Abstract: The invention comprises a method for determining whether a negotiable instrument is counterfeit. The method includes the step of placing on the instrument an identifying tag, preferable and RF-ID tag, and also a magnetic strip capable of storing information. The method also includes the step of recording on the RF-ID tag at least one computer generated, preferably random number and/or a number related to the date and time (e.g. the year, month, date, hour, minute, and second) of its being printed. Alternatively, or additionally, the information recorded on the instrument's magnetic strip is associated with the number of encounters since issuance into public use. This information thus recorded on the instrument is stored in a secure computer database record corresponding to the specific instrument. Each time a bank transaction of the instrument takes place, the instrument is scanned.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for determining whether a negotiable instrument is counterfeit. The method includes the step of placing on the instrument an identifying tag, preferable an RF-ID tag, and also a magnetic strip capable of storing information. The method also includes the step of recording on the RF-ID tag at least one computer-generated, preferably random number and/or a number related to the date and time (e.g. the year, month, date, hour, minute, and second) of its being printed. Alternatively, or additionally, the information recorded on the instrument's magnetic strip is associated with the number of encounters since issuance into public use. This information thus recorded on the instrument is stored in a secure computer database record corresponding to the specific instrument. Each time a bank transaction of the instrument takes place, the instrument is scanned.