Experience at Internet Cafes

[TheResistance 6]

Yea, of course I am going to post this now.

I am not going to be able to get some paperwork mailed out to my fiancee in time before interview. So, she is asking for me to email her the info, like trying to get my 2015 taxes done. She will have to go to a local Internet cafe in Manila. Now, for me, I am a technical, security type. I know what will happen if my SS# is stolen. I am thinking of keyloggers, digital records of what is printed, or the attachment being opened from email being automatically saved locally for next user.

I know the threats of such things here. But, how bad would it be in Manila?

Anyone experience anything harmful from your documents being printed in cafes there?

I kind of have no option right now, nor the money for rush delivery.

She has assured me that no one there would care about my data, say printing my 2015 tax return or her CFO.

Thanks.

[Lemonslice 5,238]

Print your return and supporting documents, redact your SSN, scan to pdf.

[Vu&Nhung 2]

most of people mail it via usps priority mail flat rate envelope $31 6-10 days

[tomyka81 95]

If you sent the previous years already, you shouldn't be required to send 2015. 2015 isn't legally due until April 15.

[Shauneg 763]

If you sent the previous years already, you shouldn't be required to send 2015. 2015 isn't legally due until April 15.

Is its the only thing you're worried about then follow this. Other than that, I sent tons of stuff and never had an issue but the risk is there no matter the country.

[jg121783 3,921]

most of people mail it via usps priority mail flat rate envelope $31 6-10 days

Personally I would not recommend that. USPS does their job getting the envelope to Manila in a timely manner. Once it gets there all bets are off though. I know because I sent my wife a letter via USPS Priority and I watched the tracking. It got to Manila in the promised time frame. After that though it went into the Philippines postal service and my wife didn't get it until 3 months later. She is only a 45 minute bus ride from Manila. I also sent her an envelope via Fedex for about $60 and it was at her door 2 days later. At least few other people on this forum have had a similar problem with the Philippines post office.

If the documents are important enough I would go with Fedex and pay what they are asking for the piece of mind. That is just me though. I get trying to save money because I am far from rich myself but sometimes you have to bite the bullet. I guess UPS has a similar service for a similar price but I haven't tried it yet.

As far as internet cafes go I went with my wife last time I was in the Philippines to one and we printed some documents with no problems but none of them had info like SSNs on them. It should be no problem for your fiancee to print pdf files at an internet cafe if you are not concerned about security.

[teddy k 35]

Hi the problem with the Philippines postal service is once they see mail coming from the US it's payday in their minds i know from sending myself that's why i use Fedex or if they need money i send it from my bank to BDO

[Hank_ 9,174]

I have used internet cafes in Manila, they are no less or more secure than using the internet at a Holiday express (machines are nicer at the Holiday though). There is usually only one or two printers in the cafe, basic ink jets. I had no concerns using the printer there. Biggest problem will be whether the printer will be working or not

Your fiancee is using a web-based email (?) so the emails will not be saved to the machine.

If you are concerned about your SSN be stolen I suggest you black out all but the last 4.

As for the tax return. If the interview is before April 15th then the 2014 tax return is adequate, unless your 2015 income is greater and you need it for qualifying.

Don't mail anything of important to the Phils as PhilPost is like a "black hole" more mail disappears than gets delivered.

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

Yea, of course I am going to post this now.

I am not going to be able to get some paperwork mailed out to my fiancee in time before interview. So, she is asking for me to email her the info, like trying to get my 2015 taxes done. She will have to go to a local Internet cafe in Manila. Now, for me, I am a technical, security type. I know what will happen if my SS# is stolen. I am thinking of keyloggers, digital records of what is printed, or the attachment being opened from email being automatically saved locally for next user.

I know the threats of such things here. But, how bad would it be in Manila?

Anyone experience anything harmful from your documents being printed in cafes there?

I kind of have no option right now, nor the money for rush delivery.

She has assured me that no one there would care about my data, say printing my 2015 tax return or her CFO.

Thanks.

The first thing is that your 2015 tax return is not required as of right now because it is still processing.

I have printed documents at a internet cafe in Davao and there was no problem at all. I am very big on Computer Security as well so I am very aware of what can happen like that. If your that worried about your information being stolen you have two options you can black out your ssn and then send it or you can FEDEX you stuff over there.

