Abstract: A security seal and method for detecting tampering. The security seal includes a first member, an adhesive layer applied to the first member, and an indicia printed directly on the adhesive layer in a desired detectable pattern. In one embodiment, the first member is adhered to the second member with the indicia detectable at least through the first member. With this arrangement, the pattern becomes detectably disrupted if the first and second members are moved relative to each other. In the preferred embodiment, both of the first and second members are part of a single transparent strip that can be looped through a shipping container locking mechanism and attached to prevent unauthorized access to the shipping container. In one form, tamper indicating tape is used to form the tamper indicating message "VOID" thereon if tampered with, thus giving a second visual indication of tampering. Heat sensitive material is used to prevent overcoming the tamper indicating tape by heating.