Protecting Originals
First and foremost is the need to protect access to genuine documents of value. Far too many
instances of fraud are a result of negligent practices with regard to access to genuine documents
or document processing equipment. The best way to commit document fraud is with a genuine
document. Weak procedures to ensure protection serve as an open invitation to crime.
A part of protecting original documents is the need for an effective audit program. All items of
value should be given a serial number of some type to permit reconciliation of lost or stolen
items. It should be common practice to separate responsibilities within an organization. By this
we mean that this could be construed as negligent to have the same individual write, sign and
reconcile checks. In some cases, employers are deemed responsible for the acts of employees
and a failure to provide for separation of duties contributes to the problem.
It should become common practice to protect any and all reference to account numbers and
documents that can lead to unwanted access. All papers to be disposed of containing any
reference to such information should be shredded as should any carbons that may contain
confidential data. All packages containing valuable documents should be labeled with product
code numbers and not descriptions such as "voucher checks" inviting unwanted access.
Lastly, for genuine documents, it is important to conduct periodic reviews of your security
measures. Criminals will often take the time to understand your security program and attack at
the point of weakness. For example, if your protective measures are implemented for items with
a value of $500 or greater, sooner or later you may fall victim to crime in the $490 range. While
one should not become obsessive about security, certain common sense protective measures are
in order. There is little to gain by telling too many people every detail of your security measures.
Counterfeiting
A primary threat today is the unauthorized reproduction of documents for unlawful purpose. This
reproduction may take place via document scanners with computers, phone copiers, or illegal
printing operations.
Desk top publishing software has created enhanced capabilities for the creation of documents
that look quite similar to the real item. Current costs of scanning equipment, personal computers
and laser printers have put this technology well within reach of criminals. For a mere ten
thousand dollars or less. The criminal scans a document into the system and can manipulate
variable information creating output that can easily be used for fraud.
The color copier has evolved over the past few years into a devise that is accessible to almost
anyone. There are no particular skills required to operate a copier. This makes the color copier
the single largest threat of document fraud today. If one lacks the money for purchase, there are
lease options, or a trip to the neighborhood retailer where copies may be obtained for a nominal
fee. The color copier creates convincing duplicates. This opens the door to the casual criminal
who otherwise, would be deterred from such a practice. The presence of a color copier at retail
establishment provides greater mobility for the criminal.
There are a number of instances where members of a perfectly legitimate printing company have
obtained access after hours to produce counterfeit documents. From time to time, one reads of
clandestine printing operations that are established solely for illegal purposes. A printing
operation requires far greater investment and expertise to put into operation than other methods
of counterfeiting.
Forgery
The alteration of a document for unlawful reasons is still a major concern. 66.7 billion
checks were written and transacted in 1994. Suffice to say, they are accessible to the criminal.
Two thirds of all checks written are used to pay bills. In the interest of "float," these checks are
sent through the mail. This can be very secure and at times not. Consider how many times you
enter a home or an office and there are stacks of bills waiting to go out. Or the criminal could
easily go "fishing" in the neighborhood post box and obtain envelopes containing checks.
By washing or scraping information off a legitimate document, the criminal can alter
such items as the "pay to" name to his or her own benefit. With automated deposits and
document- processing, there is little likelihood of being caught.
Detection of the fake implies that there has already been a crime. The document has been altered
or replicated. Certain features are designed to make replication more difficult to accomplish and
visibly detectable by persons being asked to accept the document. Keep in mind that detection
of a fake can be more difficult in many cases as the person being asked to accept the document
has no idea what the original was supposed to look like. The ability to detect the fake is vital to
the protection of persons who receive documents in good faith from unscrupulous types.
Authentication of the original is also difficult when one doesn't know what the document was
supposed to look like. Authentication must be easily accomplished in a variety of environments
to be effective. Key words like "safe" or "original" are useful but not fool proof. The goal is to
create visible information that can be reasonably expected to permit a person to verify that the
document is genuine.
There are many forces driving the explosion of interest in document security. Most are the
changes in technology, legislative and competitive forces that effect our daily lives.
Technology
Ten years ago document fraud was largely a matter of forgery. The forger had the skills to alter
documents in convincing fashion, such that they were easily passed. Simple forgery, while much
easier to detect, was as little more than a criminal signing someone else's name to a check. Still,
the criminal was often successful and the bank absorbed the loss.
