Abstract: A device and method for secure check processing in a paper check scanning device that scans the identification encoding characters on the surface of a paper check, creating an electronically digitized record of the scanned physical identification indicators, transmitting the digitized record of the indicators to a verification unit, and awaiting validation and acceptance of the digitized record. The digitized record may be validated and accepted either through an electronic processing system or manually by human validation personnel. After the digitized record has been accepted the acceptance notification is sent to the check scanner. Upon receipt of the validation and acceptance of the digitized record of the paper check, the secure check scanner moves the paper check into position and the encoded identification characters on the paper check are altered by removing the area of the paper check containing the identification characters to render the paper check unscannable.