liability may belong to the check issuers. The interpretation
of "ordinary care" outlined in the code
is ambiguous. However, today there is clearly an emphasis
by the courts on responsibility and reasonable check
issuing standards by businesses.
Any printed material that if altered or copied might
compromise your business, should be considered a sensitive
document.
- Accounts payable checks
- Cashier's checks
- Coupons
- Credit reports
- Event tickets
- Gift certificates
- Hospital records
- Identification forms and badges
- Legal certificates
- Money orders
- Payroll checks
- Prescription forms
- Stock certificates
- Transcripts
- Report card
- Warranties
Security Features Menu
Choosing appropriate security features for sensitive
documents is critical. Select a combination of features
to include both overt (visible) and covert (hidden)
characteristics. We're glad to provide assistance
in determining which of the following work best for
you.
Border copy warning - notifies document handlers
that specific overt and covert safeguards are built
into the document. The warning is typically printed
in reverse type on the face of the document above
a background screen or pantograph.
Microprinting - miniature print or text appears
as screened line or border. Copied or scanned attempts
appear plugged and/or unreadable.
Artificial watermark - a logo or pattern printed
in opaque ink that is used to immediately verify authenticity.
Ultraviolet (UV) ink - can be used in printed
images. When exposed under UV (black) light, document
handler can verify authenticity.
Embossing - results in a raised or three-dimensional
image that can be used for immediate verification.
Bleed thru MICR & Arabic numbers - aniline
dye in ink causes the numbers to develop into visible,
ghosted or blurred images on the back of a document.
Void pantograph - is a background design or
screen which exposes a hidden VOID pattern when scanned
or copied.
Holographic foil stamping - creates a hot-stamped
foil image that is copying and scanning resistant.
Foil stamping - is difficult to copy or scan
because the image appears as mostly black due to reflection
of foil.
High resolution graphics - make it harder
for fraud artists to alter or counterfeit documents.
