Pennington, N.J. -- Direct Group, a fully integrated direct marketing solutions provider, announced that the Check Payment Systems Association (CPSA) has awarded the company certification for its enhanced check printing security feature capabilities.  The certification allows Direct Group to use the widely recognized fraud-deterrent padlock symbol, a registered certification mark of the CPSA, on checks incorporated into clients' digitally printed direct mail campaigns.
 
The CPSA, an association of North American check producers, sets standards for check security and publishes security feature requirements.  In order to receive CPSA certification, Direct Group went above and beyond the association's requirements, introducing six check security features that can be produced through its Océ JetStream 2200 digital printing systems.  These systems feature high-speed, four-color inkjet printing with magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) capability.  The systems' MICR output capability also meets or exceeds American National Standards Institute (ANSI) specifications for security.
 
With the Océ JetStream 2200, Direct Group can print highly sophisticated, fully variable security features on checks used in direct marketing applications such as balance transfer programs, refund checks, reward certificates and coupons. These applications are particularly important for key Direct Group client segments such as financial services, gaming, retail, insurance, pharmaceutical, nonprofit and other industries. 
 
"We are always looking for ways to improve our client offerings by providing the latest technologies," said Chris Ryan, Direct Group Chief Operating Officer.  "This certification means our clients can benefit from the peace-of-mind our check printing security capabilities offer, especially in this time of economic uncertainty.  Right now, fraud – and specifically check fraud – is high on the list of client concerns, creating more and more demand for this type of protection."
 
According to the CPSA, a minimum of three features that "defend against both alteration and counterfeiting" must be present to receive certification.  Direct Group was found to be in compliance with the requirements of the CPSA Guideline for the Use of the Enhanced Check Security Features Padlock Icon and ANS X9.100-170, Specifications for the Padlock Icon.
 
The CPSA certification is the latest in an ongoing series of client-focused initiatives in Direct Group's multi-year growth strategy.  With investments in highly advanced equipment and software, Direct Group is able to provide clients the most sophisticated digital printing capabilities in the world with the capacity to produce more than 30 million fully digital and fully variable pieces per month.