Tamper-evident, activation-preventing security layer

Abstract

An activatable transaction card includes a card layer with card information. A human readable card information placement contains account information. A tamper evident component covers the human readable card information. A tamper evident watermark at least partially includes the tamper evident component.

Description

Attorney Docket: 84971-434946T AMPER-EVIDENT, ACTIVATION-PREVENTING SECURITY LAYERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 738,019, filed December 23, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No.63 / 892,908, filed October 3, 2025, both of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates to stored-value cards and, in particular, to a security enhanced stored-value card.

[0003] Stored-value cards displayed at retailers generally include human readable card information that enables a user of the card to use the card, as well as check account information related to the card, for example, a card balance. This information is typically covered with a sticker containing a code for activating the card. At the place of purchase, the code on the sticker is scanned at the point of sale and the card is activated. However, fraudsters are commonly capable of tampering with the card and the code on the card. After tampering with the card, a fraudster can return the sticker to the card and replace the card on the display at the retailer. Accordingly, upon future activation of the card by scanning the code, the fraudster is allowed access to the funds provided by the card, while the legitimate purchaser of the card is left with an inoperable card. A need remains for providing indicators on the card that inform a retailer that the card has been tampered with.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure includes one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and / or the following features which, alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a card presentation instrument has an activatable watermark associated with an activatable transaction card. The instrument includes an activatable transaction card having a card layer with card information. The card layer has a protective placement thereupon to deter altering the card information. A human readable card information placement containing account information is provided under a tamper1DMS 49971531.1Attorney Docket: 84971-434946evident sticker covering the human readable card information. The tamper evident sticker includes at least a portion of a tamper evident watermark. The watermark is necessary for a point of sale to activate the transaction card. The watermark is rendered inoperable for activation if altered.

[0006] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the watermark may include an activation code for activating the transaction card at the point of sale. The activation code may include a bar code. The activation code may include a quick response code. A package may be configured to retain the transaction card. The package may include an opening. The watermark may be visible through the opening. The activation code may extend across the watermark and at least a portion of the package surrounding the opening.

[0007] Optionally, in the first aspect, the card layer may include indicia that aligns with the watermark. The human readable card information may include a pin number for at least one of redemption of the transaction card or checking a balance of the transaction card. The human readable card information may include a redemption barcode for redeeming the transaction card. The tamper evident sticker may be configured to be peeled off the card layer to expose the human readable card information. The tamper evident sticker may be configured to be scratched off the card layer to expose the human readable card information.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the disclosed embodiments, an activatable transaction card includes a card layer with card information. A human readable card information placement containing account information is provided. A tamper evident component covers the human readable card information. A tamper evident watermark at least partially includes the tamper evident component. The watermark is utilized to activate the transaction card. The watermark is rendered inoperable for activation if altered.

[0009] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the watermark may include an activation code for activating the transaction card. The activation code may include a bar code. The activation code may include a quick response code. The transaction card may be configured to be positioned in a package so that the watermark is visible through an opening in the package. The activation code may extend across the watermark and at least a portion of the package.

[0010] Optionally, in the second aspect, the card layer may include indicia that aligns with the watermark. The human readable card information may include a pin number for at least one of redemption of the transaction card or checking a balance of the transaction card. The human readable card information may include a redemption barcode for redeeming the transaction card.2DMS 49971531.1Attorney Docket: 84971-434946The tamper evident component may be configured to be peeled off the card layer to expose the human readable card information. The tamper evident component may be configured to be scratched off the card layer to expose the human readable card information.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a method of securing an activatable transaction card includes printing human readable card information containing account information on a card layer. The method also includes covering the human readable card information with a tamper evident component. The tamper evident component at least partially comprises a tamper evident watermark. The watermark is utilized to activate the transaction card. The watermark is rendered inoperable for activation if altered.

[0012] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the method may also include printing an activation code for activating the transaction card within the watermark. The activation code may include a bar code. The activation code may include a quick response code. The method may also include positioning the transaction card in a package so that the watermark is visible through an opening in the package. The method may also include printing the activation code across the watermark and at least a portion of the package.

