Security paper needs to be optically dull or dead (have little or no fluorescence) to allow the needed contrast to print with invisible inks and to allow invisible fibers to activate under black light. Chemical reactivity is a standard item used on all checks without upcharge.Į.) Optically Dull/Dead Paper (A Covert Feature) When attempts are make to alter a document with bleach, polar and non-polar solvents, the paper reacts to a readily visible color change.
Invisible fibers are a standard item used on all checks without upcharge.Ī color signal occurs when certain classes of chemicals are used to attempt document alteration through ink or laser toner removal. Invisible fibers can be of various colors under black light. Invisible fibers which fluoresce under UV black light provide for document authentication that cannot be duplicated by electronic publishing techniques. Visible fibers must be requested and a small upcharge applies.Ĭ.) Invisible Fluorescent Fibers (A Covert Feature) Certain visible fibers can fluoresce under UV black light. Visible fibers (yellow and blue) are distributed throughout the paper providing authenticity readily made by appearance. True watermarks are a standard item used on all checks without upcharge. When held to the light, a watermark is visible. The following security features and their details are available at little or no upcharge.Ī.) A True Paper Machine Watermark (An Overt Feature) A combination of both are recommended to help prevent duplication/alteration, to deter the counterfeiter with visual inspection, and to show the reasonable care a company needs to prevent liability. Covert Features are not readily detectable under normal environmental conditions and may require special detection systems. Overt Features are readily detectable under normal conditions and do not need special detection instrumentation. There are many overt and Covert Features that can be applied to a document. To try and combat this, negotiable documents must contain as much protection as possible. Again, with all the tools available to a counterfeiter, duplication is not difficult. According to the Uniform Commercial Code, a law that governs commercial transactions, a company can now be held liable for check fraud if they do not show reasonable care in trying to prevent it.įirst of all, no document is 100% safe. Document tampering occurs frequently, however, inexpensive color copiers, scanners, and PC's have made duplication easy and readily available. This is happening at an alarming rate, and every business is vulnerable. With today's technology, negotiable documents can be easily duplicated and altered.