[TheResistance 6]

If the 2015 is not required, why does she keep telling me people in the group she chats on, that Facebook group, get denied for not having it? She told me of another person from yesterday who got denied. Maybe it is a sad group? She tells me every other day that someone (I am sure there are reasons behind it) are denied because 2013 and 2014 were not enough. Yes, I am going to owe a couple of thousand more this year to add on to what I already owe, for not having a stable job since my lay off. I just hope she not be denied for that. I think because I had to take from my now empty 401k when needed to survive. I just did not have all 2015 paperwork until last week, and seems it goes back and forth on needing it, and stories of people having no issues to being denied. Every story is different. I just want to make mine finish off successfully because I am about dry now.

USPS, yea, no!! I found FedEx works very well and all my docs got to her within 6 days of the lowest rate, from a local shipping store, but it costs me $70+ even to mail a few papers. To get it by the 27th??? Will cost me portions of next month's rent. From what I am told, next week are more holidays so the mail system will not work there. Is true? So if my package makes it by plane on those holidays, it could sit inside a building for days an through the interview.

For the email, yes it is web based, but clicking the attachment to open to print it, I would not know how that works if they have it set up to save attachments automatically.

I thought about blocking out the SS#, but then these interviewers will probably fuss about it and deny her. Can not take that chance. Seems they deny people without valid reasons way too much.

I think my only option, to be safe, is get the taxes done tonight, eat the costs of shipping it ASAP (that will hit $150-200) and if it does not make it, she can hit that cafe last minute and take chances printing it up.

I thank you all for giving me your opinions. I think I have to weigh pros (can not say I did not try) and cons (using up next months rent money for something that may not make it in time). Trying to work 70h this week to compensate for paying TurboTax and getting it shopped tomorrow. I just have to be out of work by 4p to make it.

I am just tired. I think you all know how I feel. She is stressed and keeps telling me that she is the one who has to fill the form, do the interview, etc. I know it is stressful, but not take it out on me because we are in this together.

Think I just vented...

Believe me, I tried to think of everything she needed when I sent the big package (with 129, etc). Then she needed more stuff, and I thought that was all she needed. Now she is just flipping out about other people being denied because they do not have 2015 taxes.

Been a long five years of my life since my layoff. I just want some extra joy in my life, you know? This whole process is exhausting in so many levels, and we all share that. Without this site, except some of the really nasty and rude folks, I do not think I would have made it this far.

I hate rambling....

Where was I?

Edited March 18, 2016 by TheResistance

[Hank_ 9,174]

If the 2015 is not required, why does she keep telling me people in the group she chats on, that Facebook group, get denied for not having it? She told me of another person from yesterday who got denied. Maybe it is a sad group? She tells me every other day that someone (I am sure there are reasons behind it) are denied because 2013 and 2014 were not enough. Yes, I am going to owe a couple of thousand more this year to add on to what I already owe, for not having a stable job since my lay off. I just hope she not be denied for that. I think because I had to take from my now empty 401k when needed to survive. I just did not have all 2015 paperwork until last week, and seems it goes back and forth on needing it, and stories of people having no issues to being denied. Every story is different. I just want to make mine finish off successfully because I am about dry now.

USPS, yea, no!! I found FedEx works very well and all my docs got to her within 6 days of the lowest rate, from a local shipping store, but it costs me $70+ even to mail a few papers. To get it by the 27th??? Will cost me portions of next month's rent. From what I am told, next week are more holidays so the mail system will not work there. Is true? So if my package makes it by plane on those holidays, it could sit inside a building for days an through the interview.

For the email, yes it is web based, but clicking the attachment to open to print it, I would not know how that works if they have it set up to save attachments automatically.

I thought about blocking out the SS#, but then these interviewers will probably fuss about it and deny her. Can not take that chance. Seems they deny people without valid reasons way too much.

I think my only option, to be safe, is get the taxes done tonight, eat the costs of shipping it ASAP (that will hit $150-200) and if it does not make it, she can hit that cafe last minute and take chances printing it up.

I thank you all for giving me your opinions. I think I have to weigh pros (can not say I did not try) and cons (using up next months rent money for something that may not make it in time). Trying to work 70h this week to compensate for paying TurboTax and getting it shopped tomorrow. I just have to be out of work by 4p to make it.

I am just tired. I think you all know how I feel. She is stressed and keeps telling me that she is the one who has to fill the form, do the interview, etc. I know it is stressful, but not take it out on me because we are in this together.

Think I just vented...

Believe me, I tried to think of everything she needed when I sent the big package (with 129, etc). Then she needed more stuff, and I thought that was all she needed. Now she is just flipping out about other people being denied because they do not have 2015 taxes.

