Four of the more popular security features are microprinting, security screens, thermo-ink and warning icons or bands. The first two utilize very small imagery to inhibit successful reproduction. Microprinting uses type so small that when words are lined up together, they look like a ruled line.
Microprinting is difficult to scan or copy and its presence can be verified very simply with a magnifying glass. Businesses should include the MP icon for authenticity whenever using microprinting security for a signature line to alert everyone there is a simple verification procedure to determine authenticity. Moreover, the MP icon, like the warning band, serves as a warning to forgers that security features are used and this is not an easy document to duplicate or alter.
Thermochromic ink also known as heat-sensitive ink, it changes color when a person touches the document, exposing it to body heat. It changes back to the original color after it is no longer heated. A small block of thermochromic ink can be printed on the check. Also printed are instructions that the block of ink will disappear when exposed to heat. A hidden message such as “original” or “real” can be printed in thermochromic ink. The message will appear when touched or rubbed, simplifying authentication of the original.
Security screens or VOID pantographs use small dots and extremely thin lines to depict patterns and solid screens. Printed in a second color, as a background, the word VOID becomes apparent when the document is reproduced. Security screens printed on the backside of a check make it more difficult to alter or forge. Security pantos use various line structures at different convergent angles to intentionally limit the ability of black and white and color copiers to reproduce an authentic looking document. These pantos are available in different designs that offer excellent replication protection for security documents. Some inks are not acceptable for the copy-resistant pantograph technology. Using ink with high pigment content will generally optimize the security features for this technology during copier reproduction. Moreover, when using this technology, colored papers are not recommended.
Printing with invisible fluorescent ink is unique and subtle. While this security feature is not visually apparent, it can be easily verified using ultraviolet light. Including this technology in the warning band immediately notifies the forger there are invisible elements of the document that cannot be copied.
Transparent inks can be used to print a custom artificial watermark using your company logo anywhere on a check to make it extremely difficult to reproduce.
The warning band, MP and padlock icons used together with a description of the security features included, help to alert bank personnel of the means to verify authenticity and to discover anything unusual. By noting both the visible and invisible security features on the check, your business communicates to the bank not only an intent to secure your checks from forgery, but also, the means by which bank personnel can detect forgeries. A good secured document strategy should include notifying your bank about your hidden features in a confidential manner. While no combination is 100% effective to stop a determined forger, the best strategy a business can use is a combination of security features and policies which include: periodically alternating or changing elements used on secured documents, employing extremely careful procedures when storing and disposing of checks and regularly communicating with your bank.