The Genuine Article

By Maggie DeWitt

The Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act—better known as Check 21—became effective on October 28, 2004. Undoubtedly, it has had the greatest impact on the way banks process checks since the introduction of MICR.

Check 21 optical processing is in wide use today, as more banks are choosing to scan original checks to create substitutes for digital processing, which saves time and lowers operating costs. Conventional security features, such as fluorescent printing or fibers and artificial watermarks, protect original checks, but they do not survive the binary scanning processes, and can offer no protection to electronic or paper image replacement documents.

This month’s mystery product, however, provides maximum protection in both conventional and Check 21 processing environments. Check out the following clues to guess what the product is:

• It transfers to both electronic and paper image replacement checks.

• It offers “more than meets the eye” while surviving banking industry scanning.

• It is an effective way to outsmart copycats.

mystery product revealed

AmeriPrint, Harvard, Ill., offers CopyCant checks featuring Scan Resident Image Security (SRIS), which leaves a custom “fingerprint” during optical processing to verify the electronic image as authentic.

Effective on virtually all black-and-white and color copiers, the advanced copy-resistant technology was originally introduced in November 2005 on a limited basis. Now, AmeriPrint is rolling out a full release of the product.

Check 21-compliant CopyCant checks are printed on 25 lb. DocuCheck Watermark from Appleton, and contain two or more SRIS images in the check background. Hidden logos and custom security images may also be added. Further value-added security elements include:

• A copy-resistant endorsement area and check background with void feature

• Authentic chain-link pattern Fourdrinier Watermark

• Visible and fluorescent fibers

• Sensors that stain when exposed to alteration chemicals