This page contains several short stories about security documents and links to other security document stories. Each story is separated by a horizontal line. You can cut and paste them into your Web site or use them in newsletters or other printed pieces.

Are You Taking Steps to Protect Your Documents?
Small business owners sometimes believe they're less likely to become victims of fraud because they don't generate millions of dollars in sales. Unfortunately, any company that issues checks is vulnerable to document fraud unless it takes necessary precautions. The time it takes to learn about security features from your sales rep is minimal compared to the time you'll spend if fraud occurs. And, although the cost of security features varies, overall the added cost isn't significant compared to the cost of having your checks duplicated or altered by a counterfeiter. Ask your sales rep to help you deter document fraud today!

 Question of the Month

Topic: Holograms

Q: What are holograms, and how are they used?
A: Holograms are security features that have been used on credit cards for years. Increasingly, they are being used to secure a wide range of products, including event tickets, certificates of authenticity, ID badges and tags. Holograms can't be replicated by color copiers, computer scanning equipment or analog or digital printing. Because it takes expensive and technologically advanced equipment to reproduce them, they are a strong deterrent to counterfeiters.

When a beam of light strikes a hologram at the proper angle, a multi-dimensional image appears. Holograms are made using precision optical instruments and special photosensitive materials, which are exposed with laser light. Set-up costs for custom holograms are high, although those costs can be outweighed if your company faces a potentially huge loss if a document is duplicated. However, newer technologies are available to produce less expensive holograms that still offer good security. Ask your sales rep for information about holograms that might be right for you.

SECURITY FEATURES

Check Fraud By the Numbers
Commercial banks lost $512 million in 289,000 cases of check fraud in 1998, according to the American Bankers Association. Check fraud is one of the fastest growing problems for the nation's financial system. Decrease your chance of being a victim of fraud by talking to us about the latest security features. Remember: no document is forge-proof, but by incorporating the best security features, you can reduce your risk of being a victim.

Why Worry about Check Fraud?
If you think that banks are held entirely responsible for losses in check fraud cases, think again. When Articles 3 and 4 of the Uniform Commercial Code were revised in 1990, the concept of comparative negligence was introduced. Before the revision, a bank often was held responsible for losses in check fraud cases, even if the bank and its customer were negligent, according to experts who have studied this topic. Since 1990, both the bank and the customer can share the liability for fraudulent checks. Thus, both parties must show "ordinary care" or "due diligence." Some people have interpreted this to cover everything from incorporating security features in checks to storing checks properly for safekeeping. Talk to your sales rep about the latest specialty papers, inks and printing methods that can help deter criminals.

 Question of the Month

Topic: Security Features

Q: What is bleed-through numbering?
A: When this feature is used, numbers printed on the face of a document appear on the reverse in red ink. Thus, the document recipient must know about the presence of the technique and flip the document over to check for it. Putting a black box around the numbers on the reverse of the document and an explanation of the box's purpose will alert recipients that numbers on the front and the back should be in register. Bleed-through numbering, sometimes called dual image numbering, is difficult to duplicate using desktop publishing equipment and color copiers or to alter manually. The effect is achieved with special ribbons for the encoder or penetrating inks on the numbering unit of a press or collator.

 Question of the Month

Topic: Security Documents

Q: What is the difference between overt and covert security features?
A: Overt features are those that can be seen with the naked eye. They include split fountain printing, bleed-through numbering and foil stamping. Covert or hidden features are not obvious and may require a device such as a magnifying glass (microprinting) or black light (fluorescent fibers and planchettes) to authenticate. Experts recommend that documents incorporate both types of features.

 Question of the Month

Topic: Security Documents

Q: What are security features and why are they important?
A: The term security feature encompasses special types of paper, inks and printed features that discourage or deter counterfeiting or alteration of documents. Some features also help document recipients, such as a bank teller, verify that a document is an original one that has not been tampered with.

In the old days, the unsophisticated forger used a bottle of bleach to change the amount on a check. At the other end of the spectrum, sophisticated criminals relied on printing presses to duplicate negotiable documents. With the advent of high-end color copiers and the availability of desktop publishing systems, millions of people now have access to technology that can be used to duplicate documents quickly and easily.

Security features have been likened to home security systems. No document is forge-proof, but those that are harder to duplicate are less likely to be targeted by criminals. Ask us about incorporating state-of-the-art security features in your printed products.

 Question of the Month

Topic: Security Documents

Q: Besides adding security features, what can I do to reduce my risk of fraud?
A: The proper storage and handling of security documents is critical. Many fraud problems result because checks are not properly stored and bank accounts are not reconciled immediately. Experts recommend that checks be stored in a secure area, and that only key people have access to them. Mechanical signing equipment should be kept in a separate, secure area. Bank accounts should be reconciled as soon as statements arrive, and the person who reconciles accounts should not be the same person who issues checks. Update signature cards at your financial institution as soon as you have a personnel change. If you discover a fraudulent check, notify your financial institution promptly. Remember: Never dispose of negotiable documents in a dumpster.

 Question of the Month

Topic: Security Features

Q: What are thermochromic inks?
A: Also called heat sensitive or temperature sensitive inks, these inks change color when exposed to heat. If a document printed with thermochromic ink is copied, the heat from the copier will cause the ink to change color. Body heat, including heat from a thumb, may also cause the ink to change. The document recipient must know what the original document looked like to verify authentication. Popular applications include prescription pads and retail tags on designer clothes to discourage the shipment or sale of counterfeit items. Ask your sales rep for ways to incorporate these inks and other security features into your documents.