DAYTON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Standard Register announced the presentation of 22 workshops nationwide throughout 2000 to educate businesses how to protect against fraud. Held as a free public service, the workshops this year offer a broader perspective, as leading fraud authority, Frank W. Abagnale, advises participants of important measures to combat not only document fraud crimes but crimes involving false product packaging, labels and related printed items.

"Fraud is a constant threat today given the widespread use of scanners, color copiers, laser-printers and the Internet as a means for obtaining graphics and information for counterfeiting," states Abagnale. "Any document of value is a target. Checks and other documents such as coupons, transcripts and gift certificates are made easily using these technologies and authentic-looking papers acquired through mail-order sources, office supply companies and stationery stores," adds Abagnale.

One of the fastest growing fraud markets today is checks. Punishment for fraud crimes and the recovery of stolen funds are so rare that prevention is the only viable course of action. Abagnale emphasizes, "The more control you have over prevention, the less likely you'll be held liable should fraud occur."

In addition to checks, fraud crimes are committed via phony product packaging, labels, certificates of authenticity, vital records, car titles, transcripts, rebate coupons, licenses, gift certificates, diplomas, medical prescriptions, passports, and event tickets.

Abagnale advises businesses take the following actions to prevent fraud:

• Use highly secure and controlled base paper.
  
• Limit access to account information that could be used to commit fraud.
  
• Utilize a secure disbursement system to ensure documents are produced and issued in controlled, secured environments.
  
• Approach your bank about positive pay, an automated method of auditing checks.

Businesses nationwide rely on Standard Register's security products for protection against fraud. Standard Register offers the leading line of secure substrates, printed features, positive authentication systems and secure disbursement solutions. This year the document management company introduced its new line of design-intensive security features aimed at helping businesses combat fraud committed through graphic counterfeiting. Special optics for detecting these hidden features establishes auditing and authentication procedures for improved fraud prevention control.

• May 31:  Cincinnati/Dayton, OH 
  
• June 1:  Detroit, MI 
  
• June 2:  Buffalo, NY 
  
• June 20:  Washington DC 
  
• June 21:  Philadelphia, PA 
  
• July 11:  New Orleans, LA 
  
• Aug. 22:  Atlanta, GA 
  
• Aug. 23:  Birmingham, AL 
  
• Aug. 30:  Salt Lake City, UT 
  
• Sept. 6:  Albany, NY 
  
• Sept. 7:  Columbus, OH
  
• Sept. 8:  Indianapolis, IN
  
• Sept. 27:  Seattle, WA
  
• Sept. 28:  Portland, OR
  
• Oct. 3:  New York, NY
  
• Oct. 4:  Boston, MA
  
• Oct. 17:  San Diego, CA
  
• Oct. 18:  Los Angeles, CA
  
• Oct. 19:  Sacramento,
   CA
  
• Nov. 14:  Charlotte, NC
  
• Nov. 15:  Orlando, FL
  
• Nov. 16:  Miami, FL