SAFEChecks Products

SAFEChecks sells a full array of products to stop or deter check fraud losses. Please click the appropriate button for details.

High Security Checks - Checks of the highest quality to work with almost every software or manual check-issue system

Positive Pay (Match Pay) Software - Captures a check-issue file from your computer, formats it and can send it to your bank

Secure Name and Number Fonts - Prevents altered payee names and dollar amounts on laser printed checks (Also see Preventing Altered Laser Checks)

MICR Laser Check Printing Systems - Highly sophisticated yet extremely user-friendly, with fully integrated Positive Pay. Can include forms design capability for printing 1099s, W-2s, invoices, etc.

Secure MICR Laser Printers and Fold-and-Seal Equipment - Can fully automate your check disbursement process

For information about check fraud prevention training, please call or e-mail us at (800) 755-2265 or info@safechecks.com.

Security and control are of primary importance at SAFEChecks. An example of this can be found in our high security checks.

SAFEChecks manufactures high security checks using Boise Cascade's premium security paper, Pentagon®.   Pentagon® is the only completely controlled American-made paper we have found, and we use it exclusively.  Our checks contain nine (9) security features, except for our laser checks that have 11 security features.  Each feature is designed to either block known alteration methods or to help the bank visually authenticate an original check from a replicated check. We offer a single high standard of check, not varying grades.  With SafeChecks, it is all or nothing, and we will not compromise.

We also control the DISTRIBUTION of our high security checks.  It makes no sense to offer high security checks and then sell them to anyone (including forgers) who calls.  SAFEChecks fulfills check orders only after we have personally verified the company’s name, account number and shipping address with the company’s bank (See Secure Ordering Procedures).

About laser checks: SAFEChecks WILL NOT sell laser checks completely blank UNLESS the face has been uniquely customized for that specific customer.  No two SAFEChecks customers have the identical check.  This policy contrasts with the policies of virtually all other check providers that sell identical blank laser checks to hundreds of companies, whose employees have indirect access to all the other companies' check supply.  Basically, eveyone has access to everyone else's checks.  We think that practice is nuts!  Forgers have an uncanny knack of acquiring that blank check stock and use it to replicate other companies' checks.  Our policy of customizing every check is a correct policy and is the right thing to do, even though it is not convenient. SAFEChecks stands apart from all other check printers because of it.

By combining high security checks, completely controlled paper, controlled distribution and secure ordering procedures, we have created America's most secure check.

SAFEChecks are available in 50 popular check formats. Styles include laser, laser fold-and-seal, continuous tractor-fed, voucher (unit-set) and three-on-a-page.

Download PDF file on Check Formats

Check Security Features and Secure Ordering Procedures

Check Security Features

Controlled Paper Stock

SAFEChecks begins with Boise Cascade's new high security paper, BC Pentagon®. For your protection against counterfeiters, this paper is tightly controlled by Boise Cascade in both its distribution and use. It is not available through office or paper supply stores, nor is it available to mail order or software companies or check printers that resell generic blank laser check stock. Users of this paper are required in writing to agree to these restrictions. BC Pentagon® is the only US-made paper with these strict controls.

Fourdrinier Watermark

SAFEChecks contain a 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 watermark provides instant authenticity of the document and is virtually impossible to replicate, copy or scan.

Artificial Watermark

SAFEChecks include an artificial watermark printed on the document. An artificial watermark can be seen when the check is viewed at an angle. Artificial watermarks cannot be copied or scanned by forgers.

Ultraviolet Light-Sensitive Fibers

SAFEChecks' Fourdrinier-watermarked paper contains ultraviolet light-sensitive fibers that are built into the paper. These fibers fluoresce under UV light and serve as a useful authentication tool.

Microprinting

SAFEChecks contain microprinting in the border that appears as a broken line to the human eye. When scanned or photocopied, microprinting will often blur on the copy.

Chemically Reactive Paper

SAFEChecks' Fourdrinier-watermarked paper reacts to 18 classes of chemicals; no other U.S.-made paper is superior. When chemically washed by forgers, SAFEChecks discolor and no longer look like the original document. Warning banners describe the specific color of the original check.

Toner Anchorage (Laser Checks)

SAFEChecks' laser checks are treated with toner anchorage that bonds the toner into the paper when printed with a laser printer. Without toner anchorage, criminals can alter laser checks by lifting off the printing with plastic tape.

Sequenced Inventory Control Numbers (Laser Checks)

When not numbered on the face, SAFEChecks prints a sequenced inventory control number on the back of each laser check. This number is imperative for audit and control purposes. It discourages internal theft when a print log is religiously maintained. Without this safety feature, employees can steal blank check stock with impunity.

Copy Void Pantograph

This patented security feature is an indiscernible dot pattern designed into the background of the check. When the check is copied or scanned by most copiers, the word "void" appears and invalidates the copy.

Laid Lines

Lines of varying width and spacing are printed on the back of our checks. Criminals seldom reproduce the back of a check and the absence of these lines is a red flag in the bank's Sight Review/Signature Verification Department.

Warning Banners

Warning banners should warn, not simply announce security features. SAFEChecks' warning banners contain very explicit language that advises the recipient to look for specific safety features and colors before accepting the check. These banners may also deter a forger from experimenting with the check.