Counterfeiting was largely for the more sophisticated criminal, as greater investment in
equipment and skill were required. As a result, counterfeiting was mostly the illicit production of
currency and credit cards.
Computing power has dramatically changed the picture. As referenced in threat definition,
technology has become very sophisticated and very accessible. The fundamental breakthrough of
computing power, the micro processor, has been integrated into many other devices greatly
lowering costs and increasing counterfeiting capabilities. Desk top publishing and photo copier
reproduction have made replication of documents, in quantity a very simple proposition. The
ease and accessibility have created an avalanche of criminal activity
Legislative and Judicial Issues
It is important to note that this document should never be considered legal advise. Every
situation must be reviewed for its own merit by an attorney.
Persons that are engaged in the production, storage, or transportation of valuable documents
must take reasonable care to protect these items from unauthorized access. A person or company
that possess plates, films, work in process materials, or finished goods belonging to another
must take reasonable care to see that these materials are safe from unauthorized access or be
potentially held liable for loss resulting from unauthorized access.
There has been much discussion about the need for suppliers to make "security features"
available to customers as protection against allegations of contributory negligence. The
prevailing opinion is that a provider of documents having value should make all customers aware
that security features should d be included in the documents but does not have a duty to include
them if the suggested features are declined by the customer
The Uniform Commercial Code
The Uniform Commercial Code or UCC is a set of federal guidelines that are issued to reduce
conflicts between individual states engaged in interstate commerce. While not mandatory, code
guidelines are usually adopted by each state in due course.
During 1990, the UCC was amended to reflect a shared responsibility stance in the area of check
fraud. As of October 31, 1995, forty three states have adopted these revisions to the code. Prior
to this change, the banking industry was held to a strict responsibility for losses resulting from
check fraud. The code now specifically states that "persons or companies that are found to be
comparatively negligent in the causes of fraud may be precluded from legal remedy in the
recovery of loss." Simply put, if a person or company can be shown to have been negligent, by
act or omission, in that which caused the fraud, they may be subject to a sharing of the
loss or at a minimum may be precluded from legal remedy in the recovery of the loss.
The Code does not specifically define the aspects of comparative negligence. Rather, tests will
take place within the court system on a case by case basis. The yardstick will be if a reasonable
person would have been expected to take certain steps to prevent the crime but failed to do so.
This will result in constant change to the concept of "reasonable" or "ordinary care. "
The practicality of the situation must be understood. A bank that has been hit with a substantial
loss to fraud will have to examine the possibility of losing a customer they may have to sue to
avoid the loss. There is strong likelihood that banks will more forcefully recommend various
fraud prevention techniques to customers declaring that refusal to accept the suggested
techniques may create a transfer of responsibility, from the bank to the customer. Already a
couple of such legal proceedings have been filed but were settled out of court.
The banking industry is faced with mounting losses due to check fraud. Competitive pressures
and the need to protect profits, have and will continue to change U.S. banking procedures The
essence of fraud is very different from the banking industry's point of view. They can only
respond to that which they control. To that end, they must take every step possible to avoid the
transfer of value to the criminal. This is best accomplished by placing a hold on deposited funds
until such time as a document and an account balance may be verified. The problem is that
criminals can move faster than banking.
Regulation CC, The Expedited Funds Act
In 1990, regulation CC, The Expedited Funds Act, was passed by the Federal Reserve. The act
calls for banks to make funds available to depositors within two working days for local checks
and within five working days for non- local checks. The reality of the situation is that banks must
make funds available by either the same day or the next day for competitive reasons. Depositors
won't wait for access to their money. Banks that place holds on funds will chase depositors to
banks who don't. The result of this pressure to make deposits more readily available means
greater access privileges by criminals.
Electronic Check Presentment (ECP)
ECP is the transmission of check information electronically with the paper to follow. Banks
involved in the transaction must be ECP participants. ECP permits information to be moved on
a same day basis where it can be processed to verify the account balance. An invalid account
results in a return item notice to the bank of first deposit and the funds may be withheld
protecting the bank from loss.