Been a long five years of my life since my layoff. I just want some extra joy in my life, you know? This whole process is exhausting in so many levels, and we all share that. Without this site, except some of the really nasty and rude folks, I do not think I would have made it this far.

I hate rambling....

Where was I?

Ya it must be a sad group, or they are having fun "playing" your fiancee. I won't speak for embassies in other countries but I do how USEM works.

Rule #1 FOLLOW THE EMBASSY INSTRUCTIONS LETTER!!!

Don't list to me, don't list to a bunch of unknowns on FB ... read the INSTRUCTIONS LETTER and FOLLOW it!!

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/manila/1178798/feb2015/K1-K2%20Applicant%20Interview%20Preparation%20Instructions%20-%20English%20_February%202015_.pdf

EVIDENCE OF SUPPORT. You should be able to demonstrate that you will not become a public charge or burden on the U.S. taxpayers for financial support. A completed I-134 Affidavit of Support Form may be useful to the consular officer to evaluate your petitioner’s ability to be financially responsible for you. You may also be asked to submit your petitioner’s most recent U.S. Federal income tax return (Form 1040) and wage statements (Form W-2). Employment letters stating salaries and bank statements may be included to substantiate the I-134. Download Form I-134 at http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis.

Absolutely NO reason to run to do 2015 taxes. Until April 15th the 2014 tax return IS the most recent.

Seriously you need to relax. Hundreds go through the embassy daily, and I will bet most all are still providing 2014 tax returns,

I have been here for years helping people... I don't have this wrong.

Email a copy of your 2014 tax return, the internet cafe is not the scary place you're thinking as well, relax... as long as you have a genuine ongoing relationship all will be just fine. Keep the $$$$$ in your pocket.

[Stevephoto 230]

I have been here for years helping people... I don't have this wrong.

I can and will personally vouch for Hank's knowledge and honesty on this site. You have no reason to doubt what he says. Good luck.

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

If the 2015 is not required, why does she keep telling me people in the group she chats on, that Facebook group, get denied for not having it? She told me of another person from yesterday who got denied. Maybe it is a sad group? She tells me every other day that someone (I am sure there are reasons behind it) are denied because 2013 and 2014 were not enough. Yes, I am going to owe a couple of thousand more this year to add on to what I already owe, for not having a stable job since my lay off. I just hope she not be denied for that. I think because I had to take from my now empty 401k when needed to survive. I just did not have all 2015 paperwork until last week, and seems it goes back and forth on needing it, and stories of people having no issues to being denied. Every story is different. I just want to make mine finish off successfully because I am about dry now.

USPS, yea, no!! I found FedEx works very well and all my docs got to her within 6 days of the lowest rate, from a local shipping store, but it costs me $70+ even to mail a few papers. To get it by the 27th??? Will cost me portions of next month's rent. From what I am told, next week are more holidays so the mail system will not work there. Is true? So if my package makes it by plane on those holidays, it could sit inside a building for days an through the interview.

For the email, yes it is web based, but clicking the attachment to open to print it, I would not know how that works if they have it set up to save attachments automatically.

I thought about blocking out the SS#, but then these interviewers will probably fuss about it and deny her. Can not take that chance. Seems they deny people without valid reasons way too much.

I think my only option, to be safe, is get the taxes done tonight, eat the costs of shipping it ASAP (that will hit $150-200) and if it does not make it, she can hit that cafe last minute and take chances printing it up.

I thank you all for giving me your opinions. I think I have to weigh pros (can not say I did not try) and cons (using up next months rent money for something that may not make it in time). Trying to work 70h this week to compensate for paying TurboTax and getting it shopped tomorrow. I just have to be out of work by 4p to make it.

I am just tired. I think you all know how I feel. She is stressed and keeps telling me that she is the one who has to fill the form, do the interview, etc. I know it is stressful, but not take it out on me because we are in this together.

Think I just vented...

Believe me, I tried to think of everything she needed when I sent the big package (with 129, etc). Then she needed more stuff, and I thought that was all she needed. Now she is just flipping out about other people being denied because they do not have 2015 taxes.

Been a long five years of my life since my layoff. I just want some extra joy in my life, you know? This whole process is exhausting in so many levels, and we all share that. Without this site, except some of the really nasty and rude folks, I do not think I would have made it this far.

I hate rambling....

Where was I?

