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
• TonerFuseII coating, which makes toner removal impossible without causing damage to the paper
• Thermochromatic ink spot that disappears when rubbed
• Microprint signature line and side borders
• Step-and-repeat CopyCant logo on check stubs
Stock CopyCant checks are produced in 81⁄2x11" sheets with a blue, gray, green or burgundy marble-pattern background, with a choice of check orientation at the top, center or bottom. There are seven different perf location options to choose from. The product can also be customized to an end-user’s exclusive design.
As an extra service, AmeriPrint has an IQX97 Image Qualifier and a GTX 2553 GE MICR Qualifier to determine if end-users’ current designs are in Check 21 and MICR compliance.
CopyCant technology can also be utilized with prescription pads, licenses, certificates and tickets.
For more information, visit www.ameriprint.com or call (800) 366-8573.
- Companies:
- AmeriPrint