7 Mysterious Security Features on Checks That No One Really Knows About

While the humble paper check looks pretty much the same as it did decades ago, it now hides a plethora of security features. These features make check fraud a whole lot harder. Most personal and business customers don’t have a clue about these features because most of these features are not easily observable. In this post, we attempt to demystify 7 of the most common security features and tell you why they are essential. Once you are aware of these features, you will be able to make a more informed decision when you buy cheap checks online.

Micro Printed Text: Microprinting is done using a specialized printing device. Micro printed letters appear as a straight line, too small to be read without a magnifying device. However, when magnified the letters become visible. Due to its extremely small size, it’s nearly impossible to forge the micro-printed text. A microprinted line is usually marked with a readable MP logo.

Padlock Logo: While the padlock logo itself is not a security feature, it indicates that the check is protected by a combination of at least three security measures. It acts as a deterrent as it tells criminals that the check is well protected.

Chemical/Solvent Reactive Paper: There are some solvents that can be used to remove ink from paper. A solvent or chemical reactive paper stains the surface following an attempted check fraud using solvents as erasing agents. When criminals use solvents to remove the ink, the paper reacts to the chemical and permanently changes color. This automatically voids the check.

Eraser/Coin Protection: When a check has coin protection any attempt to erase or scratch the ink results in permanent staining. The stain is usually has a contrasting color than that of the color of the check paper. Clearly visible to the bank teller, the tampered check becomes inadmissible.

Anti-Duplication Background: Traditional scanners and copiers do a great job of coping colors and other details. This is why checks come with watermarks and other backgrounds that are very difficult to be scanned and copied. These texts and images are printed in a light shade. Forging them using even the most sophisticated business and personal printers is almost impossible.

Toner-Safe Paper: When toner is used instead of ink to print on paper, the printed text can be scraped off using forging tools. The special toner-safe paper used in checks prevents this from happening. It ensures the toner sticks to the paper making it difficult to remove.

UV and Colored Fiber: To verify if a presented check is duplicate or original, tellers observe them under UV light. Original checks have special fibers that glow under the UV light making them immediately identifiable. Some checks also have un-printable colored fibers that are visible under normal light.

This is by no means a complete list. There are many proprietary security features used by different banks to keep their customers safe from check fraud. The above-mentioned features are the most common security measures adopted by most banks and third party check printing firms. Now, that you are aware of all the security features on the check you know what to look for when buying checks online or from the bank.

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