Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for processing of checks and includes a closed casing (1) having an opening defining a feed path (5) for the insertion of a check, and an optical scanner (3) for receiving a check fed into the casing (1) and recording data representing information on the face of the check. The apparatus includes a cancellation device (4) to cancel the check concurrently with the scanning and a communications device (2,9) for transmitting recorded data to a remote location. The invention is intended for distribution to end users, the drawees of checks, or as a component part of an automatic teller machine, such that a bank can trust that a digital check received from the apparatus via a communications network is as secure against being fraudulently deposited as if the check had been physically delivered in the conventional manner.