Fw: Document Security

[Felipe Sanchez]

I humbly offer the following non-controversial ideas in case one of you might find them of value or use.  Whereas I leave shortly for an extended period in Spain, I have taken some extraordinary measures to assure myself of access to documental data in case of loss or theft.

1.  I start with a blank e-mail to myself.
2. Of all credit and debit cards I copy kind, number, date of expiration, 800 or 888 phone number and second number to be used when overseas.  I understand that the 800 or 888 numbers are not valid out of the US.
3.  I note all traveler check numbers together with the phone number to called for replacement.
4.  I inscribe all important data from my passport, drivers license, and whatever other documental evidence I may need in an emergency.  Names of pharmaceuticals being taken might be another option and/or contact data for your bank.
5.  I select and copy to the list all names, addresses, phone numbers of persons, banks, institutions, medical facilities, etc., that may be of use while traveling.  Other possibilities are the company that answers your home alarm system if you have one or if you have pets, the data pertinent to the veterinarian.  Banks or your place of business might also pertain.

Next, I make a copy of this e-mail to be kept by a person of confidence while I am gone.  My neighbor is a Highway Patrolman and a good friend is an attorney. Both will have access to my personal data. 

Subsequently, I copy the unsent e-mail and delete the credit card numbers except for the last four digits.  From this altered form, I make two copies to be carried on my person in different places while I am away such as in one hidden pocket and in another more obvious.

Finally, just before I leave on my trip, I SEND ONLY the info laden e-mail to myself.  I DO NOT RECEIVE it.  Then I turn off the computer and unplug it.  Now, upon arrival at destination, in my case Spain, I find an Internet Cafe and check my mail.  The first message I receive is from myself and contains all the necessary data for management of personal affairs while vacationing or the like.  I can access this at will, send it to others, change it as I use traveler's checks, or in a worst case scenario, access it from a police station.  And even though it contains sensitive information, I deem it relatively secure until I return home and delete the entire record.  

I would appreciate any comments for without a doubt I have overlooked some important aspects of this protocol.  felipsanaolypen.com    
    

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