[0013] Optionally, the method may also include printing indicia on the card layer that aligns with the watermark. The human readable card information may include a pin number for at least one of redemption of the transaction card or checking a balance of the transaction card. The human readable card information may include a redemption barcode for redeeming the transaction card. The method may also include configuring the tamper evident component to be peeled off the card layer to expose the human readable card information. The method may also include configuring the tamper evident component to be scratched off the card layer to expose the human readable card information.

[0014] Additional features, which alone or in combination with any other feature(s), such as those listed above and / or those listed in the claims, can comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the embodiments as presently perceived.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:3DMS 49971531.1Attorney Docket: 84971-434946

[0016] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a card presentation instrument having an activatable tamper evident watermark associated with an activatable transaction card, wherein the transaction card includes a card layer, a protective layer, a human readable card information placement, a tamper evident sticker over the human readable card information placement, and the watermark over the tamper evident sticker;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a back view of the activatable transaction card having the card layer with card information and the human readable card information placement containing account information;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a back view of the activatable transaction card having the tamper evident sticker covering the human readable card information placement, wherein the tamper evident sticker includes at least a portion of the tamper evident watermark;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a back view of a package configured to retain the transaction card, wherein the watermark of the activatable transaction card is visible through an opening in the package; and

[0020] FIG. 5 is a back view of a package configured to retain the transaction card, wherein the watermark of the activatable transaction card extends across an opening in the package and across a portion of the package.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a back view of a package configured to retain a transaction card, wherein a watermark extends across at least a portion of an activatable transaction card and at least a portion of a package configured for securing the transaction card, wherein the watermark comprises and activation code scannable at a point of sale for activating the transaction card.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a back view of a package configured to retain the transaction card, wherein a first portion of an activation code is present on the transaction card and a second portion of the activation code is present on the package, and wherein a watermark is positioned over at least a portion of both the first portion of an activation code and the second portion of the activation code.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a back view of a package configured to retain the transaction card, wherein a watermark extends across a portion of the transaction card and a portion of the package and wherein the watermark comprises a first portion of an activation code associated with the transaction card and a second portion of the activation code associated with the package.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by 4DMS 49971531.1Attorney Docket: 84971-434946way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0025] Referring to FIGs. 1-3 a card presentation instrument 10 is embodied as an activatable transaction card 12. A monetary value is associated with the card 12 and accessible at various retailers using the card 12. The card 12 includes a card layer 14 that is generally formed from plastic, cardboard, metal, or any other suitable material for forming gift cards, credit / debit cards, or other stored-value cards. The card 12 stores card information, for example account balances and bank information for accessing the account balance. The card information is generally accessible by swiping a magnetic strip 50 on the card layer in the same manner as swiping a credit or debit card. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the magnetic strip is replaced with or provided in addition to a chip configured to be read at a point of sale. The card layer 14 includes a protective placement 16 thereupon to deter altering the card information. That is, a protective coating, for example, laminate, is placed over the card layer 14 to prevent tampering with the magnetic strip or chip. In the illustrated embodiment, the protective placement 16 includes indicia 52 that is configured to alert a purchaser or retailer to fraud, as discussed in more detail below.

[0026] A human readable card information placement 18 is printed on the card layer 14, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The human readable card information 18 includes a card number 64 and a pin number 60 for at least one of redemption of the transaction card 12 or checking a balance of the transaction card 12. That is, after activation, a user of the card 12 inputs the pin number 60 into an app or website to access information related to the monetary amount of the card 12 and / or an account balance of the card 12. In some embodiments, the pin number 60 is necessary for activation of the card 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the human readable card information 18 also includes a redemption barcode 62 for redeeming the transaction card 12 and / or checking the card balance. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the card 12 only includes one of the pin number 60 or barcode 62. It will also be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the human readable card information 18 may include a quick response code for redeeming the transaction card 12 and / or checking the card balance.5DMS 49971531.1Attorney Docket: 84971-434946

[0027] As seen in FIG. 3, a tamper evident component 20 is positioned over the human readable card information 18 to prevent access to the human readable card information 18 until the time of purchase or post purchase. In some embodiments, the tamper evident component 20 is a sticker that is positioned over the human readable card information 18. It will be appreciated that the tamper evident component 20 is a gel, paint, scratch-off material, or the like that covers the human readable card information 18. In some embodiments, the tamper evident component 20 is configured to be peeled off the card layer 14 to expose the human readable card information 18. In some embodiments, the tamper evident components 20 is configured to be scratched off the card layer 14 to expose the human readable card information 18.

