1. Computing & Technology

Counterfeit Desktop Publishing

One of the less desirable side effects of the desktop publishing revolution was its increased use as a method of easily producing counterfeit money, ID cards, driver's licenses, and other documents. Sometimes illegal activities are done quite innocently by well-meaning designers.

Desktop Counterfeiting

Quotes from a variety of news stories highlights the prevalence of desktop publishing used to procude fake ID cards, tickets, money, and more.

Making Money

Explore the legalities of copying or photographing paper money for use in marketing materials. Covers the U.S. and many other countries from Australia to the UK.

Creating a Security Printing Document

Describes several security measures such as patterns, UV visible inks, microprinting, and watermakrs.

Document Security Guide (PDF)

Addresses the issue of document security as well as the use of desktop publishing to perpetuate fraud. May contain useful information for designers tasked with the creation of documents that require extra security features.

Results of Global I.D. Card Competition

From I.D. Online, check out the winners from a Global I.D. Card Competition for designers.

Technology to beat id card counterfeiters

This Magicard Press Release describes the vulnerability of some systems for producing ID cards and the advantages/disadvantages of various ID card security measures.

The Color of Money

Read this cautionary tale about a clever marketing promotion that landed the designer in hot water with the Secret Service.

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