Positive Pay Programs
Positive pay programs are a fee service offered by some banks. The customer transmits an
electronic check register each day to their bank. The bank will then reconcile every check
received against the account to the electronic register refusing payment of any check found to be
discrepant.
This service protects the banks customers and keeps the bank from having to make hard
decisions about how to respond to a loss suffered by one of their customers.
Imaging
A technology on the horizon is "imaging." Simply stated, imaging is a picture of the front and
back of a
check. This picture is created in a digital form rather than the traditional film and paper. As a
result, check images require little storage space and may be transferred electronically. This will
permit banks to curtail the movement of traditional paper documents and expedite the exchange
of information for account verification purposes.
Imaging will create a challenge for document security systems. Because images will be created
in much the same manner as scanning or photocopying, there will be a need to create security
features that will not interfere with the process. Reflective features like foils and holograms may
present problems as will techniques that mask or confuse the image in any vital check
information area. Copy void features will produce "void" results when imaged. Certain colors of
inks visible to the human eye will not be apparent during the imaging process.
For American business, the topic has never been more important. The banking industry has gone
public about a problem that is costing businesses millions of dollars per year. Their objective is
to create public awareness and to notify customers that they may be held liable for losses not
recovered by the bank. The estimates for U.S. losses beyond banking are as high as $14 Billion
dollars annually. These losses do not include expenses associated with investigation, litigation or
lost customers.
F.S.A. Guidelines
The Financial Stationers Association, or F. S. A. is a group of consumer check printers doing
business in the United States and Canada. In 1995, the association chartered a task force to
build public awareness of the growing check fraud problem. The reason for this desired
awareness was, and is to preserve the check as a viable instrument for the transfer of value.
The task force delivered a set of guidelines to be adopted by the members at large as minimum
standards for security features on consumer checks. These features included a micro printed
signature line, identified with a "MP" designation, a light screen on the reverse and a padlock
icon on the face (to the right of "dollars"). The padlock icon would direct the recipient to see the
reverse of the check where security features could be listed. The padlock icon was used instead
of a warning band.
In longer term, it is hoped that all checks will possess security features and that consumers will
come to understand how to inspect and authenticate the document as "real". This will extend the
life of checks as a way to transfer value.
There are several requirements for successful participation in the secure document business.
They include but are not limited to such areas as education, marketing and adherence to some
practical standards of performance. We will assume that you are pursuing educational needs by
your use of this document.
Standards of performance for secure documents are those things your customers may never ask
you about unless there is a problem. Sadly, when they ask, it may be a signal that the business is
lost. Secure documents are, by their nature, confidential. Participants responsible for producing
secure document are expected to protect all elements of secure documents from unauthorized
access. This includes all samples, films, plates, production waste, and finished goods. Failure
to protect materials from unwarranted access may constitute negligence, subjecting
you to liability for loss, or at a minimum, the loss of a customer. Reasonable procedures in
protecting secure documents from unauthorized access may be a marketable attribute today but
will likely become a given very quickly.
As you open a discussion of secure documents with your customers you will quickly be
considered an expert. They rely on you to stay in touch with the latest trends in technologies and
the law, and to keep them informed. This is not a new standard that you are held accountable
for, but is one that requires more focus in keeping up with the rapid pace of change in the secure
documents business.
A key ingredient in building a successful secure documents business will be effective marketing
The objective should be to have your customers recognize you as a secure documents provider.
There is greater need to market secure documents because the business is complex and there is a
lack of knowledge on the subject.
A reasonable marketing program should contain a vehicle to communicate the aspects of your
secure documents offerings to your customers. These aspects should include standard
precautions, standard features, and special services that are available upon request.
Layering
Think of layering as a system of deterrents that work together to provide greater protection. The
concept of layering can be illustrated by looking at home security. The first and most basic layer
is that you have doors and windows on your home that close and lock. The next layer may be
lighting that is set on timers or positioned to eliminate dark areas. Other layers may include
dead bolt locks, security screens, bars, guard dogs, elaborate alarm systems and so on. The point
is, layering should provide sufficient deterrence to cause the criminal to pass by the proposed
target and go on to something that is less protected.
In document security, one would seek to combine complementary features that are in the paper,
on the paper, or applied to the paper. This combination will be composed of covert (hidden)
features which may be used to detect a fake, or trap the criminal in the act, or they may be overt
(obvious) features which are visible and may serve to authenticate an original or cause the
criminal to select an a alternate target. The need to balance the ability to detect a fake and to
authenticate an original is critically important. There is value in each.