[0028] The tamper evident component 20 includes at least a portion of a tamper evident watermark 22 that is necessary for a point of sale to activate the transaction card 12. In some embodiments, the watermark 22 is rendered inoperable for activation if altered. The watermark 22 includes an activation code 70 for activating the transaction card 12 at the point of sale. If the tamper evident component 20 is tampered with, moved, or otherwise altered, the activation code 70 becomes inoperable. In some embodiments, the activation code 70 includes a bar code or a quick response code. It will be appreciated that other types of codes may be contemplated. In one embodiment, the indicia 52 on the card layer 14 aligns with the watermark 22. That is, in some embodiments, the indica 52 includes a picture that extends over the tamper evident component 20 and includes part of the watermark 22. Accordingly, if the tamper evident component 20 is moved, scratched, or otherwise tampered with, the watermark 22 will no longer align with the indicia 52, thereby providing evidence of tampering.

[0029] In an embodiment, the tamper evident watermark 22 is configured (and / or comprised of material) so that a portion of the tamper evident watermark 22 bleeds through and / or onto the tamper evident component 20 to prevent, proscribe, inhibit, reveal, indicate, or combinations thereof unauthorized and / or unintended use or attempted use of transaction card 12. In an embodiment, the tamper evident watermark 22 is configured (and / or comprised of material) so that a portion of the tamper evident watermark 22 is deposited, visible, absorbed, or combinations thereof, on the tamper evident component 20 to prevent, proscribe, inhibit, reveal, indicate, or combinations thereof, unauthorized and / or unintended use or attempted use of transaction card 12. In an embodiment the tamper evident watermark 22 is configured (and / or comprised of material) so that a portion of the tamper evident watermark 22 is deposited, visible,6DMS 49971531.1Attorney Docket: 84971-434946absorbed, or combinations thereof, on the human readable card information 18 to prevent, proscribe, inhibit, reveal, indicate, or combinations thereof, unauthorized and / or unintended use or attempted use of transaction card 12. In an embodiment the tamper evident watermark 22 is configured (and / or comprised of material) so that a portion of the tamper evident watermark 22 is deposited, visible, absorbed, or combinations thereof, on the indicia 52 to prevent, proscribe, inhibit, reveal, indicate, or combinations thereof, unauthorized and / or unintended use or attempted use of transaction card 12. In an embodiment the tamper evident watermark 22 is configured (and / or comprised of material) so that a portion of the tamper evident watermark 22 is deposited, visible, absorbed, or combinations thereof, on the protective placement 16 to prevent, proscribe, inhibit, reveal, indicate, or combinations thereof, unauthorized and / or unintended use or attempted use of transaction card 12. In an embodiment the tamper evident watermark 22 is configured (and / or comprised of material) so that a portion of the tamper evident watermark 22 is deposited, visible, absorbed, or combinations thereof, on the card layer 14 to prevent, proscribe, inhibit, reveal, indicate, or combinations thereof, unauthorized and / or unintended use or attempted use of transaction card 12. In one embodiment, the tamper evident watermark 22 is deposited on any combination of the tamper evident component 20, the human readable card information 18, the indicia 52, the protective placement 16, the card layer 14.

[0030] In some embodiments, the tamper evident watermark 22 is an invisible watermark that is configured to be viewed with a special light source, for example, an infrared light or blacklight. In such an embodiment, the tamper evident watermark 22 is deposited on at least one of the tamper evident component 20, the human readable card information 18, the indicia 52, the protective placement 16, the card layer 14 or combinations thereof in an ink or other printing material that is invisible to the naked eyed. In some embodiments, the tamper evident watermark 22 is formed from a material that breaks or cracks when tampered with such that cracks and tears in the tamper evident watermark 22 are visible either with the naked eye or with a special light when the tamper evident watermark 22 is altered.

