Stopping 3 Types of Fraud

Tamper-resistant requirements are mandated at both the federal and state levels.
Security features are designed to stop three types of fraud:

1. Copying: Someone photocopies or scans a legitimate pad.
2. Counterfeiting: Someone designs their own fake pad.
3. Alteration: Someone changes the information on an existing prescription.

The right feature set helps protect prescribers, pharmacies, and patients, and ensures your customers stay compliant.

Core Security Features Used on Prescription Pads

Below are the most common and most effective security technologies used on today’s prescription pads, with explanations your customers will understand.

1. VOID Pantograph (Anti-Copy Background)

A “VOID” message appears across the page when someone attempts to photocopy or scan the document. Deters casual fraud by instantly flagging copied or reproduced pads.

Best for: All healthcare environments; often required by state law.

2. Microprint Signature Lines

Micro-sized text printed so small that it appears as a solid line to the naked eye but blurs or disappears when copied. Provides an easy way for pharmacists to verify authenticity at a glance.

Best for: High-volume practices, hospital systems, and any environment concerned about forgery.

3. Heat-Sensitive (Thermochromic) Ink

Ink that disappears, changes color, or becomes visible when rubbed or exposed to heat. Prevents reproduction and ensures the original pad cannot be scanned and used to create counterfeits.

Best for: Controlled-substance pads and states that require multi-layer authentication.

4. Watermarks

A faint design embedded into the paper stock, visible when held up to light. Difficult to duplicate, making counterfeiting far more challenging.

Best for: Practices that need a quick visual authentication tool.

5. Chemical-Protection Paper

Paper treated to resist tampering with common erasure chemicals. Attempts to alter the form leave visible stains or discoloration. Protects against chemical erasures and alterations, one of the most common forms of prescription fraud.

Best for: Any environment where controlled substances are prescribed.

6. Anti-Erasure Backgrounds

A patterned background that reveals attempts to erase or scrape off printed information. Protects against mechanical tampering techniques commonly used to alter dosage or refill quantities.

Best for: Practices concerned about dosage tampering, refill fraud, or any environment where handwritten details are frequently targeted for alteration.

7. Consecutive Numbering & Batch Control

Numbering that helps track batches and identify irregular ordering or usage patterns. Adds traceability and improves compliance for practices with strict dispensing controls.

Best for: Large practices, hospital networks, or controlled-substance prescribers who need audit trails and tighter oversight.

8. Security Back Printing

Instructions or patterns printed on the reverse side of the pad that help verify authenticity and discourage counterfeiting. A low-cost but effective layer of additional protection.

Best for: Budget-conscious offices seeking added security without increasing pad cost or practices in states that allow/encourage layered security.

Choosing the Right Level of Security (What Your Customers Need)

Different states have different rules, and some healthcare environments require more advanced protection. Here are the three levels of security requirements and the security features recommended in each:

Basic Security (Minimum Federal Requirements)

• VOID pantograph
• At least one alteration-resistant feature
• At least one copy-resistant feature

Enhanced Security (Common State Requirements)

• Microprint lines
• Watermarks
• Chemical-resistant paper
• Heat-sensitive ink

Advanced Security (High-Risk Environments)

• Multiple anti-copy features
• Multiple anti-alteration features
• Numbering + audit trail
• Covert features (invisible unless tested)

How Wise Helps Resellers Deliver the Right Prescription Pads

As a trade-only manufacturer, Wise helps you succeed. How? By offering . . .

• Compliant pads for most states
• Customizable security features based on state regulations
• Guidance on choosing the right pad for each practice
• Fast turn times across our five-plant footprint
• White-label confidentiality on every order

Whether your customer needs a basic pad or a high-security construction, Wise ensures every product meets the required federal and state tamper-resistant standards.