Protect Your Handwriting with Safe Ink

This article is sponsored by Quill Office Supplies, a proud supporter of OfficeArrow. You can also visit the Quill community right here on OfficeArrow.

You may be wondering what we're talking about when we say "protect your handwriting." It's a strange concept to think that your writing might not be safe. But it's true. Identity theft runs rampant in our society and thieves continue to find new and different ways to accomplish their devious goals. Check fraud, though not exactly "new," is certainly one way in which these folks can cause us major grief. But we have the power to fight back, thanks to something known as "safe ink."

Here's the scoop:

Check washing is a very common form of fraud; it involves erasing the ink on a check using common household chemicals. A criminal can then rewrite the check to be payable to himself and increase the amount by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The National Check Fraud Center estimates check washing costs Americans $815 million each year.

Scary, right? Who knew that just a few drops of paint thinner could remove ink from paper? Well, if you saw that Leo DeCaprio movie a few years ago ("Catch Me If You Can") this might sound familiar...

Believe it or not, the pen you use can actually help prevent you from becoming the next check fraud victim. In fact, Frank Abagnale, the person whose life is chronicled in that movie, is one of the most well respected experts on identity theft (for obvious reasons) and he's teamed up with the makers of the Uniball 207 to help individuals protect themselves.

The Uniball 207 uses Uni Super Ink, a specially-formulated ink that "offers outstanding levels of water, chemical and light resistance." According to the manufacturer, "The pigment in Super ink binds with the cellulose in the paper making the ink permanent once it's dry. This means that your signature is secure.

Important information or legal documents can't be changed and your signature can't be removed."

It's actually pretty amazing. In fact, to see the Uniball 207 in action, check out this great video that shows a manufacturer's representative actually washing a check, removing unsafe ink, and leaving Super Ink. It will really open your eyes to how easy this kind of fraud is - and how easy it is to protect yourself.

When you think about it, the idea of using anything other than safe ink is downright dangerous - both personally and professionally. Check fraud is really just one small piece of the pie. When it comes to erasing ink on contracts and various other legal documents, criminals can put you, your clients, and your business in serious jeopardy.

Luckily, Uni Super Ink is available in a variety of different pens (including both gel and rollerball) and colors. Quill offers a selection including the popular Uniball 207 retractable gel pen, Uniball Gel Grip Stick, Uniball Vision Rollerball, and the Uniball Vision Elite Rollerball.

Try one of these pens out today and write with confidence, knowing your signature is safe.