"weirdly enough, one company insisted on a scanned copy of my DD214 instead of just a screenshot."
Yeah, I've run into that too. Screenshots seem quick and easy, but some companies are super picky about authenticity and prefer scans or PDFs. Probably because they're worried screenshots can be easily edited or something... I've gotten into the habit of keeping a scanned PDF on hand anyway—just feels safer having an official-looking doc ready to go, rather than scrambling at the last minute. Better safe than sorry when it comes to sensitive docs like DD214s.
Had a similar experience when I tried applying my veteran discount for insurance last year. I sent a screenshot at first thinking it'd be enough, but nope, they wanted a proper scan. I asked the rep why, and apparently they'd had issues before with screenshots being altered or something sketchy like that. Ever since then, I just keep a scanned PDF handy—saves me from scrambling around or worrying about security later on.
"Ever since then, I just keep a scanned PDF handy—saves me from scrambling around or worrying about security later on."
Keeping a PDF handy makes sense, but honestly, isn't storing sensitive docs digitally also a bit risky? Curious if anyone's tried secure cloud storage or encrypted drives instead... seems safer long-term.
I've always been a bit wary about digital storage too—had a laptop stolen once, and it was a nightmare. But lately I've started using an encrypted USB stick. Feels secure enough without costing an arm and a leg... might be worth checking out.
Encrypted USB sticks are handy, but honestly, I'd still be a little nervous relying solely on one. I had a friend who accidentally left his encrypted drive in his jeans pocket and ran it through the wash—totally fried it. Lost everything. Ever since hearing that story, I've been using cloud backups alongside physical storage. Maybe I'm overly cautious, but having that extra layer of backup just helps me sleep easier at night...