Intaglio Printing creates results that rise above (referred to as relief) the
surface of the unprinted paper. This physical relief can contribute to the security of the
document. Photo copiers can reasonably simulate intaglio printing by the thickness of toner on
the surface of the sheet but the reverse will not reflect the recessed area under the printing that is
typical with Intaglio Printing.
Blind Embossing may be an effective printing technique for security in that it
does not use an ink. It raises the image above the surface of the paper. Blind embossing can be
seen by the human eye and can be detected by touch but is invisible to a copier. The reverse of
this situation, debossing, may also be effective.
Crash printing that creates an embossed or debossed result is another
example of a printing method that may be considered.
Prismatic Printing This technique may be described as the blending of two or
more colors of ink in a single image. One ink tower is typically used and one plate. Inks are
allowed to flow down the ink train to the printed image creating an effect similar to the way
light blends through a prism. The resulting blend of inks challenges color copiers to simulate the
original. The potential problem is that no two originals are exactly alike and unless you know
what an original document looks like the feature may be less valuable. Like other overt (obvious)
features, prismatic printing may suggest to criminals that there are other easier targets to pursue.
Micro Printing This is accomplished by producing an image that is smaller
than can be read by the naked eye. Size may be about 1/100th of normal type size. While type
of this size can be easily printed, it is very difficult to copy or scan. The feature is covert and
may be useful to authenticate an original by using a simple magnifying glass. Micro printing
may be an image or a message.
Secure Font Printing A design aspect of security printing would be to utilize
a secure font for type or numbers. A secure number font Utilizes numbers that are of different
heights and widths so that efforts to cut a number and change the position of digits is very
difficult. Imitation of the original technique is possible but less common. Secure fonts will not
prevent replication of the document.
High Resolution Printing Printing of this type are called Guilloches. They are
difficult to reproduce because they are produced at a higher resolution than copiers or scanners
are capable of. Sophisticated computing techniques will permit resolution of this type to stay
ahead of copiers for a while. United States currency is a " prime " example of such printing.
Casual
counterfeiters will find that high resolution printing will not copy or scan cleanly resulting in
muddy or inaccurate reproduction.
Non-Repetitive Printing This feature utilizes a different repeat pattern than the
base document. The result is an image that is not in the same place on each document. In some
cases, a wavy line or "crazy line" is used and is printed in fluorescent ink so it can an be used for
verification purposes with a black light.
Warning Bands A key component of any security system is a warning notice
that advises potential criminals that the document is protected. Like a sign that warns of danger,
the warning band will serve to deter attempts at fraud. An effective warning message should be
relatively simple to understand and difficult to remove from the document without harm to the
printing near by. The message should instruct a recipient to look for features that will
authenticate the document. The absence of such features should cause the document to be
unacceptable.
Copy Prevention Design Features
Most common to copy design prevention features an embedded designs or messages. These
covert features are intended to reveal a copy as a fraud.
Void Pantograph This is a patented technique of the Standard Register
Company. Printers may be licensed to use the technique. The void pantograph utilizes printed
dots of differing sizes to create the effect. Smaller dots that are visible to the human eye
dominate the appearance of the form. However, these smaller dots are lost in copying or
scanning where larger, less frequently printed dots become visible in the copy and spell out the
word "void" on the face of the copy. Features of this type are very effective but may be
challenged as resolution improves in copiers and scanners. Copy Ban+ is the next generation of
the void pantograph and as of this writing is an exclusive of Standard Register.
Wicker Feature While delivering a similar result to the void pantograph, the
Wicker technique is referred to as an "induced moire effect."" Rather than vary dots by size and
frequency the Wicker technique utilizes lines of varied lengths and angles. This configuration is
intended to create conflict with the scanning protocol of many machines. The resulting copy will
be garbled and an obvious copy. Again, copier and scanner resolution improvements will
challenge techniques like Wicker.
Reactive Inks Many different features can be built utilizing special inks.
Reactive inks respond to light, heat, friction or chemicals. These inks are very popular for
checks and currency in Central and South America.