[0031] Examples of a tamper evident watermark 22 include, but or not limited to logos, text, designs, pictures, or other embodiments having elements that become notably misaligned when the tamper evident watermark 22 is tampered with. For example, the tamper evident watermark 22 may be a logo of an animal with a body of the animal positioned on the tamper evident component 20 and a head of the animal positioned on the card layer 14. Accordingly, if7DMS 49971531.1Attorney Docket: 84971-434946the tamper evident component 20 is removed from the card layer 14 and repositioned, the head and body of the animal logo become misaligned.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the transaction card 12 is placed in a package 30, for example, a cardboard package that retains the card 12 and is placed on a peg board at a retailer. The package 30 includes a slot 34 for hanging the package 30 on a peg board. The package 30 includes an opening 32. Upon placing the card 12 in the package 30, the watermark 22 is visible through the opening 32 to enable the activation code 70 to be scanned at the point of sale through the package 30. In some embodiments, the activation code 70 extends across the watermark 22 and at least a portion of the package 30 surrounding the opening 32. In some embodiments, the activation code 70 is printed on the package 30 and the transaction card 12 while the transaction card 12 is positioned in the package 30. As such, if the card 12 is removed from the package prior to activation, the activation code 70 becomes inoperable.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the transaction card 12 includes an activation code 100. The transaction card 12 is placed in the package 30 so that the activation code 100 is visible through the opening 32 to enable the activation code 100 to be scanned at the point of sale through the package 30. In an exemplary embodiment, the activation code 100 is a barcode or a quick response code. The watermark 22 is positioned to extend over the activation code 100 and at least a portion of the package 30 surrounding the opening 32. In some embodiments, the watermark 22 is printed on the package 30 and the transaction card 12 while the transaction card 12 is positioned in the package 30. As such, if the card 12 is removed from the package prior to activation, the portion of the watermark 22 on the transaction card 12 becomes misaligned with the portion of the watermark 22 on the package 30, thereby indicating tampering. In some embodiments, the watermark 22 is formed from a material that cracks or tears so that the cracks and tears become evident to the naked eye when the transaction card 12 is removed from the package 30.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 6, transaction card 12 is placed in package 30 and a watermark 22 is applied to the transaction card and the package 30. The watermark 22 comprises an activation code 100. In an embodiment, the activation code is at least partially visible through opening 32. In an embodiment, activation code 100 spans at least a portion of the transaction card 12, at least a portion of the package 30, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the activation code 100 is printed on the package 30 and the transaction card 12 while the transaction card 12 is positioned8DMS 49971531.1Attorney Docket: 84971-434946in the package 30. The activation code 100 can be scanned at the point of sale to activate the transaction card 12. In an embodiment, the activation code 100 may be printed, placed, adhered, positioned, applied, or combinations thereof to the watermark 22 before the watermark 22 is applied, placed, adhered, connected, or combinations thereof to the transaction card 12 and the package 30. In an embodiment, the activation code 100 may be printed, placed, adhered, positioned, applied, or combinations thereof to the watermark 22 after the watermark is applied, placed, adhered, connected, or combinations thereof to the transaction card 12 and the package 30. The watermark 22 is positioned such that, if the transaction card 12 is removed from the package prior to activation, the portion of the watermark 22 on the transaction card 12 becomes misaligned with the portion of the watermark 22 on the package 30, thereby indicating tampering. In some embodiments, the watermark 22 is formed from a material that cracks or tears so that the cracks and tears become evident to the naked eye when the transaction card 12 is removed from the package 30.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the transaction card 12 includes a first portion of an activation code 100a and the package 30 includes a second portion of the activation code 100b. The transaction card 12 is placed in the package 30 so that the first portion of the activation code 100a is visible through the opening 32 and aligns with the second portion of the activation code 100b on package 30 to enable the first portion of the activation code 100a and the second portion of the activation code 100b to be simultaneously scanned at the point of sale to activate the transaction card 12. In some embodiments, the activation codes 100a, 100b are printed on the package 30 and the transaction card 12 while the transaction card 12 is positioned in the package 30. The watermark 22 is positioned to extend over the first portion of the activation code 100a and the second portion of the activation code 100b on package 30. As such, if the card 12 is removed from the package prior to activation, the portion of the watermark 22 on the transaction card 12 becomes misaligned with the portion of the watermark 22 on the package 30, thereby indicating tampering. In some embodiments, the watermark 22 is formed from a material that cracks or tears so that the cracks and tears become evident to the naked eye when the transaction card 12 is removed from the package 30.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the watermark 22 includes a first portion of an activation code 100a associated with the transaction card 12 due to watermark 22 being positioned over, contacting, adhering to, affixed to, attached to, placed on, or combinations thereof9DMS 49971531.1Attorney Docket: 84971-434946the transaction card 12 and the watermark 22 includes a second portion of the activation code 100b associated with the package 30 due to watermark 22 being positioned over, contacting, adhering to, affixed to, attached to, placed on, or combinations thereof the package 30. The transaction card 12 is placed in the package 30 so that the first portion of the activation code 100a associated with the transaction card 12 aligns with the second portion of the activation code 100b associated with the package 30 to enable the first portion of the activation code 100a and the second portion of the activation code 100b to be simultaneously scanned at the point of sale to activate the transaction card 12. In some embodiments, the activation codes 100a, 100b are printed on the package 30 and the transaction card 12 while the transaction card 12 is positioned in the package 30. The watermark 22 is such that, if the card 12 is removed from the package prior to activation, the portion of the watermark 22 on the transaction card 12 becomes misaligned with the portion of the watermark 22 on the package 30, thereby indicating tampering. In some embodiments, the watermark 22 is formed from a material that cracks or tears so that the cracks and tears become evident to the naked eye when the transaction card 12 is removed from the package 30.

