SAFEChecks Business Checks
SAFEChecks are some of the most secure business checks in the world. Designed by Frank Abagnale with 12 safety features, the check is virtually impossible to replicate or to alter without the fraud being evident. Fully compatible with today's Check 21 environment (bank imaging), the distinct appearance and combination of safety features in SAFEChecks provide great deterrence to check fraud. SAFEChecks are printed on tightly controlled, true-watermarked security paper. For your protection, checks are never sold blank without first being customized for a specific customer.
The security features in SAFEChecks make it nearly impossible to replicate, or to alter without leaving physical evidence, thus discouraging criminals from trying. When there is no attempt to defraud, there is no loss! High security checks can also provide a legal defense in many check disputes, including Check 21 and Holder in Due Course.
Security Features of SAFEChecks:
1. Controlled Paper Stock2. Fourdrinier Watermark
3. Thermochromatic Ink
4. Toner Anchorage
5. Explicit Warning Bands
6. Copy Void Pantograph
7. Chemical Sensitivity
8. Chemical Wash Detection Box
9. Sequenced Inventory Control Numbers
10. Laid Lines
11. Visible Fibers
12. Fluorescent Fibers
13. Microprinting
14. Payee Area Protection
15. "Do Not Negotiate" on Back Panel
16. Security Features Listed on Back of Check
Styles and Formats:
Controlled Paper Stock:
SAFEChecks are manufactured in the USA on Hexagon, a new, customized-for-SAFEChecks security paper made by Appleton Papers. The check stock is tightly controlled, and no checks are ever sold completely blank. Every check order is customized in some way for the end user. Companies that print their own name, address, MICR line, etc. on their checks still receive some type of customization on their SAFEChecks that is unique to their company.
Fourdrinier WaterMark:
SAFEChecks contains a dual-tone Fourdrinier (true) watermark that is pressed into the paper at the mill and is visible from either side when held to the light. This dual-tone true watermark provides instant authenticity of the document and cannot be replicated, copied or scanned.
Thermochromatic Ink:
The front of SAFEChecks contains two pink lock-and-key icons printed with thermochromatic (heat-sensitive) ink that fades away when heated above 85° and reappears when cooled. This thermochromatic icon can be rubbed or breathed on for instant authentication of the check. Color copiers cannot reproduce the reactivity of thermochromatic ink.
Toner Anchorage:
SAFEChecks paper is treated with toner anchorage that bonds the toner onto the paper when printed with a hot laser printer. Without toner anchorage, criminals can alter laser checks by lifting off the printing with common office tape. See “A Primer On Laser Printing” in the Abagnale Fraud Bulletin, available through SAFEChecks.
Explicit Warning Bands:
SAFEChecks have two warning banners that explicitly describe specific overt security features and advise the recipient to look for these features before accepting the check. These warning banners may also deter forgers from "experimenting" with the check.
Copy Void Pantograph:
This patented security feature is an indiscernible dot pattern designed into the background of every SAFEChecks. When the check is copied or scanned by many copiers, the word "void" appears and invalidates the copy.
Chemical Sensitivity:
SAFEChecks react to over 80 different chemicals. When chemically washed, the check and its chemical wash detection box will discolor, and no longer look like the original document.
Chemical Wash Detection:
The back of SAFEChecks contains a box describing the effects of check washing on the check. The check is reactive to over 80 chemicals, and the box may act as a deterrent to chemical tampering.
Sequenced Inventory Control Numbers:
Every SAFEChecks that is not numbered on the face in the MICR line has a sequenced inventory control number printed on the back. Numbering every check is imperative for audit and control purposes. It discourages internal theft when an accurate log is maintained.
Laid Lines:
Lines of varying width and spacing are printed on the back of SAFEChecks to deter cut-and-paste alterations.
Visible Fibers:
SAFEChecks contain embedded visible fibers that are multi-colored and serve as an authentication tool.
Fluorescent Fibers:
SAFEChecks contain ultraviolet light-sensitive fibers embedded in the paper that fluoresce under UV light and further serve as an authentication tool.
Microprinting:
SAFEChecks contain printing so small that it appears as a line to the human eye, and can only be read with a magnifying glass. Microprinting will often blur when scanned or photocopied.
Payee Area Protection:
The payee area on SAFEChecks is differentiated with thin vertical lines. This makes payee name alterations easier to detect. Alterations in payee names are usually not caught by check security systems such as Positive Pay. Ask your banker about Positive Pay.
Do Not Negotiate on Back Panel:
“Do Not Negotiate” is printed on the back panel of SAFEChecks. This prevents someone from taking a blank panel and making a fraudulent check on true watermark paper.
Security Features Listed on Back of Check:
SAFEChecks security features are listed on the back of each check. This can aid the recipient in knowing which security features to look for in authenticating the check.