Fugitive Inks This is a generic term that trends to be broadly used for various
ink types. Basically fugitive inks change by some inducement after it is printed.
Metameric Pairs These are pairs of inks that look the same under certain
lights, like incandescent, but look very different under other lights like fluorescent.
Thermochromatic Inks These are inks that respond to various levels of change
in temperature. In some applications, human contact causes a color change or the color to
disappear. Lower temperature inks sometimes return to their original color when the temperature
change is removed. This technique is useful for authentication. Other thermochromatic
inks react by changing color or becoming clear on a permanent basis. This can be very useful in
instances where permanent evidence is needed to indicate exposure to the reactive temperature.
Chemical Reactive Inks These are inks that respond to the application of a
specific reactive chemical. This chemical can be applied in many different ways. The ink will
become clear or change colors on the document.
Solvent Inks Certain inks are made with very low pigment quantity. This
creates a more transparent ink that is visible to the human eye but is not visible to a copier or
scanner. The resulting effect is for the original to display a colored design or background that is
not present on the copy. Further the application of certain fluids will cause the ink to disappear.
Flourescent Inks These inks are nearly invisible in ordinary light and very
visible in ultra violet light.
Infrared Inks can only be read using infared equipment.
Optically Variable Inks that simulate iridescence or pearlescence can change
color depending on the angle of light in which they are viewed.
Phosphorescent Inks light up under ultra violet light and retain an after glow
for a short period of time.
Friction Reactive Inks Some inks will rub or scratch off under fiction, such as
with the edge of a coin. Others will change color to reveal a more visible message. Both types
can be useful to authenticate an original document. Either has appeal in that no special tools,
ingredients or equipment are required to activate the ink.
Bleed Through Inks Inks of this type are often used for printing of MICR or
serial numbers on documents. The inks contain a dye that migrates through the sheet of paper to
create a reverse image on the back of the sheet. This image may possess color and is in exact
registration with the image on the face. Bleed through numbers are effective prevention for cut
and paste alteration and greatly complicate copying.
Anti Alter Patterns Normally applied by a paper mill, this feature, sometimes
called a weave pattern or laid lines, can be applied by a printer. The pattern makes cut and paste
activity difficult to accomplish. The patterns are normally applied by the flexographic process, in
pastel transparent inks. These inks will generally be difficult to copy due to their very low
pigment content and high transparency. They will lose their color when certain fluids (like
bleach) are applied to them. Patterns of this type are most common in safety papers. Patterns are
considered to be low security because they are easily reproduced. Their value can be increased
by applying them in exact registration, front to back of a sheet.
Ghost Features A ghost is a feature that is visible when viewed at an angle but
is more difficult to see in direct reflected light. Because copiers and scanners view documents
from a right angle, a ghost is nearly impossible to replicate with a photo copier or scanner. Ghost
features can be created using a variety of inks that range from varnish to various configurations
of opaque or transparent white. Ghost features are sometimes called artificial or simulated
watermarks. Such a description is inaccurate and suggests the aspects of watermark security
which is not the case with a printed device like a ghost. Ghosts are effective methods for
authentication of originals and in limiting copying in photo copier and scanner environments.
They can be easily duplicated by anyone who can print or by artists who may draw the design
using white inks. For this reason, ghosts are relatively low security.
Watermarks True watermarks are of two principle types, and can only be
produced while the paper being made and is still wet. They are pressed into the newly formed
mat of fiber while it is still wet by a dandy roll. These are referred to as fourdrinier watermarks.
The other type of watermark is cast into a mold creating much more intimate contact for an
extended time with the fiber. The resulting mark is capable of remarkable detail and clarity.
Watermarks of this nature are called cylinder mold watermarks. Each type is created on a
different type of paper machine and it is common to speak of fourdrinier papers or mold papers.
Watermark detail and visibility is obtained by varying the density of fibers in the sheet. This
variation in density creates differences in opacity that yield the visual effect.
Watermarks are considered to be the most important security feature that has been created for
document security. The security of watermarking can be explained in several ways. A watermark
is very difficult to simulate (counterfeit) when it has good detail and clarity. This is
accomplished by three dimensionality and tonal graduations that can be incorporated into the
design. Furthermore, watermark security is greatly enhanced when the mark is recognizable by
those asked to accept the document. Once a mark is recognizable, simulations become more
difficult and detection can be easier.