Secure Ordering Procedures

Many banks and businesses have suffered fraud losses from legitimate checks wrongfully obtained by forgers. Forgers use stolen check reorder forms to order a company's checks. They change the "Ship To" address on the reorder form to a P.O. box they control and then mail in the form. Within two weeks the forger receives original checks from the manufacturer. SAFEChecks refuses to sell checks to anyone whose authenticity and authority cannot be validated by the bank. The name and shipping address of EVERY new order is confirmed with the bank. Reorders with a change of address or new ship-to location are re-confirmed with the bank. (We do not confirm address changes with the company because the person answering the phone at the company may be the perpetrator of the illegal activity.) SAFEChecks' employees are serious about security. Employees that catch an attempt to illegally order checks receive a $100 reward.

About Blank Laser Check Stock...

Computer and software companies, mail order houses and virtually all major check printers sell entirely blank generic laser checks. Forgers have a way of obtaining this blank check stock and use it for unlawful purposes. We believe the industry-wide practice of selling identical blank laser checks to multiple companies is grossly negligent and shows tremendous self-interest and general disregard for a customer’s financial well-being. Check providers make more money when they sell generic checks, but the practice facilitates counterfeiters with no financial repercussions to the check providers. When multiple companies have the identical check stock, the employees of those various companies have direct access to other companies’ check supply. With a good scanner, checks can be replicated and printed on original check stock, and the bank is not able to differentiate them from original checks. At SAFEChecks, every check we sell is unique and customized for that company, and no two companies have the identical check.

Download PDF file on Security Features

Secure Name and Number Fonts

SAFEChecks proudly announces the nation’s first Secure Name and Number Font, a revolutionary new product designed to prevent physical alterations of the payee name and dollar amount on laser-printed checks. This new font and software prints the payee name and dollar amount twice, the second time in a laser “screen” that gets baked into the check and simply cannot be removed without destroying the check. (See Preventing Altered Laser Checks below.)

This unique font uses new laser technology developed for Hewlett Packard, and is the first of its kind in America. The font is very visible, very cool and still image-friendly. Best of all, it works with all computer systems, including PC networks, AS 400s and all Unix systems, and mainframes.

The significance and need for a Secure Name Font should not be undervalued.Forgery rings, recently frustrated by Positive Pay, have figured out its Achilles heel: Positive Pay cannot match the payee name on the check with the payee name in the file sent to the bank. Sophisticated forgers change only the payee name and leave the rest of the information intact.

Preventing altered laser checks requires three concurrent conditions. If any one of these conditions is not met, the check remains vulnerable. Those three conditions are:

1. High security checks with toner anchorage to bond the toner to the paper
2. Quality MICR toner that melts at the proper temperature to meld with the toner anchorage
3. A laser printer with the fuser element hot enough to gel the toner anchorage and melt the MICR concurrently

Further commentary on laser-printed checks:

It is our opinion that most laser-printed checks are not as secure as impact-printed checks. Impact printing drives ink into the fibers of the paper and this ink is extremely difficult to remove. (This scenario assumes the impact printer uses a fabric ribbon with ample ink, and that the ribbon is not worn out. Self-correcting (polymer/plastic) ribbons are not secure, as the type can be removed with tape.)

Laser printing melts toner onto the surface of the document. If the above three conditions referenced above are not met, the toner can be removed with ordinary tape without leaving any telltale signs. If the three conditions are met, tape cannot lift off the toner. Determined forgers will sometimes use a razor blade or needle to scrape off the toner. However, if the above three conditions are met, the check will tear as the toner is scraped off and the alteration attempts will be evident. With our Secure Name and Secure Number Fonts, the check would be nearly destroyed before the toner could be removed.

SAFEChecks Software

SAFEChecks offers Positive Pay (Match Pay) file-transmission software and MICR laser check printing and forms printing software. These products are available fully and seamlessly integrated with your application software, or can be purchased on a modular basis.

Prices vary based upon configuration, with Positive Pay transmission software for a single location starting as low as $500.

Positive Pay (Match Pay) is a highly effective tool to fight check fraud. While it is not infallible (it cannot match payee names--see our Secure Name and Number Fonts section), when combined with high security checks it is a company's best defense against check fraud losses.

Many banks charge a fee for the Positive Pay service. While some organizations object to this fee, it should be considered an “insurance premium” to provide “coverage” that is otherwise unavailable. We know of no insurance company that will write a policy covering check fraud losses borne by a company inflicted by outsiders. If you know of such a company, have them contact us and we will post the insurance company’s information on our Web site.

For information about our software, please e-mail us at software@safechecks.com, or call (800) 755-2265.

Download PDF file on Software

SAFEChecks offers a variety of MICR laser printers that work in most check and document disbursement environments.

Which Laser Printer is Best for You? Ask for the MICR Laser Printer Comparison.

To assist an organization in determining its best laser printer options, SAFEChecks offers a unique service called a MICR Laser Printer Comparison. This comparison, based upon original manufacturer specifications, analyzes the total cost of ownership of 20 popular brands and models of MICR laser printers over a three-year period. Key points:

SAFEChecks offers several varieties and capacities of fold-and-seal equipment for laser printed self-sealing systems. Please call (800) 755-2265 ext. 3311 or e-mail us at info@safechecks.com.

Download PDF file on Hardware