Check 21 Image Analysis and Fraud Prevention Tools in A2iA CheckReader 3.4

With the addition of image quality analysis tools designed for check image exchange under Check 21 and related industry standards, A2iA CheckReader 3.4 offers integrators, solution providers and value-added resellers the most comprehensive set of tools for processing check images on the market today. A2iA CheckReader has been helping financial institutions verify check image usability and check validity, by locating and reading all of the key data fields on checks. Now, through this latest version, A2iA CheckReader verifies, and flags if deemed unacceptable, key image quality attributes: partial image, excessive image skew, piggyback image, image too light or too dark, streaks and/or bands on the image, “below minimum image size” and “exceeds maximum image size.” Like all of the technology contained within A2iA CheckReader, the new image quality analysis tools are developed by A2iA and designed to work in concert with the other image cleaning, data location and document identification components within the software, while meeting or exceeding industry standards. In addition to checks, money orders and other related payment documents, A2iA CheckReader is now able to locate and read information from Image Replacement Documents (IRDs) or substitute checks, which are used in Check 21 image exchange. Check fraud continues to be a major problem for banks and businesses alike, resulting in significant financial loss, operational inefficiencies and weakened customer confidence. A2iA CheckReader 3.4 contains check stock analysis tools that analyze the design of a presented check and quickly compare it to previous images of checks issued by the same accountholder; a mismatch is often evidence that the check may be a counterfeit. Another fraud deterrent within A2iA CheckReader is CAR/LAR mismatch detection, which in version 3.4 is also available for the Canadian Country version. This feature detects checks that may have been altered fraudulently or checks that are not usable because the CAR and LAR are not valid or are questionable. These analysis tools will help cut industry losses and reduce risk by detecting fraud earlier. Furthermore, with check processing moving out of large, centralized operations centers and into desktop devices and self-service systems, A2iA CheckReader 3.4 provides all the information required to make informed decisions about the check images so that users can be assured they do not increase their risk and liability by sending check images in lieu of paper. A2iA CheckReader goes beyond new industry standards and safeguards by looking at the total validity of the check. In addition to image quality and usability, A2iA CheckReader also includes the following capabilities. - Positive-Payee Comparison - payee name is located, read and compared to an issue file for possible fraudulent alterations. - CAR/LAR Mismatch Detection - amount comparison identifies mismatched courtesy (CAR) and legal (LAR) amounts. - Signature Detection - signature presence is detected on the front and rear of the check. - Check Stock Validation - a Check Identity Record (CIR) is created during a pre-processing phase that accelerates the identification of fraudulent checks. The development of this all-inclusive check recognition toolkit, version 3.4, further solidifies A2iA CheckReader’s position as the most comprehensive check recognition system in the world. Because it is equipped with the ability to recognize more fields at a faster rate, A2iA CheckReader 3.4 is ideal for distributed check processing environments. It is available in 19 country-specific versions, including a new Malaysian version is this release. A2iA CheckReader 3.4 also includes new tools that make it easier to install in systems that do not have A2iA CheckReader as the