SAFEChecks

The Print Services & Distribution Association (PSDA) is adding even more charm to Baltimore this year.

Celebrity blunders and 
political scandals arguably are comedy gold. But the climbing rate of check fraud is one hot topic that's no joke.

Predictions about the demise of the paper check have been haunting the print circuit for decades. But here it is in 2010, and checks still represent the largest category of noncash payment instruments. Unfortunately, check fraud is the most dominant method of fraudulent payments and produces the greatest losses. Check fraud also continues to be one of America's least prosecuted financial crimes, posing a risk for all organizations, according to Robin Johnson, marketing and sales for Canoga Park, California-based SAFEChecks.

Want to see a first-hand account of the latest products in the industry? Check out Print Professional's mini vertical product market showcase for some of the hottest trends.

It's not just famous for its inner harbor and crab cakes. It's not just the backdrop of HBO's now defunct The Wire. Many know it as "Charm City," but for the printing industry it's the site of PSDA's annual Print Solutions Conference and Expo from May 24 to 26 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

More than $10 billion per year is lost to check fraud and counterfeiting, according to the National Check Fraud Center. And in a troubled economy where fraud is expected to rise, businesses must do whatever they can to keep checks as secure as possible.

John Labrant, regional sales manager for Springfield, Virginia-based SICPA, said the current state of the economy has many companies noticing more crime and fraud.

A little change never hurt anyone. With that in mind, this year’s big show promises a change of pace, a change of scenery and a change in demand. The newly revamped PSDA (formerly DMIA) will host its annual Print Solutions Conference and Exposition on Oct. 23-25 at the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore. This year’s featured general session keynote speaker will be Charlie Pesko, founder and president of InfoTrends, a leading market research and consulting firm in the digital imaging and document solutions industries. Technological advances and refined marketing strategies are just some of the issues gaining momentum in a slowing economy. To encourage print

This check, designed by Frank Abagnale, is one of the most secure personal checks on the market. Available through SAFEChecks, the Supercheck contains 12 security features including dual-tone true watermark, thermochromatic ink, high-resolution borders, fluorescent ink, microprinting and a chemical wash detection box.