Abstract: Apparatus and methods to accurately scan and record the skin surface topography. More particularly, the present invention has embodiments which can accurately scan fingerprints. Embodiments described each utilize a support surface penetrated by one or more openings. Skin surfaces to be scanned are rested on the supporting surface and are caused to be moved relative to the openings. Means to scan the skin surface topography as observed through the openings are located on the opposite side of the supporting surface from the skin surfaces to be scanned.Method and apparatus are described to facilitate credit transactions.