Security? on the internet

Countrylife · Oct 19, 2017

I'm in the process of doing all the paperwork for my upcoming hunt and have been asked for things like passport, driver's license, social security number, etc. All of which serves to identify me personally. I understand why this is needed and I don't mind giving it to the intended recipient. My concern lies in how it gets there. All the emails go thru multiple servers to get to the person that needs the info which generates a risk at each server of that info being "appropriated" unless it is encrypted. I don't know of anyway that information can be encrypted and sent to them - is there one? Is there another safe method to send personally identifying information? Is scanning the info and emailing it as a *.jpeg secure?

My inclination is to make a copy on my personal copier and send them via Fedex, but that gets expensive pretty quick, but I'd do that over emailing the info in the clear.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

AfricaHunting.com · Oct 19, 2017

First I would not provide my social security number and have never heard of such requirement. Why do they need this? When it comes to the internet nothing is truly secure no matter what. They are steps that you can take to be more secure... Sending by postal mail or FedEx is certainly an option as well as sending a fax which may be cheaper and secure as well. Personally I have no problem sending my passport or ID via my Gmail account.

Countrylife · Oct 19, 2017

I've asked SSI to handle getting the trophys back into the US. That's where the social security number and driver license was asked for and I've run into that previously with other imports I've done so I was expecting that request, just not via the internet. The other requests for passport and, such have been from hunting agents & travel agencies, and I don't have a problem with sending that out via the internet. I'll see if they'll accept the info in a different way.

Red Leg · Oct 19, 2017

I have never been asked for a SSN and would not send it over the internet.

Scott Slough · Oct 19, 2017

I scan my passport...and would do the social security number if I needed to send it...rather than typing the number as it is more secure as the "robot" scanners can't pull the number off the attached image.

CAustin · Oct 19, 2017

Never give out your SSN. Passport yes!

robertq · Oct 20, 2017

Fellow Hunters:

I am not sure if the issue in this thread is how to securely send the social security number or the need for a social security number so let me tackle both.

If the concern is the ‘how’, it is a personal decision of what makes you feel comfortable in sending sensitive information. OUR servers are encrypted and secure.

If your concern is the NEED for the SSN, then continue reading because posting without facts is dangerous:

When shipments (of any commodity type) enter the US from over seas, it is an importation requiring the clearance by US Customs Border Patrol. The identification of the Importer of Record (which is ultimate recipient of the shipment) is the social security number for an individual and the EIN number for a commercial entry. The governing regulation is 19 CFR 24.5

Bottom line, no entry into the US can be made for individuals who are US Citizens for anything entering the US without the social security number. The perception that the social security number is not required is unequivocally false. If a hunter has imported before and is already on record with CBP, then the social security number requires validation via the POA pursuant to CBP memo dated May 2009.

If anything to the contrary is being done, then we strongly recommend you review your selection of the broker who is handling your importation as ignorance of the regulations are not an excuse.....ultimately, the hunter will be responsible for any infraction.

Note: FWS follows CPB Regulations

Best,
Robert & Rosella Quartarone

AfricaHunting.com · Oct 20, 2017

Thank you for the information Robert & Rosella. I assumed that @Countrylife was referring to the hunting outfitter asking for his SSN. Personally if my SSN is required, I will mail it on the required form or call to provide it over the phone directly to the person requesting it.

robertq · Oct 20, 2017

You are very welcome, Jerome.
Indeed calling or sending the SSN on the required form is perfect!
The SSN is the legal US entry requirement....It is NOT required overseas and recommend that no one discloses their SSN
to ANYONE overseas. The passport is ok because it is required for preparation of export paperwork from the country of origin.
Thank you for adding this comment as it was not clear about the 'who is requesting the SSN'.....
Best,
Robert & Rosella

Mike B. · Oct 23, 2017

If you have access to Sharefile or another type of file sharing/secure email program, they will encrypt emails on some of the more expensive plans. I think dropbox does something similar as well but I am not 100% sure. You can always sign up for a month or two at a fairly minimal cost to you and send the data that way. I know with my business account with Sharefile, the recipient of the data does not need to have an account but it does take an extra step to download the data on their end.

LivingTheDream · Oct 23, 2017

Use WinZip to compress the documents and there is an encrypted feature. Send the WinZip file in one email. Send the password in the next.

That is the simplest way to protect your information in transit.

Security? on the internet

Countrylife

AfricaHunting.com

Countrylife

Red Leg

Scott Slough

CAustin

robertq

AfricaHunting.com

robertq

Mike B.

LivingTheDream

Members online

Forum statistics

Proudly sponsored by

Latest posts

Latest profile posts

Buffalo Hunt with Henry Griffiths Safaris $10000

Share this page