Watermarks are very versatile in their use. They are visible in both reflected and transmitted
light to the human eye.
Even though watermarks are easily visible to the human eye, they are virtually invisible to copier
or scanner technologies. Reproduction by photographic or print methods produce distinctly
different looking results. Simulation can be made even more difficult by creating watermarks
that include light areas that graduate into shaded areas with great consistency. The more detail
can be built into a watermark the more easily a counterfeit can be detected. Watermarks can be
made even more secure by creating custom marks that are proprietary in nature and are strictly
limited to their owner.
Chemical Sensitivity Often referred to as 'stain' features, chemical sensitivity
is a key defense in the prevention of document alteration or forgery. Chemical sensitivity is
designed to provide indelible evidence of tampering attempts on documents. It is a covert
feature.
Such tampering is accomplished by washing ink off the original document and replacing the
information with fraudulent data. Various fluids are used to wash ink from the documents
surface. The type of fluid used will depend upon the type of ink used to write the document. For
example an oxidant like bleach would be used to wash a water based ink like fountain pen, from
a sheet. Oil based inks might be washed off using various solvents.
There are several key considerations when selecting chemical sensitivity as a defense against
fraud. Most important is to understand the various methods a criminal might use to forge the
document. Second, one would want stain features that produce an indelible easily seen stain
that will cause the person who is asked to accept the document to look closer.
Many marketers promote stain features, present in a sheet, by reporting the number of stains.
Effective document design will layer several stain features intended to respond to various
chemical families to deter the criminal from attempting to wash off a stain to remove the
evidence of tampering. For example, stain features that are designed to react to solvents may
include a wide array of specific solvents that are a part of the solvent family This may include
mineral spirits, gasoline, toluline and alcohol. All are solvents, but are they different stains? Our
position is that stain families matter and that there are four stain families that constitute the
marketing phrase full chemical sensitivity. They are the oxidants, solvents, acids, and alkalies
chemical families. Certain other chemical types can be added but are usually specific to unique
chemicals and are less common.
Chemical Void The chemical void is a printed message that usually reads
"void" or "stop." The message can be in any format or number of languages. While most often
applied by paper manufacturers the chemical void could be printed by most printers. It is printed
in an invisible reactive ink that becomes visible when specific fluids are used to wash ink off the
document. Most chemical voids are designed to react to oxidants like bleach, but other chemical
reactions are possible. This covert feature is intended to give further evidence of tampering and
does not restrict photo replication in copiers or scanners.
Visible Fibers Fibers are added to paper to make replication of the document
more difficult. These fibers are visible in ordinary light and can be of various colors, lengths and
densities. By putting an array of fiber colors into the design that are different than the printed
image one can greatly complicate counterfeiting by making it necessary to print many extra
colors. Color copiers that use toner, can duplicate fibers, but the created image will be on the
surface and detectable to the touch. True fibers are imbedded into the sheet and are not
bumps on the surface. Also, because fibers are added when the paper is being made they
generally are present on both sides of the document. Careless counterfeiters are likely to
ignore the need to copy the back as well as the face. Using fibers as an as (obvious) feature will
signal the criminal that the document is protected and perhaps. deter fraudulent attempts.
Invisible Fibers While invisible in ordinary light, this covert feature is most
often responsive to ultra violet (black) light. When the document is placed under black light the
fibers become quite visible. Like fibers that can be seen in ordinary light, invisible fibers can be
added in an array of colors, lengths and densities. The inclusion of color makes simulation a
much more difficult procedure. Because fibers are invisible, they are not intended to restrict
photo copy replication The copy however will not contain the fibers and can be quickly detected
by viewing the document in ultra violet light. Invisible fibers are a very effective layer that
completes a comprehensive security system
Planchettes Planchettes are available in visible colors, fluorescent visible colors invisible fluorescent colors, iridescent colors, and fugitive colors. These small discs are slightly larger than the head of a pin. They are embedded into the paper during production of the paper and normally do not rise above the surface. Planchettes can be registered in narrow bands or dispersed randomly in the sheet. Planchettes are more effective when multiple colors are used. They may be one or two sided.