[0037] Embodiments of the invention can be described with reference to the following numbered clauses:

[0038] 1. A card presentation instrument having an activatable watermark associated with an activatable transaction card, the instrument comprising:an activatable transaction card having a card layer with card information, wherein the card layer has a protective placement thereupon to deter altering the card information,a human readable card information placement containing account information under a tamper evident sticker covering the human readable card information, andthe tamper evident sticker comprising at least a portion of a tamper evident watermark, wherein the watermark is necessary for a point of sale to activate the transaction card, wherein the watermark is rendered inoperable for activation if altered.

[0039] 2. The instrument of clause 1, wherein the watermark includes an activation code for activating the transaction card at the point of sale.

[0040] 3. The instrument of clause 2, wherein the activation code includes a bar code.

[0041] 4 The instrument of clause 2, wherein the activation code includes a quick response code.10DMS 49971531.1Attorney Docket: 84971-434946

[0042] 5. The instrument of clause 2, further comprising a package configured to retain the transaction card, wherein the package includes an opening, and wherein the watermark is visible through the opening.

[0043] 6. The instrument of clause 5, wherein the activation code extends across the watermark and at least a portion of the package surrounding the opening.

[0044] 7. The instrument of clause 1, wherein the card layer includes indicia that aligns with the watermark.

[0045] 8. The instrument of clause 1, wherein the human readable card information includes a pin number for at least one of redemption of the transaction card or checking a balance of the transaction card.

[0046] 9. The instrument of clause 1, wherein the human readable card information includes a redemption barcode for redeeming the transaction card.

[0047] 10. The instrument of clause 1 , wherein the tamper evident sticker is configured to be peeled off the card layer to expose the human readable card information.

[0048] 11. The instrument of clause 1, wherein the tamper evident sticker is configured to be scratched off the card layer to expose the human readable card information.

