It’s commonly said that the first lockpick was invented shortly after the first lock. In other words, every innovation in security quickly meets its counterpart in crime.
That’s certainly true in an age of firewalls and ransomware, passwords and hacks. But long before money went online, protecting currency came down to the latest printing technology. It’s now believed that the first anti-counterfeit measures were created by – who else? – Benjamin Franklin.
Modern checks, like modern currency, sport enhanced safety features invisible to the naked eye. But what are the parts of a high security check? Let’s take a closer look.
What Are High Security Checks? – Advanced Fraud-Fighting Features
Check fraud is a serious concern, even if it’s not the most common type of fraud affecting community banks and credit unions. Thankfully, the humble check has more than a few tricks up its sleeve.
When combined with institutional fraud detection measures, high security checks can prevent bad actors from cashing in at your expense. Here’s how they work.
Heat Sensitive Ink
What It Is:
Some checks have security features built in at the molecular level. Heat sensitive ink includes microcapsules filled with liquid crystals. These crystals have “thermochromic” properties, meaning they change color when exposed to heat. A quick rub with your thumb can separate a fake from the genuine article.
Why It Works:
Simply put, some serious technology is needed to infuse ink with reactive crystals. As sophisticated as some scammers can be, duplicating this security feature is out of reach for most.
3D Hologram Foils – Fighting Fraud in 3D
What It Is:
Not everyone has access to a laser engraver – a limitation that high security checks use to their advantage. 3D hologram foils are permanently applied to the fronts of checks, presenting a purely unique image that changes colors and angles along with our perspectives.
Why It Works:
Even the most advanced photocopiers available for private use cannot recreate a 3D hologram foil. And because each foil is permanently applied through hot-stamping, they can’t be easily removed or reapplied. Additional features can even be hidden within the foil for enhanced protection.
High Resolution Warning Bands – The Smallest Possible Elements
What It Is:
If you’ve ever scrutinized a dollar bill, you’ve seen incredibly fine printing that’s so small it’s nearly invisible. Operating on the scale of a tenth of a millimeter, this “microprint” demonstrates uncommon advancements in printing tech. When it comes to checks, what appears as a decorative border is, in fact, microprinted text.
Why It Works:
Most photocopiers and printers aren’t sensitive enough to notice or reproduce such fine print. When copied, microprinting blurs into a solid line instead. Furthermore, microprinting can be colored in a way that makes duplication even more noticeable.
Watermark Paper – Security Beyond the Surface
What It Is:
While most security features are added in the printing process, watermarks are added during the paper manufacturing process. Pressure is applied before the paper dries, resulting in a pattern of markings that are thinner and, therefore, more transparent. Watermarks are easily identifiable by holding a check up to a light source.
Why It Works:
To faithfully duplicate watermarks, fraudsters would have to add them early in the papermaking process. Watermarks are also impossible to photocopy, and attempts to add printed versions usually fail because they lack the proper transparency.
Void Pantograph – A Message Hidden in Plain Sight
What It Is:
The word “VOID” forever scars a check, quickly turning a promissory note into little more than trash. That’s why high security checks come with a “void” built in. Pantographs, as they’re called, are complex patterns printed into the background of a document.
Why It Works:
Pantograph dots are a slightly different color from the dots that make up most of a check’s background. Because standard photocopiers aren’t sensitive enough to translate this subtle color difference, the word “VOID” appears unmissably across the duplicate.
Other Standard Features on High Security Checks
The features listed above are in addition to standard security measures. High security checks also use these features for layers of protection.
The padlock icon on a check signals that multiple built-in security features are present. A matching warning box on the back lists these features, making it easy to confirm authenticity.
A security screen prints words such as “ORIGINAL DOCUMENT” in the background of a check. These words vanish or blur when photocopied, making counterfeits easier to spot.
What looks like a straight black line where your signature should go is, in fact, tiny text invisible to the naked eye. This text may read “AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE” over and over again, forming a line that can’t be easily duplicated.
These tiny fibers remain invisible under normal light but glow under UV light. Because they are embedded during manufacturing, they cannot be reproduced with a copy.
This specially treated paper reacts to chemical attempts at alteration. Any tampering leaves visible stains, spots, or discoloration that signal fraud.
We Can Limit Check Fraud and Its Consequences, Together
Are high security checks worth it? Given the high costs of check fraud – from initial monetary losses to an erosion of trust among account holders – the answer is invariably “yes.” High security business checks are especially valuable given how much large and small businesses stand to lose.
When it comes to your money, your privacy, and your community, why take risks? These advanced fraud-fighting features are designed to make alteration and duplication as difficult as possible.
Order Your High Security Checks From Main Street Today
We’re not powerless in the face of fraud. Your due diligence combined with our high security checks can limit the impact on your bottom line, your long-term success, and your account holders’ funds. Main Street clients can browse our full lineup of high security check products and even order online here. Let’s take the fight to fraudsters and win.
