Abstract: A method is provided of operating an image-based check depositing terminal in response to a fault condition. The method comprises the steps of receiving a non-customer identification card from an individual who is other than a customer conducting a check deposit transaction at the check depositing terminal, reading from the card data which is associated with a financial institution, receiving from the individual a check which has been recovered from the terminal by the individual while clearing the fault condition, capturing an image of the check received from the individual, transporting the check to a check storage bin after the image of the check has been captured, and transmitting to the financial institution the captured image of the check together with the data which is associated with the financial institution. The method may further comprise the step of returning the non-customer identification card to the individual after the check has been transported to the check storage bin.