Hologram overlay stickers for ID cards
ID cards are a recognised method of proving a person’s identity. ID cards are issued by a variety of organisations such as businesses, colleges & universities and government agencies. If you issue ID cards to your employees, students or volunteers, consider adding an extra layer of security to your cards using a hologram overlay sticker. Given the sensitive nature of the information contained on these cards, ensuring their security is crucial. One effective way to safeguard your ID cards from counterfeiting or tampering is by adding a hologram overlay sticker.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how hologram labels improve the security of ID cards, how they are applied, and why they are an essential feature for preventing fraud and maintaining the integrity of personal identification.
Why are ID cards valuable?
ID cards contain sensitive personal data, such as name, date of birth and address. If a fraudster gets hold of this information, they could use it for identity theft – this is where a person’s identity is fraudulently used for financial gains, such as to apply for a loan or a credit card.
Identity theft is on the rise in the UK. According to Cifas, the national fraud prevention service, in 2018, the number of reported cases reached almost 190,000. Included in this figure were 82,608 instances of plastic fraud – where fraudsters impersonate someone else to obtain a credit card.
The report by Cifas also found that those aged over 60 and under 21 years were more vulnerable to identity theft.
Individuals aren’t the only ones who stand to lose out with identity theft, businesses are also vulnerable. If a fraudster is able to copy or steal an employee’s ID card, they could use it to gain access to the office, potentially stealing equipment or valuable information such as financial information or your customer’s sensitive data.
Like identity theft, theft from business premises is also on the rise. A study by Ebuyer found that since 2015 there has been a 9% increase in the number of thefts from businesses.
So, while issuing your personnel or students with ID cards is a great way of proving their identity, you can make it harder for these cards to be counterfeited by protecting them with an overlay hologram sticker.
What is a hologram overlay sticker?
A hologram overlay sticker consists of a detailed hologram that is printed onto a clear overlay sticker which is then applied to the ID card.
The hologram overlay sticker protects the card from wear-and-tear and prevents the printed details from easily being removed or altered. The overlay also extends the life of the ID card, meaning they don’t need to be replaced as often.
Hague is a member of the International Hologram Manufacturers Association and we supply more individually designed holograms to businesses, schools and agencies than any other UK supplier.
How to Print Holograms on ID Cards
To print holograms on ID cards, the process involves creating a custom hologram design and applying it as an overlay to the card. This ensures that the ID card is not only secure but also resistant to wear and tampering.
At Hague, we use the latest in holographic technology to print secure, high-quality holograms for ID cards. The holographic effect on the stickers is visible at different angles, providing added protection against counterfeiting.
This process not only increases security but also extends the lifespan of your ID cards, preserving the printed details and protecting against any fraudulent attempts to replicate them.
Features of Secure ID Cards
Below are some of the features that can ensure your ID cards are secure and protected from fraudsters.
Photographic ID cards
The quickest way to identify someone using an ID card is by including the user’s photo. Photographs are the most basic security feature and the first line of defence against fraud. Including a digital photo on an ID card is not fool-proof though, as they can be replicated by copiers or scanners; however, they should be a staple of your ID program no matter the size of your business.
Barcodes
Barcodes are a smart addition to any ID card that can speed up the admittance process. Single barcode labels can encode short strings of identifying information such as an ID number and the card holder’s personal details. All it takes is a barcode scanner for this information to be read so no training would be required for security staff. They also act as a deterrent as, even if a fraudster is able to replicate an ID card, they would not necessarily be able to create ID cards with scannable barcodes.
Hologram labels (and micro text)
Holograms add a different kind of visual security to ID cards. Using holographic laminates, hologram labels are added to ID cards producing an image that transforms when viewed at certain angles. Some hologram labels can even include micro text if you wanted to add another layer of security.
Ghost image
A ghost image is a smaller version of the original photo printed on the ID card. They are usually printed semi-translucent and added during the printing process. They are virtually impossible to forge and so a powerful deterrent against fraud.
Secure Your ID Cards with Hague
At Hague, we specialise in the design, printing, and application of hologram labels for enhancing the security of ID cards. Whether you require access cards, employee ID cards, smart cards, membership cards, or other secure identification solutions, we offer comprehensive services tailored to your specific needs.
With over 30 years of experience, we have helped businesses, schools, and agencies enhance their ID card security. Contact us today to find out more about our ID card design and printing bureau service.
