| The financial industry faces a constant threat from | | | | checks. Check paper should contain one or more of |
| criminals. Large and small businesses alike can fall | | | | the following security features: copy void pantograph, |
| victim to check fraud. In order to safeguard funds, | | | | micro printed border, watermark seal, or chemically |
| businesses must make sure that they using sensible | | | | reactive paper. |
| methods when printing checks. | | | | 4. Only allow a small number of people access to |
| Many businesses print their own checks because it | | | | check printing utilities. In order to prevent check fraud, |
| saves time and money. A company can print payroll | | | | always make sure that you know who has access to |
| checks for employees and payment checks for | | | | checks. Keep check-printing equipment locked in a |
| suppliers. While self-printing can save money, it can | | | | secure area. Do not leave blank check stock or |
| also increase the chances of fraud. Payroll check | | | | software exposed in plain sight. |
| security can be achieved by following a few simple | | | | 5. Always shred documents that contain personal or |
| guidelines: | | | | company account information. Criminals have been |
| 1. Always use the correct equipment. In order to | | | | known to rummage through trash bins to find the |
| maintain the integrity of payroll checks, you should use | | | | information they need to commit identity theft and |
| MICR technology. Use a MICR printer with MICR toner | | | | check fraud. |
| to print checks. This makes the checks easier for the | | | | Always remember that money is a great motivator. |
| bank to process and more difficult for criminals to | | | | People can be driven to lie, cheat, and steal if their |
| duplicate. | | | | need for money is great enough. For the safety of |
| 2. Only print on blank check stock. Using pre-printed | | | | your personal and business finances, never provide |
| check stock makes it easy for criminals to steal | | | | unnecessary temptations. By following the rules above, |
| checks and then simply fill in the blanks. | | | | you can decrease your chances of becoming a victim |
| 3. Use blank check stock with security features. Built-in | | | | of check fraud. |
| security features make it impossible to duplicate | | | | |