Old modified smart card or similar apparatus having a remote inspection capability

A portable apparatus comprising:

• a) an antenna;
• b) a receiver responsive to said antenna for receiving transmitted messages;
• c) decoder means responsive to said receiver for decoding said transmitted messages;
• d) input/output means for inputting information to, and outputting information from, said apparatus;
• e) data processing means responsive to said input/output means for transacting information exchanges with external devices and responsive to said decoder means for generating output messages;
• and
• f) display means for displaying said output messages;
• wherein
• g) said processing means is further for:
• g1) responding to a first decoded, response request message to generate a secure output message;
• and
• g2) responding to a predetermined event occurring after receipt of said response request message to deactivate said apparatus;
• wherein
• h) wherein said output message prompts an authorized possessor of said apparatus to send a response reflecting said secure output message to an originator of said response request message;
• and
• i) said processing means is further for responding to a second decoded, response confirmation message to thereafter ignore occurrence of said predetermined event.