Like visible fibers, a selection of visible colors can greatly complicate counterfeiting. Invisible fluorescent colors are effective in verification as they can be viewed under ultra violet light. Like visible colors iridescent colors are effective for authentication providing extra security in that they change color when viewed at differing angles.
Fugitive colored planchettes are thermochromatic in nature. Heat causes the planchette to lose its color, becoming clear. Once the heat is removed the color returns. This is an excellent verification method in that no tools are required beyond the heat of human touch. Simulations using toners or non-reactive inks will not have the same performance.
Planchettes represent an effective security feature that can be overt when visible planchettes are used or covert when invisible planchettes are used.
Hi Lites Small particles are added to the paper to create Hi Lites and may be visible colors, fluorescent visible colors, or invisible fluorescent colors. An array of colors optimizes the effectiveness of this feature in visible and invisible formats.
Security Threads Security threads are polyester or plastic bands that are embedded into the paper. Threads generally are just beneath the surface of the sheet. This restricts visibility in reflected light while permitting good visibility in transmitted light. Security threads offer protection against photo copying because copiers and scanners see documents in reflected light Security threads resist copying and scanning most effectively when they are mini or micro printed as the printed message is most often illegible on the copy. Security threads are an excellent overt feature. The presence of the thread in a document will provide for easy authentication.
There are many optional features that can be added to threads to enhance their security. In some cases threads can be made to serpentine from the middle of a sheet to the surface and back to the middle. Threads of this nature are referred to as windowed threads. Security threads can be miniprinted (legible without magnification) or microprinted (legible with magnification). They may be metalized to create a bright metallic appearance. They may be magnetic responsive. They may be created with a hologram effect. They may be printed in fluorescent colors to make them react to ultra violet light. Threads can be of varied widths. While it is possible to put threads into fourdrinier papers, windowed threads are only available in mold papers.
Erasure Sensitive Coating These are coatings that are intended to provide evidence of attempts to erase or scrape information from a document. The first type is a layered coating of white over a color. An attempt to erase or scrape will cause the top white layer to come off the sheet revealing the color making the attempt visible. The second type has microcapsules on the sheet with a reactant that forms color when the stock is tampered with.
Toner Adhesion Coatings TonerLock
Instant Verification Features This covert feature is designed to provide for authentication of an original document. A chemical is applied to the paper that will respond to a specific reactive ink. The ink is used in normal transactions by stamp pad or pen and creates a colored mark that authenticates the document as an original After marking with the special ink, the absence of a color reaction would indicate that the document is a copy.
Iridescent Coatings Primarily used in currency, these coatings are added to the surface of the sheet in patterns or type. The coated area will change color when viewed from differing angles. This overt feature may be photo copied to create a counterfeit, but the duplicate will be a single color when viewed from any angle and the iridescence will be lost.
*(TonerLock is a registered trademark of Appleton Papers )
Optically Variable Devices (OVD's) are used in document security. OVD's get their name because they change color as the angle of viewing changes. These devices range from simple features exhibiting iridescence to multiple layered devices like holograms.
Foils Foils represent an overt feature that will resist photo copying. A photo copy of a foil will show as a dark non-metallic line or band. A warning is essential to advise the recipient of the document to look for the foil. Foils may be created to be silver or gold color, they may have messages embedded into the surface that change with the angle of viewing and they may be treated to produce various colors depending on the viewing angle.
Holograms A hologram is a multi-layered device that contains a three dimensional picture or message that varies with the change in viewing angle and light. The colors transition from one color to another like colors viewed through a prism. Holograms are very costly to design originally and relatively expensive to duplicate in quantity. They resist photocopying and scanning. The only danger is that they may be subject to removal and replacement of a fraudulent copy.
Kinegrams Kinegrams were specifically designed for security purposes. Unlike holograms, Kinegrams abandon there dimensionality. They produce kinematic effects like swapping, rotating moving, exploding or imploding graphics with highly predictable results. It is these predictable results which can be precisely characterized that adds to the security value of Kinegrams.
Self Adhesive Security Papers are papers that are very thin. Once attached to a document, attempts to remove or erase cause the destruction of the paper
Passport Films are laminates that are very thin and used to cover secure documents and secure information. They are very difficult to remove without damage to the document or the film. Films can be printed with fugitive inks for added security.
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