A safety check
HERE’S A STARTLING FACT: More than 500 million checks are forged
annually. Fortunately, sophisticated security features can be built into checks
to help consumers, businesses and banks avoid check fraud. Here’s a look at
the top safety features.
Microprint signature line
The signature line appears as a solid line and contains the words “AU THORIZED
SIGNATURE,” printed in a small font that is legible when viewed closely or with
a magnifying glass. If scanned or photocopied, the microprint text is not
legible and appears as a broken line.
Padlock icon
A padlock symbol is printed on the check face to indicate that at least two
overt (easily seen) security features are present. The icon alerts check handlers and criminals that security features are present.
Security warning box
A warning box printed on the back of the check indicates the security features
present and what happens when a check is altered.
Original document
“ORIGINAL DOCUMENT” is printed in very light ink on the back of the check so
that it cannot be easily copied or scanned.
Costco members can rest assured that checks ordered through the
Costco Check Printing program have all of these safety features and more.
The program offers personal and business checks at savings of up to 50 percent over bank prices.
Ordering is easy. Just go to costco.com and enter “Buy Checks” in the Search
box. Executive Members receive an additional 20 percent off their orders. A
TIPS & TRICKS
SPONSORED BY
TAPE TALK
TAPE HAS MANY great uses beyond mending
torn pages and sealing envelopes, in the
office as well as at home. The Reader’s Digest
Web site ( www.rd.com) has these helpful
suggestions.
• To catch those pesky insects buzzing
around the office, make a fly and pest
strip by covering a paper tube or bowl
with tape, sticky side out, and hanging
it wherever it is needed.
• When you want to look your best for a
meeting, blot sweaters and slacks with
tape to remove stray hair and lint.
• Keep track of the shopping for groceries
or office supplies by taping a shopping list
to the cart’s handle.
• Help avoid cuts by using tape to carefully
pick up tiny pieces of broken glass. Always
be careful with glass!
• When you prefer not to lick an envelope,
use tape to seal the flap. A
