Abstract: A secure stamp system requires that a purchaser/user of stamps provide identifying information, such as name, address, telephone number, bank account information or biometric information at the time the stamps are purchased. This identifying information may be encoded or encrypted and printed on the stamp while corresponding information is stored in a memory that links the identifying information to an individual. Alternatively, the secure stamp system may have serial numbers printed thereon that are correlated to a purchaser/user. This enables the stamp to be traced to the individual who purchased the stamp. The stamps may have a predetermined operational life afterwhich the stamps are no longer valid.

Abstract: A method and system for securely printing postage indicia using a personal computer and a web based browser are provided. A plug-in is utilized to prevent multiple print requests for postage indicia. The plug-in acts as a surrogate print driver and assumes control of the web browser's printing functions. A user accesses a server, via a web browser operating on a host computer, to design a mail piece. The information is assembled by the server in a specific format and returned to the web browser. Upon reading the specific format, the plug-in is activated to organize the information from the server and send it as a print command to a printer coupled to the host computer. Upon completion of the printing, the web browser is automatically directed to another page and the plug-in function is terminated, thereby preventing the printing from being duplicated.