Copies of credit cards, ID, itinerary stolen

[katehawk]

I put a copy of all important docs under my insert in my shoe. Dirty socks stuffed on top. Was not enough to discourage thief. Will continue keeping all originals in hand, even in shower. It is distressing that all my personal info is in someone else's hands. The sense of community that is established is not without fissures. The Dutch Ecumenical albergue in Villamayor de Monjardin, where shoes must be left in an entry also allows locals to come in and out. The other place I had to leave my shoes in the entry was in the muni in Navarette. A couple of young punky men were there, but it would be impossible to assign blame. I am now in Burgos where I just discovered the loss.

 

[mralisn]

Absolutely disgusting how this happens on the Camino. Thankfully, you have all original items. I hope it doesn't ruin the rest of your walk. I am sorry to hear of this.

Keep a smile,
Simeon

 

[jeffnd]

I'm very sorry that happened and I'm glad you still have the originals. But I have to ask, what's the logic behind making copies of your credit cards?

 

[backpack45]

To Jeffnd, The logic is that if you make copies of cards, ID, passport, etc. you will have that info in case your originals are stolen or lost. It is best to leave this info with a trusted person back home. Katehawk, we are sorry about this theft. As you have seen and most likely will continue to find, most people along the Camino are wonderful and honest, sorry that you also ran into a scoundrel.
Susan

 

[nreyn12]

Katehawk, did you notify your banks of the theft? Not to scare you, but thieves can use the information in the copies to make online purchases, and they can even reproduce a plastic card that will work in retail locations. My account numbers - not the cards themselves - were stolen from an internet cafe in Bangkok, and retail transactions turned up in Australia within a couple of weeks.

Err on the side of caution, especially if you had photocopies of any debit cards, as those cards access your real money.

Fortunately banks have sophisticated fraud detection systems to catch unusual transactions, but it is still hugely inconvenient if you card is blocked from YOUR use while you are traveling abroad.

Nancy

 

[Pieces]

if your credit card is stolen you dont really need a copy you need to close it and get a new one...

 

[backpack45]

The reason for the copies (which should be safely kept--usually best left with someone trusted back home) is that you need the phone numbers of the credit card companies and your credit card numbers (and passports and so forth) so that you can notify someone. If your originals are stolen and you don't have any info about the numbers, you have great difficulty tracking down the credit card companies, etc.

 

[vagabondette]

Actually, they're best kept in an email to yourself that you can access from anywhere and don't have to wory about trying to connect with someone back home. All you need for the cards is the phone number, no need for the card number as they can look that up. For the passport you just need the number. Carrying around paper copies is asking for trouble.

 

[zzotte]

Every since the camera phone era I have been taking pictures of all important docs. And now If I loose my phone I can even remotely wipe it clean. (One could use a digital camera too)

Zo

 

[mralisn]

Zo has it right! Should be fine as long as the camera doesn't get lost. An emailed picture to yourself works even better.

 

[sillydoll]

People sometimes lose cameras and all their precious photographs of their Camino. Let the first picture on your camera be of your name, contact number and country.

 

[Al the optimist]

Great idea mralism! I hadn't thought of that one! Thanks. I already have copies of all important documents on email. I also have my home no as the first no on my phone under "1 me/yo/moi"
Buen Camino

 

[Al the optimist]

Sorry, I meant to thank you, Sillydoll for camera idea!

 

[sillydoll]

You are welcome - de nada!

(I love your Forum name!)

 

[Michael C]

Hi Folks

I am heading off on CF in October and must admit I had planned to take photo copies but reading all this I can see the problems this could cause. The e-mailed photograph sounds good but how is it safe to e-mail photographs of your documents if as Nancy states below she had her account numbers stolen in an internet cafe?

Any thoughts - thanks

Katehawk, did you notify your banks of the theft? Not to scare you, but thieves can use the information in the copies to make online purchases, and they can even reproduce a plastic card that will work in retail locations. My account numbers - not the cards themselves - were stolen from an internet cafe in Bangkok, and retail transactions turned up in Australia within a couple of weeks.

Err on the side of caution, especially if you had photocopies of any debit cards, as those cards access your real money.

Fortunately banks have sophisticated fraud detection systems to catch unusual transactions, but it is still hugely inconvenient if you card is blocked from YOUR use while you are traveling abroad.

Nancy

 

[Al the optimist]

I don't actually copy documents but hide appropriate details in different innocent looking emails as part of conversations.

 

[Michael C]

OH and thanks Sillydoll and Al for the phone and camera tips
Michael

 

[pilgrim b]

If any of you use applemac you can produce a Pdf of your information and use the security option to encrypt the details which then can the only be opened with a password. This can then be stored on a small Usb stick/ on the camera memory card / or on an email to yourself as an attachment. You could also include your return E flight details too using the same method.

 

[Former member 22438]

If any of you use applemac you can produce a Pdf of your information and use the security option to encrypt the details which then can the only be opened with a password. This can then be stored on a small Usb stick/ on the camera memory card / or on an email to yourself as an attachment. You could also include your return E flight details too using the same method.

I copy all important info on two lightweight usb sticks. Hide them in both our backpacks And email all info to myself aswell.
Thought I lost my ID card, driving licence and creditcard last year on a golfcourse in France.
The campingowner we stayed printed out my copies and and just before we entered the policestation I found the cards back in a forgotten pocket of my trousers. Lucky me. So everywhere we go are these two sticks ,devided from each other.

 

[Al the optimist]

Well I keep all my documentation with me at all times. I have photocopies on my phone, also with me always (I have an exchangeable battery which I charge externally). There are also copies with my daughter who can always email them to me if necessary. I only us my cards for ATM withdrawals when the bank is open and preferably where I can use a machine inside.

 

[Carol06]

Great idea mralism! I hadn't thought of that one! Thanks. I already have copies of all important documents on email. I also have my home no as the first no on my phone under "1 me/yo/moi"
Buen Camino

Great idea. I have just added that to my phone.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hi FolksI am heading off on CF in October and must admit I had planned to take photo copies but reading all this I can see the problems this could cause. The e-mailed photograph sounds good but how is it safe to e-mail photographs of your documents if as Nancy states below she had her account numbers stolen in an internet cafe? Any thoughts - thanks

I am always cautious about internet cafes and thus carry a tablet (yeah bugger the extra 800 gm). I have been carrying email copies of my personal stuff - credit/debit cards/passport/travel insurance (first page) etc. I do not copy both side of the cards so the CVV number is not available. I also give this message a real silly subject matter - like "Happy Birthday to Mum" or "What day to you arrive in XXX?" As for leaving shoes "outside" - I would be asking about security and alternative options. BTW I do like the photo email idea. Buen Camino!!

 

[ccmranger]

Dropbox works well. Upload copies of your docs and they can be accessed from anywhere should you need them.