Editing Checkwriter (section)

==Machine==
[[File:Abbott Automatic Check Perforator.JPG|thumb|A check perforator with a notice of 1889 and 1891 [[patent]] dates<ref name=protector/>]]

A check writer (also known as a "ribbon writer", "check signer", "check protector" or "check embosser"), is a physical [[machine|device]] for protecting a check from unauthorized alteration of either the amount or the authorizing signature.

Devices of this type that use various technologies are also known as check protectors, check [[punch (machine)|punch]]es, and check [[perforator]]s.<ref name=protector>{{cite web|url=http://www.earlyofficemuseum.com/check_protector_gallery_1870-1899.htm |title=Mechanical Check Protectors 1870-1899 |publisher=Earlyofficemuseum.com |access-date=2012-02-09}}</ref> A check punch punches holes in the shapes of numerals. A check perforator punches small round holes that form numerals.

A check writer, or ribbon writer, leaves a numerical or written value [[:wikt:impression|impression]] in the payment amount field of a check that is very difficult to alter. This is accomplished by the machine applying downward force on the check and leaving very small inked shreds in the paper.

The first check protector was introduced in 1870. The best known check protectors in the early 1900s had the brand name Protectograph (the Todd Company, Rochester, New York).{{citation needed|date=January 2012}} Other well known manufacturers in the industry were F & E Hedman and the [[Paymaster Corp.|Paymaster Company]] (both out of Chicago, Illinois).<ref name="Museum">[https://www.madeinchicagomuseum.com/single-post/paymaster-corp/ ''Paymaster Corp.'']; WebPage; Made in Chicago Museum online; accessed January 2021.</ref>

The person preparing a check positions the check in the check writer so its print-heads are centered over the field on the check where the amount of the check would otherwise be written out in words. Using a series of levers or buttons on the checkwriter's control panel, the operator enters the monetary amount of the check. This amount is then printed onto the check by the operator pulling a lever on the side of the unit (or by pressing a button on electric units). This brings the print-heads down upon a wide inked (usually multicolor) ribbon through which they print the selected amount on the check, with a prefix and suffix to prevent a fraudster from adding extra digits. Entering $6,762.64, for example, will produce text reading "TheSum'''''6762'''''dol's'''''64'''''cts".<ref>[http://www.paystation.ca/home.php?cat=5] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706192849/http://www.paystation.ca/home.php?cat=5|date=July 6, 2011}}</ref>

There is a series of (usually) horizontal indentations on a pressure bar brought up underneath the check during this process, which matches similar indentations on the print-heads. This [[Embossing (paper)|embosses]] the numeric amount through the paper of the check form, strongly discouraging any attempt to alter or raise this amount.

Because physical check writers and ribbon writers are now considered antique,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goantiques.com/detail,antique-protectograph-check,529473.html |title=Antique Protectograph Check Writer |publisher=Goantiques.com |access-date=2012-02-09}}</ref> businesses that still need this check protection technology such as a business, or organization which regularly prepares remittances by issuing high-amount checks can use a physical check writing device. Financial institutions regularly use them to prepare [[cashier's check]]s, and they are also used by issuers of [[money order]]s such as the [[United States Postal Service]]. Newer versions are electronic, but many are still made by Paymaster.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.paymastertech.com/elec.html |title=Paymaster, check writer, check fraud, check imprinter, check protector |publisher=Paymastertech.com |access-date=2012-02-09}}</ref>