Xerox 6180N Generic MICR Fundamentals Guide  - Page 140

Security Amount limit statements An example of an amount limit statement is "NOT VALID FOR MORE THAN $xxx DOLLARS." The "$xxx" may be stated alphabetically or numerically. Both ways offer protection because two areas of the document must be altered. Some countries may require that the statement be printed in more than one language. The Xerox printing system allows selection of small or compressed fonts to create space for the statements on the document. Amount in Words fields One of the safest protection methods is the use of multiple fields that indicate the payable amount. For example, the payable amount can be printed once as a numeric field and once as a text string. Most handwritten checks use this protection technique. Machine-produced checks often do not use multiple amount fields. One reason is the difficulty in deciding on an appropriate text string for larger amount values. The text Amount field requires advance planning for forms design and for the application program. Using small, compressed fonts allows for multiple lines and statements. NOTE: The text string is considered the legal amount field, and takes legal precedence over the numeric amount field, which is the convenience amount. Preventing check duplication Like check tampering, document duplication can not be eliminated completely. In fact, there are legitimate reasons for check duplication, including image capture by banks for automated processing or audit purposes and copies of personal checks for third party reimbursement. However, checks are not duplicated for the purpose of transferring funds. Several features can be built into a check to make the task of check duplication more difficult, without hindering legitimate duplications. 8-12 Generic MICR Fundamentals Guide