This is one of the things that I do not like and that is sometimes there are Pinoys (my asawa included) who can believe almost anything a "friend" says on social media but will not believe their spouse or significant other. This happened to me a few times with my wife. The thing right now is your fiance is stressed and worried about stuff and just want to get everything they might need so that she is not denied.

So just reiterate to her that if her interview is before the tax filing deadline then she does not 2015 taxes.

[brian8024 2]

This is one of the things that I do not like and that is sometimes there are Pinoys (my asawa included) who can believe almost anything a "friend" says on social media but will not believe their spouse or significant other. This happened to me a few times with my wife. The thing right now is your fiance is stressed and worried about stuff and just want to get everything they might need so that she is not denied.

So just reiterate to her that if her interview is before the tax filing deadline then she does not 2015 taxes.

Yes.

If the 2015 is not required, why does she keep telling me people in the group she chats on, that Facebook group, get denied for not having it? She told me of another person from yesterday who got denied. Maybe it is a sad group? She tells me every other day that someone (I am sure there are reasons behind it) are denied because 2013 and 2014 were not enough. Yes, I am going to owe a couple of thousand more this year to add on to what I already owe, for not having a stable job since my lay off. I just hope she not be denied for that. I think because I had to take from my now empty 401k when needed to survive. I just did not have all 2015 paperwork until last week, and seems it goes back and forth on needing it, and stories of people having no issues to being denied. Every story is different. I just want to make mine finish off successfully because I am about dry now.

USPS, yea, no!! I found FedEx works very well and all my docs got to her within 6 days of the lowest rate, from a local shipping store, but it costs me $70+ even to mail a few papers. To get it by the 27th??? Will cost me portions of next month's rent. From what I am told, next week are more holidays so the mail system will not work there. Is true? So if my package makes it by plane on those holidays, it could sit inside a building for days an through the interview.

For the email, yes it is web based, but clicking the attachment to open to print it, I would not know how that works if they have it set up to save attachments automatically.

I thought about blocking out the SS#, but then these interviewers will probably fuss about it and deny her. Can not take that chance. Seems they deny people without valid reasons way too much.

I think my only option, to be safe, is get the taxes done tonight, eat the costs of shipping it ASAP (that will hit $150-200) and if it does not make it, she can hit that cafe last minute and take chances printing it up.

I thank you all for giving me your opinions. I think I have to weigh pros (can not say I did not try) and cons (using up next months rent money for something that may not make it in time). Trying to work 70h this week to compensate for paying TurboTax and getting it shopped tomorrow. I just have to be out of work by 4p to make it.

I am just tired. I think you all know how I feel. She is stressed and keeps telling me that she is the one who has to fill the form, do the interview, etc. I know it is stressful, but not take it out on me because we are in this together.

Think I just vented...

Believe me, I tried to think of everything she needed when I sent the big package (with 129, etc). Then she needed more stuff, and I thought that was all she needed. Now she is just flipping out about other people being denied because they do not have 2015 taxes.

Been a long five years of my life since my layoff. I just want some extra joy in my life, you know? This whole process is exhausting in so many levels, and we all share that. Without this site, except some of the really nasty and rude folks, I do not think I would have made it this far.

I hate rambling....

Where was I?

Remember, due to culture there is a lot of respect and belief that given (blindly sometimes) to positions of authority and to the group. She was raised with high value and regards to the group with the individual taking second place. You (from her view point) as an individual saying something different from the group is not going to work out too well or easily for you. There is no disrespect or or ill feelings towards you about it, its just one way that the differences in culture manifest themselves.

Try relaying information onto her about what some group says, especially if they are Filipino themselves. Or people on this thread that have gone through the same thing themselves with the requirements for tax returns (figures of authority). "I heard from these people over here that we don't need to worry about the 2015 taxes, they say it will all be fine". Present the info as coming from a group, not yourself. In stressful situations we all revert back to our default programming and for her it is a group/communal culture.

Edited March 18, 2016 by brian8024

[Joshua@Tinz 52]

99% of the people who run internet cafes do not know or care what a ssn is..I have used them many many times with the same such information as you are considering doing, I usually save it to a usb and stand there with the counter person when they print, you do not need to save it to print it and you can delete it yourself after if you like. They are generally very helpful and will let you do what you want pretty much. I have been minimally involved in this forum for a bit under a year, and I can also tell you that hank is very helpful and wouldn't steer you wrong. FedEx it or let her print it and forget about it, you are much more likely to have your identity compromised here in the usa then you are in pinas, that's for sure