A computerized method and system of validating a check at presentment for payment includes executing imaging software and decoding software stored in a computer memory housed in a computer, generating pixel data from the encoded indicia on the instrument, digitizing the pixel data to generate digital pixel data, storing the digital pixel data in the memory, generating a data set by decoding the digital pixel data, and transmitting the data set to a server over a network, wherein the server is configured to execute validation software to determine if the negotiable instrument has been previously presented for payment. The computer then receives a validation indicator back from said server to display on the computer.