Pilfer Tape vs. Tamper-Evident Tape—Know the Difference

Pilfer Tape vs. Tamper-Evident Tape—Know the Difference

a roll of pilfer tape or security tape with red and white diagonal stripes printed on the tape with serialized numbers

Many election officials unknowingly used pilfer tape instead of true tamper-evident tape. NovaVision helped fix this critical security gap.

Many election officials unknowingly used pilfer tape instead of true tamper-evident tape. NovaVision helped fix this critical security gap.

The Issue—Election Officials Were Using the Wrong Tape

The Issue—Election Officials Were Using the Wrong Tape

various colored tapes sitting on a black background with a tape applicator holding yellow tamper-evident tape
  • Many officials assumed they were securing ballots with tamper-evident tape, but they were using pilfer tape instead.
  • Pilfer tape does offer some visual deterrence, but it lacks residue-based tamper evidence, making it easy to bypass without leaving a trace.
  • This misunderstanding left ballot boxes vulnerable to undetected tampering.

Pilfer Tape vs. Tamper-Evident Tape

Pilfer Tape vs. Tamper-Evident Tape

A split image with the left half showing striped security tape and the right half showing a cardboard box seam indicating the tape has been removed with no evidence

Pilfer Tape (Security Packing Tape)

  • Often printed with a striped pattern to show misalignment if cut.

  • Can be removed and reapplied without leaving residue.

  • Provides some visual deterrence, but no permanent evidence of tampering.

tamper-evident tape image split in half with the left half showing tamper evident tape applied to a box seam and the right side showing the residue the tamper evident tape leaves behind once the tape is removed

Tamper-Evident Tape

  • Leaves residue when removed, permanently marking tampering attempts.

  • Can incorporate printed lines just like pilfer tape to prevent cutting attacks.

  • Can be serialized for tracking and authentication.

Pilfer Tape (Security Packing Tape)

  • Often printed with a striped pattern to show misalignment if cut.

  • Can be removed and reapplied without leaving residue.

  • Provides some visual deterrence, but no permanent evidence of tampering.

Tamper-Evident Tape

  • Leaves residue when removed, permanently marking tampering attempts.

  • Can incorporate printed lines just like pilfer tape to prevent cutting attacks.

  • Can be serialized for tracking and authentication.

The NovaVision Solution

The NovaVision Solution

NovaVision worked with election officials in New Hampshire to:

  • Educate municipalities on the difference between pilfer tape and actual tamper-evident tape.
  • Supply premium TE tape that meets election security standards.
  • Develop best practices for application and security.

By making the switch, election officials:

  • Strengthened ballot security and public trust.
  • Ensured clear, irreversible tamper evidence.
  • Reduced costs by $5–$7 per roll.

NovaVision worked with election officials in New Hampshire to:

  • Educate municipalities on the difference between pilfer tape and actual tamper-evident tape.
  • Supply premium tamper-evident tape that meets election security standards.
  • Develop best practices for application and security.

By making the switch, election officials:

  • Strengthened ballot security and public trust.
  • Ensured clear, irreversible tamper evidence.
  • Reduced costs by $5–$7 per roll.

Why Choose NovaVision?

Why Choose NovaVision?

image of a rectangular section of tamper evident tape on a blue background
a cardboard box with red tamper-evident tape applied to the seam of a cardboard box
  • Election Security Experts: Trusted by election officials nationwide.
  • Proven Security Solutions: Featured in GraniteGrok for solving ballot security challenges.
  • Customizable Options: Serialized, high-security tamper-evident tapes for ballot boxes, envelopes, and election materials.
  • Election Security Experts: Trusted by election officials nationwide.
  • Proven Security Solutions: Featured in GraniteGrok for solving ballot security challenges.
  • Customizable Options: Serialized, high-security tamper-evident tapes for ballot boxes, envelopes, and election materials.
  • Learn More: Explore our full range of tamper-evident tapes and application guides.
  • Free Consultation: Contact NovaVision to learn how we can enhance your election security.
  • Learn More: Explore our full range of tamper-evident tapes and application guides.