[0049] 12. An activatable transaction card comprising:a card layer with card information,a human readable card information placement containing account information, a tamper evident component covering the human readable card information, and a tamper evident watermark at least partially comprising the tamper evident component, wherein the watermark is utilized to activate the transaction card, andwherein the watermark is rendered inoperable for activation if altered.

[0050] 13. The card of clause 12, wherein the watermark includes an activation code for activating the transaction card.

[0051] 14. The card of clause 13, wherein the activation code includes a bar code.

[0052] 15. The card of clause 13, wherein the activation code includes a quick response code.

[0053] 16. The card of clause 13, wherein the transaction card is configured to be positioned in a package so that the watermark is visible through an opening in the package.11DMS 49971531.1Attorney Docket: 84971-434946

[0054] 17. The card of clause 16, wherein the activation code extends across the watermark and at least a portion of the package.

[0055] 18. The card of clause 12, wherein the card layer includes indicia that aligns with the watermark.

[0056] 19. The card of clause 12, wherein the human readable card information includes a pin number for at least one of redemption of the transaction card or checking a balance of the transaction card.

[0057] 20. The card of clause 12, wherein the human readable card information includes a redemption barcode for redeeming the transaction card.

[0058] 21. The card of clause 12, wherein the tamper evident component is configured to be peeled off the card layer to expose the human readable card information.

[0059] 22. The card of clause 12, wherein the tamper evident component is configured to be scratched off the card layer to expose the human readable card information.

[0060] 23. A method of securing an activatable transaction card comprising:printing human readable card information containing account information on a card layer, covering the human readable card information with a tamper evident component, wherein the tamper evident component at least partially comprises a tamper evident watermark, wherein the watermark is utilized to activate the transaction card, andwherein the watermark is rendered inoperable for activation if altered.

[0061] 24. The method of clause 23, further comprising printing an activation code for activating the transaction card within the watermark.

[0062] 25. The method of clause 24, wherein the activation code includes a bar code.

[0063] 26. The method of clause 24, wherein the activation code includes a quick response code.

[0064] 27. The method of clause 24, further comprising positioning the transaction card in a package so that the watermark is visible through an opening in the package.

[0065] 28. The method of clause 27, further comprising printing the activation code across the watermark and at least a portion of the package.

[0066] 29. The method of clause 23, further comprising printing indicia on the card layer that aligns with the watermark.12DMS 49971531.1Attorney Docket: 84971-434946

[0067] 30. The method of clause 23, wherein the human readable card information includes a pin number for at least one of redemption of the transaction card or checking a balance of the transaction card.

[0068] 31. The method of clause 23, wherein the human readable card information includes a redemption barcode for redeeming the transaction card.

[0069] 32. The method of clause 23, further comprising configuring the tamper evident component to be peeled off the card layer to expose the human readable card information.

[0070] 33. The method of clause 23, further comprising configuring the tamper evident component to be scratched off the card layer to expose the human readable card information.

[0071] Any theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or finding stated herein is meant to further enhance understanding of principles of the present disclosure and is not intended to make the present disclosure in any way dependent upon such theory, mechanism of operation, illustrative embodiment, proof, or finding. It should be understood that while the use of the word preferable, preferably or preferred in the description above indicates that the feature so described can be more desirable, it nonetheless cannot be necessary and embodiments lacking the same can be contemplated as within the scope of the disclosure, that scope being defined by the claims that follow.

[0072] In reading the claims it is intended that when words such as "a," "an," "at least one," "at least a portion" are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language "at least a portion" and / or "a portion" is used, the item can include a portion and / or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0073] It should be understood that only selected embodiments have been shown and described and that all possible alternatives, modifications, aspects, combinations, principles, variations, and equivalents that come within the spirit of the disclosure as defined herein or by any of the following claims are desired to be protected. While embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same are to be considered as illustrative and not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Additional alternatives, modifications and variations can be apparent to those skilled in the art. Also, while multiple inventive aspects and principles have been presented,13DMS 49971531.1Attorney Docket: 84971-434946they need not be utilized in combination, and many combinations of aspects and principles are possible in light of the various embodiments provided above.14DMS 49971531.1

Claims

Attorney Docket: 84971-434946CLAIMS1. A card presentation instrument having an activatable watermark associated with an activatable transaction card, the instrument comprising:an activatable transaction card having a card layer with card information, wherein the card layer has a protective placement thereupon to deter altering the card information,a human readable card information placement containing account information under a tamper evident sticker covering the human readable card information, andthe tamper evident sticker comprising at least a portion of a tamper evident watermark, wherein the watermark is necessary for a point of sale to activate the transaction card, wherein the watermark is rendered inoperable for activation if altered.

2. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the watermark includes an activation code for activating the transaction card at the point of sale.

3. The instrument of claim 2, wherein the activation code includes a bar code.

4. The instrument of claim 2, wherein the activation code includes a quick response code.

5. The instrument of claim 2, further comprising a package configured to retain the transaction card, wherein the package includes an opening, and wherein the watermark is visible through the opening.

6. The instrument of claim 5, wherein the activation code extends across the watermark and at least a portion of the package surrounding the opening.

7. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the card layer includes indicia that aligns with the watermark.15DMS 49971531.1Attorney Docket: 84971-4349468. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the human readable card information includes a pin number for at least one of redemption of the transaction card or checking a balance of the transaction card.

9. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the human readable card information includes a redemption barcode for redeeming the transaction card.

10. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the tamper evident sticker is configured to be peeled off the card layer to expose the human readable card information.

11. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the tamper evident sticker is configured to be scratched off the card layer to expose the human readable card information.

12. An activatable transaction card comprising:a card layer with card information,a human readable card information placement containing account information, a tamper evident component covering the human readable card information, and a tamper evident watermark at least partially comprising the tamper evident component, wherein the watermark is utilized to activate the transaction card, andwherein the watermark is rendered inoperable for activation if altered.

13. The card of claim 12, wherein the watermark includes an activation code for activating the transaction card.

14. The card of claim 13, wherein the activation code includes a bar code.

15. The card of claim 13, wherein the activation code includes a quick response code.

16. The card of claim 13, wherein the transaction card is configured to be positioned in a package so that the watermark is visible through an opening in the package.16DMS 49971531.1Attorney Docket: 84971-43494617. The card of claim 16, wherein the activation code extends across the watermark and at least a portion of the package.

18. The card of claim 12, wherein the card layer includes indicia that aligns with the watermark.

19. The card of claim 12, wherein the human readable card information includes a pin number for at least one of redemption of the transaction card or checking a balance of the transaction card.

20. The card of claim 12, wherein the human readable card information includes a redemption barcode for redeeming the transaction card.

21. The card of claim 12, wherein the tamper evident component is configured to be peeled off the card layer to expose the human readable card information.

22. The card of claim 12, wherein the tamper evident component is configured to be scratched off the card layer to expose the human readable card information.

23. A method of securing an activatable transaction card comprising:printing human readable card information containing account information on a card layer, covering the human readable card information with a tamper evident component, wherein the tamper evident component at least partially comprises a tamper evident watermark, wherein the watermark is utilized to activate the transaction card, andwherein the watermark is rendered inoperable for activation if altered.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising printing an activation code for activating the transaction card within the watermark.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the activation code includes a bar code.17DMS 49971531.1Attorney Docket: 84971-43494626. The method of claim 24, wherein the activation code includes a quick response code.

27. The method of claim 24, further comprising positioning the transaction card in a package so that the watermark is visible through an opening in the package.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising printing the activation code across the watermark and at least a portion of the package.

29. The method of claim 23, further comprising printing indicia on the card layer that aligns with the watermark.

30. The method of claim 23, wherein the human readable card information includes a pin number for at least one of redemption of the transaction card or checking a balance of the transaction card.

31. The method of claim 23, wherein the human readable card information includes a redemption barcode for redeeming the transaction card.

32. The method of claim 23, further comprising configuring the tamper evident component to be peeled off the card layer to expose the human readable card information.

33. The method of claim 23, further comprising configuring the tamper evident component to be scratched off the card layer to expose the human readable card information.18DMS 49971531.1

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